Is Your Recruitment Process Gamified Yet?

Do you recall playing Ludo or Monopoly during your childhood? Remember how hooked we were to these games, trying to think and strategize, so that we displace the opponent’s dice in Ludo or rent out our property in Monopoly? Well, it sure did help us think, anticipate the future and plan our next moves accordingly.?

Imagine the quality of candidates shortlisted, if we include these games in our recruitment process. These games no doubt, will help shortlist those candidates who have strong analytical and critical thinking skills or are problem solvers and independent thinkers. Sounds good right?

In an ever-changing, evolving world, where finding and attracting the right talent has been a daunting challenge for organisations across industries, traditional hiring methods need to be reworked to capture the attention and enthusiasm of potential candidates. Gamification is one such way organisations can innovate their recruitment process.?

In this edition of “The People Weekly” we will discuss Gamification as a recruitment tool.

What is Gamification?

Gamification is not a new concept. To recruit officers into the Indian defence forces, the SSB exam always included a few rounds of situation judgement tests, puzzles, and a fitness test consisting of many different levels of time-bound activities. But, in the corporate world, gamification has been gaining popularity only since 2010.?

So what is gamification??

Simply put, gamification is the integration of game mechanics, such as competition, rewards, and challenges, into non-game contexts to encourage active participation and foster a sense of achievement. In recruitment, gamification can be used to create job-like experiences and scenarios for the candidates. Candidates who complete these games and win could be recommended for the next round of interviews.

Benefits of Gamification in Recruitment

a. Boosts candidate engagement

In contrast to the mundane, traditional recruitment process, gamification infuses fun elements and transforms the recruitment process into an interactive experience. Candidates are taken on a journey where they solve puzzles, complete challenges or undergo a simulated work experience.

b. Showcases company culture

Gamified recruitment allows companies to exhibit their unique culture and values through game scenarios. Candidates gain insight into the company's ethos, work environment, and the type of people they would be collaborating with. This alignment of values helps attract candidates who are not only skilled but also fit well within the organisation

c. Assesses Skills and Competencies

Apart from the hard skills, games help identify soft skills that cannot be measured; skills like critical thinking, analytical thinking, problem-solving etc. Organisations are on the lookout for candidates whom they can groom into future leaders. What better way to select such candidates than through gamification which is a fun way of assessment!

d. Reduces Time to Hire?

Instead of screening and shortlisting the candidates at a later time, gamification helps in selecting suitable candidates in a matter of few minutes providing an instant decision. Imagine a case where hundreds of applications have been received for an entry-level job. Because it is an entry-level job, experience cannot be a deciding factor. Here‘s where the games win!

e. Ensures bias-free recruitment: In the recruitment process, sometimes even unintentionally, an element of bias crops in when eliminating a candidate. Gamification will bring in that much-needed objectivity when candidates need to be assessed for their suitability. A data-driven tool like gamification can prevent mishires.

f. Brand Enhancement?

A well-designed gamified recruitment process enhances a company's brand image and employer reputation. The innovative approach demonstrates that the organisation values creativity, forward-thinking, and employee engagement. Word-of-mouth spreads, further boosting the company's appeal to potential candidates and fostering a positive employer brand.

PeopleLogic Opinion

Gamification has emerged as a game-changer in the world of recruitment. As more and more companies are adopting gamification, the process of recruitment is indeed getting reshaped. There is no doubt that gamification injects a sense of excitement and adventure into the otherwise mundane process, creating an “appeal value” to Gen Zs. By embracing game elements, companies can attract and retain top talent while presenting their brand in a more engaging and compelling light. As the digital age progresses, gamification will likely continue to evolve, making it an essential tool for businesses seeking the best candidates to level up their workforce. So is your recruitment process gamified yet?