Why Are More Companies Shifting to Gamified Learning Environments?

Welcome to the latest edition of our LinkedIn newsletter! Today, we delve into the captivating world of gamified learning, a trend rapidly taking the corporate world by storm. Buckle up, as we explore the reasons behind this shift, its impact, and practical pointers for incorporating it into your own organisation.

The Stats Speak for Themselves:

• A Cloud Assess report highlights a surge in gamified training modules, with inclusion rising from 19% in 2020 to 21% in 2021 [Cloud Assess: Top 10 Learning and Development Trends]. This upward trajectory is a clear indicator of growing interest.
• Gartner, a leading IT research firm, identified gamification as a rising trend in corporate learning. While the exact percentage of U.S. companies adopting it by 2020 might be debatable, their research underscores the undeniable growing interest and potential of gamified learning environments.

Engagement on Point:

Traditional training methods often struggle to keep employees engaged. Gamification injects a dose of fun and interactivity, transforming learning from a chore into a stimulating challenge.

This is a sentiment echoed by John Failla, Founder/CEO of Pearl, an online tutoring platform, who emphasises gamification's ability to "mitigate the stress of standardised testing" while fostering a positive learning environment.

The Power of Play:

Gamification taps into our inherent human desire for competition, achievement, and progress. Leaderboards, points, badges, and interactive challenges create a sense of accomplishment and a drive to excel.

This resonates with Adrian Cruz, a Learning and Development professional, who states, "Gamification allows us to cater to different learning styles and preferences, making the learning process more engaging and effective" [3DforScience: Gamification for Pharma events Success: Game-Changing Tactics].

Real-World Examples:

• Salesforce:?The industry leader in CRM solutions has adopted gamified learning extensively. Their "Trailhead" platform uses points, badges, and leaderboards to motivate employees to learn new skills and functionalities within the Salesforce ecosystem.
• Duolingo:?This popular language-learning app is a prime example of successful gamification. By turning language acquisition into a game-like experience with streaks, points, and achievements, Duolingo makes learning fun and fosters a sense of community.

Beyond the Fun:

Gamification isn't just about entertainment; it delivers tangible benefits:

• Increased Knowledge Retention:?Studies have shown that gamified learning environments can improve knowledge retention by up to 70% compared to traditional methods [Alexander Thamm GmbH: 9 examples of gamification in companies].
• Improved Employee Performance:?By making learning engaging and interactive, employees are more likely to retain information and apply it in their day-to-day work, leading to better performance.

Ready to Gamify? A Few Pointers:

• Align with Learning Objectives:?Ensure your gamified elements directly support the learning goals of your training program.
• Cater to Different Needs:?Consider incorporating a variety of game mechanics to cater to diverse learning styles and preferences.
• Focus on Progress, not Perfection:?Create a safe space for experimentation and learning from mistakes.
• Track and Analyze:?Measure the impact of your gamified learning program to make necessary adjustments and ensure effectiveness.

The Future is Playful:

As the world of work evolves, the need for engaging and effective learning becomes paramount. Gamified learning offers a compelling solution, transforming learning from a passive activity into an interactive and rewarding experience. By embracing this trend, companies can empower their employees, boost knowledge retention, and ultimately unlock a competitive advantage.

Stay tuned for our next newsletter, where we'll delve deeper into specific gamification techniques and tools you can implement in your organisation!