Games for Business

Gamified Onboarding: Building a Strong Company Culture and Enhancing Employee Retention20.09.2023

There is a lot of competition between companies these days. Companies are constantly looking for innovative ways to engage their employees, foster a positive company culture and improve employee retention. One such approach that is becoming increasingly popular is the gamification of the onboarding process because by incorporating game-like elements into the onboarding process, organizations can provide a great and informative experience for new employees. In this article, we will examine the benefits of gamified onboarding, discuss strategies for designing this effective program, and present some successful examples.

In traditional onboarding processes, new employees are inundated with information, leading to information overload and ultimately a loss of engagement. Gamification, however, breaks down complex concepts into smaller units and challenges, making it easier for employees to remember relevant information. Studies have shown that gamification increases information retention by up to 40% by turning the onboarding experience into a game-like adventure. New employees thus become active participants in their own learning, leading to a higher level of commitment to the company.

First impressions are crucial, which is why the onboarding process creates an opportunity and helps the employee develop a positive image of the employer. By incorporating a playful element, companies can make the onboarding experience fun and memorable, creating a lasting and positive impression on new employees. Experience shows that employees who find their first encounter with a company enjoyable and engaging are more likely to have a positive view of the company, leading to higher levels of job satisfaction and loyalty.

Gamification can accelerate the development of new skills by providing an interactive interface and simulations that allow workers to practice and develop their skills. By creating a safe and immersive learning environment, gamified onboarding programs allow new employees to gain the confidence and competence they need before they face the real challenges. This approach not only accelerates the learning process but also creates a sense of achievement and progress, which further motivates employees to excel in the future.

One of the key benefits of gamified onboarding is its ability to foster a collaborative and inclusive company culture. Incorporating team-based challenges, leaderboards and badges, encourages employees to collaborate, share knowledge and build meaningful relationships. Gamification also creates camaraderie among new hires, making them feel welcome and positively valued, so they are excited to become part of the organization. This collaborative culture extends beyond the onboarding process, contributing to a positive work environment and increased employee satisfaction.

Design an effective gamified onboarding program

To design an effective gamified onboarding program, organizations should consider the following factors:

Identify Learning Objectives

Before employees embark on the gamification journey, it is essential that they set clear learning objectives. Know what specific knowledge and skills new employees need to acquire during the onboarding process. By identifying these key outcomes, organizations can structure gamified challenges in a way that aligns with their goals.

Tailor the Experience to Your Company

Each organization has its own unique values, mission and culture. When designing a gamified onboarding program, it is important that the games and challenges are aligned with the company's identity. Build in elements that reflect the brand and work environment, fostering a massive sense of belonging among new employees.

Create Interactive Training Modules

Traditional training materials should be transformed into interactive modules where employees can experience solving tasks as an exciting mission. Multimedia elements such as videos, quizzes and interactive scenarios should be incorporated to keep the experience engaging and varied. This interactive approach ensures that new employees are actively engaged in the learning process, which reinforces knowledge retention and overall engagement.

Implement Progress Tracking

Gamification can also be used to monitor progress. A system should be put in place to monitor the progress of new recruits at different stages of the onboarding process. This monitoring not only motivates employees, but also allows HR and management to evaluate the effectiveness of the program. By providing immediate feedback on their progress, employees can see their growth and development, which further motivates them to continue learning.

Foster Friendly Competition

Competition can be a healthy and inspiring aspect of gamification if it is done in a supportive and inclusive way. Establish league tables, awards or badges to recognize achievements, to encourage employees to strive for excellence while creating a sense of friendly competition. This competitive element makes the onboarding process more exciting and encourages employees to perform at their best.

Offer Rewards and Incentives

Rewards and incentives make the gamified onboarding process even more attractive. Consider providing small rewards or recognition for completing certain challenges or reaching certain milestones. These rewards don't have to be fancy; even a simple shout-out or gift card can go a long way in boosting morale and reinforcing a positive company culture.

Successful Examples of Gamified Onboarding

Bazaarvoice

Bazaarvoice, a B2B software provider, has created a gamified onboarding program that is more like a summer camp experience than a traditional workplace orientation. New recruits take part in a scavenger hunt, in which they have to complete work-related team tasks through interaction with colleagues. In this way, new employees learn about the company culture while facing fun and engaging challenges

PepsiCo

PepsiCo, a global food and beverage company, has incorporated gamification into its onboarding process to engage new employees and promote knowledge retention. Through a mobile app, new hires can access interactive quizzes, virtual tours of PepsiCo's facilities, and challenges that test their understanding of the company's values and products. By gamified onboarding, PepsiCo creates a dynamic and engaging learning environment that promotes active participation and a deeper understanding of the company culture.

MovingInTogether

The goal of Games for Businesswas to simplify the moving process for Deutsche Telekom IT Solutions Hungary’s team members, which led to the development of the MovingInTogether platform. This immersive platform was designed as a fun and interactive guide that introduces employees to DT-ITS's new head office and provides insights such as:

• different modes of transport they can use to access the building;
• the use of lifts as a means of access to the roof;
• the exact location of meeting rooms;
• food and drink facilities available.

Generali Austria

In the first year of our cooperation, 434 new Generali Austria recruits in 35 Austrian regions started their enrolment with the company, using our innovative learning method.

In the digital world, new entrants follow two closely linked learning processes: onboarding and specific sales training. Thanks to the microlearning method and gamified elements such as quizzes, leaderboards, knowledge points, prizes, etc., the learning process was made enjoyable for the employees. Users had the flexibility to learn when and where they wanted, according to their own preferences.

Conclusion

Gamification of the onboarding process has many benefits, including increased employee engagement, better retention of knowledge and the creation of a positive company culture. By incorporating game-like elements, organizations can turn the onboarding experience into an engaging and memorable journey for new hires. Designing an effective gamified onboarding program involves defining learning objectives, tailoring the experience to the company culture, creating interactive training modules, tracking progress, encouraging friendly competition, and offering rewards and incentives. By using gamification, organizations can build a strong corporate culture, improve employee retention and lay the foundations for long-term success.