Using Gamification to Increase Upskilling Participation

Continuous capability building is essential for organizations to retain talent and sustain performance. But inspiring engagement in development activities remains challenging, especially virtual ones. Gamifying elements of upskilling programs taps into motivation drivers that turbocharge involvement while making learning fun.

Gamification Mechanics with Impact

Integrating familiar game conventions encourages friendly competition and accountability around upskilling:

• Points – Award digital points for completing tutorials, mentee sessions, book reports etc. Recognize current leaders on community dashboards.

• Levels – Define tiered levels to signify bench strength based on aggregate capability metrics, leadership experiences and mentoring provided.

• Quests – Curate themed challenges focused on attaining certain knowledge breadth across topics or mastering pre-defined priority skills.

• Easter Eggs – Hide surprise role model videos, job swap opportunities and expert access passes as unexpected rewards for top performers.

• Bonus Rounds – Incorporate short burst collaborative games to break up longer virtual workshops - lightning polls, quizzes, fun breakout introductions.

The techniques above structure activities employees actually enjoy participating in while nudging them to continue advancing professional toolkits.

Keys for Driving Adoption

Get maximum engagement by also:

• Promoting leaderboards highlighting role models others aspire to catch up to

• Making accumulation of points and status visible across user profiles and digital displays

• Allowing redemption of hard-won points for tangible rewards like subscription services, office perks or early access to new tech

• Sending personalized reminders for upcoming quests tied to individuals’ growth plans

Blending purposeful play into upskilling initiatives satisfied users’ craving for stimulating challenges while delivering seriously positive business impacts.

Tomuz Academy