Lack of a sense of belonging, routine and repetitive tasks, lack of direct contact with management or lack of challenge and job satisfaction – these are some of the key factors affecting the decrease in employee motivation and commitment, especially in outsourcing companies, where it is not uncommon for the young generation to take their first steps in their careers and where turnover in teams is a daily occurrence. Can gamification of tasks be a lifesaver?
Points, levels, badges, ranks, missions or challenges – these are the basic components of gamification, a strategy to introduce elements known from games into non-game areas such as work, education or personal development, to motivate people to achieve goals in a more engaging and rewarding way. Imagine turning daily routine tasks into an energetic and involving game that not only improves efficiency but also increases task satisfaction.
Happiness at work, aka… Generation Z is changing the game rules
According to the Collegium Humanitas report ‘Generation Z on the labour market’ published in 2023 and focusing on people born after 1997, young employees do not seem to care about their careers, but about happiness, family and being able to pursue their passions. Work-life balance is high on their list of priorities, and work itself should not disrupt overall harmony and well-being. In terms of organisational culture, companies value fairness, respect, tolerance, equality and honesty. While it would seem that, as a generation raised with technology since childhood, they may be closed to social interaction, the opposite is true. Creating relationships with colleagues and management is important.
The feeling of being just a ‘number in Excel sheet’ has a destructive effect on any employee, but it is the ‘Zoomers’ who have begun to combat this phenomenon in earnest. Creating a friendly and transparent working environment that simultaneously engages and enhances the productivity of individual team members should be a priority for modern companies. Gamification of tasks with elements of rivalry is a powerful tool that can support them in achieving their business goals. It is an innovative approach that is gaining popularity.
Gamification in everyday teamwork
Is it possible to compete and still work together as a team? Yes, if every employee is treated equally, given the same set of tools, clear feedback, access to data and insight into their own and their colleagues’ performance. Here gamification also comes to the rescue. Employees who have the opportunity to earn points, advance to higher levels and track their progress are more likely to put extra effort into their work. Missions and challenges for the team make the company’s goals more understandable and achievable, which increases the sense of meaning and job satisfaction. Anyone who, at least once at work, has had the feeling that they don’t know what is really expected of them and in what direction the company is heading, understands this sense of missing the point of their duties.
If we also include transparent scoreboards and reward systems in addition to missions and challenges, which are important elements of gamification, we provide employees with immediate feedback on their progress. Transparency always helps to foster healthy competition and cooperation within the group and if we further combine reward systems with gratifying CSR activities, we can meet the expectations of Generation Z. Performance automation also enables managers to quickly identify areas for improvement, which also translates into more effective team management. In addition to personalisation and professional development tailored to employees’ individual needs and goals, gamification also strengthens team bonds and cooperation. Working together to complete a mission or earn a badge enforces cooperation and companionship, and this contributes to greater commitment and a sense of belonging to the team.
With increasing competitiveness and the struggle for talent in the labour market, as well as the specific expectations of the new generation, companies need to create working environments that are both motivating and rewarding. Echo Analytics brings these elements together, offering a unique platform to build stronger bonds with your team and your company. You can take a look at the DEMO HERE.
