How Gamification Boosts L&D Results

When you add gamification into your Learning and Development (L&D) mix, everyone wins

In today's hyperconnected world, when time is short and attention spans are even shorter, companies across the globe are discovering the value of gamification in training

At Elite Training, our business games receive glowing feedback from managers and teams, during and after in-person and remote courses. We listen to clients' requirements and recommend L&D activities that are directly linked to the business skills they're seeking, providing a focused purpose, delivered in a fun manner. You can use games to teach almost any business concept, creating an easy-going environment, ideal for learning.

In this article, we look at three reasons why gamification works in L&D.

Gamification = Impact

Gamification is a fast and effective way to explain new concepts and show workers alternative ways of doing things. It helps refine skills they already possess, and encourages them to stick to processes, driving the behaviours you want to see.

In the pharmaceutical giant AstraZeneca's game to educate its 500 agents about a new medicine on the market, agents completed quizzes and played mini-games along the road to a virtual stadium, where the new drug was being launched. AstraZeneca reported that 97% of agents tried the game, with 95% completing every session. The game created a buzz around the new product and boosted team morale.

Gamification can produce such a startling impact because training games provide continual, instant feedback. Players immediately know how they're performing, and we design our games so learners know what they need to do to improve, providing cues prompting players to act, whilst understanding the path they're on.

For example, our Colourshapes game helps build workers' communication and teamwork skills. It's a simple training game where players work together to establish the colour and shape of cards that are missing from the deck. Its impact is undeniable, with leaders immediately noticing improvements in employee communication after playing it.

Gamification = Retention

One of the great features of a game is that it demands your full attention. You can't switch off, or let your mind wander elsewhere. This total involvement is the best way to embed and retain learning.

When the enterprise software giant SAP introduced gamification elements into its graduate recruitment process in the US, it reported a 75% increase in the level of knowledge of SAP's products and services amongst new hires, compared to previous recruits that hadn't played the games.

How does gamification achieve these levels of engagement? It's because games provide a context and tell a story. People have passed on information through storytelling since the dawn of humanity. Most of us struggle to remember what we had for dinner two days ago, but we can recall stories we heard years ago.

In our change management game We Can Do Company, training delegates play the part of a team launching a new chocolate bar within a story, keeping interest fresh and engaging. Participants have to handle changes and develop their product with a 'we can do' attitude. Applying this in their real world jobs, learners find they're better at managing the constantly changing landscape of business.

Gamification = Motivation

Finally, gamification serves as a massive motivating factor. Research citied in this Medium article found that:

• 90% of workers are more productive when they work on gamified systems.
• 72% of people believe gamification inspires them to work harder.
• 95% of employees enjoy gamification in the workplace.

The reason for this is that games tap into something innate in us – the desire to please. Even when there is nothing to play for, we want to be the one who gets recognised over and above our peers. We naturally like rewards, however small.

Gamification in L&D creates a scenario where everyone wants to be successful. It provides a level playing field, where the Managing Director and the new starter are pushing for the same goal. Plus, playing a game is fun! Combined, these make gamification extremely effective at boosting team spirit, improving company culture and driving desirable behaviours.

In the Elite Training business simulation Running your Business for Profit, we recreate the dynamics of running a business in a realistic commercial environment. Participants run a restaurant and everyone has a taste of what it's like running each area of a business. This is key to breaking down business silos, with, for example, marketing finding out first-hand what it's like in finance and adapting their mindset because of that desire to please.

Find out more

If you haven't tried gamification in your company's learning and development programmes yet, there's never been a better time to start. It's time to talk to Elite Training.

With Elite Training, you can:

• Order a business game directly to run yourself following our trainer's guide.
• Contact us to book one of our expert trainers to run a business game for you, in-person or remotely.
• Talk to us about our bespoke interactive training courses, L&D programmes and apprenticeships which incorporate our fun, practical and engaging training exercises.