3 Myths about Corporate Gamification

The original article: www.business.com

In this article, Gal Rimon discusses the most common mistakes in gamification. Here’s a brief summary with some added insights!

Implementing gamification in an organization is a risk one must be aware of. Indeed, there is no room for error: the one who leads a gamification project is innovative and creative, a visionary who must prove they are heading in the right direction.

Gamification is a strategic choice for the following two reasons:

• Increased engagement for consumers: brand recognition
• For employee performance: training and results with real added value.

So here are the 3 mistakes to avoid.

Thinking that Gamification Necessarily Requires a Platform

Indeed, many managers think that gamification only exists or can only exist via a platform.
They are mistaken: gamification is not just a veneer. It is a full-fledged process that requires preparation and thought. Why? Because it’s not just about implementing leaderboards, point scales, or badges.

What truly engages employees is the logic you put behind these ranking systems. Otherwise, it’s just one more process that will weigh down the system.
The principle of gamification works extremely well when it integrates into your platforms, not when it’s merely added on.

Thinking that Gamification Equals Competition

The spirit of competition is not the primary motivator for everyone. Some, on the contrary, will be tempted to disengage or turn away from it.
Furthermore, competition is a mechanism that works in the short term. To achieve lasting and sustainable motivation from employees, prioritize other motivators, or other ways of presenting your indicators.

However, the interfaces of many CRMs or gamification platforms are not ergonomic and highlight unengaging indicators. These indicators, as motivators, can have an immense impact with appropriate design. McLuhan said, “The medium is the message.”

Thinking that Gamification Means Cash

In a game context, there is a reward. A give and take. In most companies, the number one incentive is monetary compensation. Gamification precisely allows for the introduction of new, more innovative mechanics to reward effort and good work.
The idea is to focus the activity on the game, on the activity itself that leads to the reward, rather than on the reward itself.

Finally, the Future of Corporate Gamification Depends on Employee Involvement

The idea is no longer to put them in competition with each other, but each against themselves! Emphasize progression more than competition.

The ideal gamification platform should resemble a professional Fitbit, allowing users to set goals and milestones to achieve them. This way, individuals can visualize their daily progress and sustain their motivation in the long term.

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