Work hard, play hard: gamification in the workplace

What if work didn’t feel like work? That’s the big idea behind gamification: a fresh, creative approach to transforming employee engagement by weaving a little play into the everyday. By tapping into our natural drive for competition, recognition, and progress, gamification has captured the attention of brands like Duolingo and Google.

From bustling offices to remote setups, gamification is gaining traction as businesses discover its potential to create happier, more connected, and more productive workplaces.

But what exactly is gamification, why does it work so well, and how can you bring it to life in your workplace? Read on to find out.

What is gamification?

At its core, gamification means applying elements of game design—like earning points, completing levels, or unlocking rewards—to non-game contexts. It’s about turning the ordinary into something a bit more extraordinary, injecting fun and purpose into otherwise routine tasks. 

In the workplace, this might look like celebrating milestones with digital or physical badges, running team challenges with leaderboards, or setting up interactive goals where employees can “level up” their skills and contributions. 

Why it works

Gamification isn’t about turning your office into an arcade. It’s a strategic way to make work feel more meaningful, engaging, and enjoyable. 

That said, gamification isn’t without its critics. If implemented poorly, it can feel like “forced fun” or like you’re manipulating employees rather than motivating them. 

The key to avoiding this is to make gamification feel natural, transparent, and aligned with your company culture. When done thoughtfully, it enhances the workplace experience by focusing on genuine recognition, collaboration, and progress.

Here are some of the reasons why gamification resonates so strongly with employees:

• Encourages recognition: People love being acknowledged for their efforts. Gamification turns wins—big or small—into something tangible, like badges, certificates, or leaderboards that showcase progress.  88% of employees say that gamification makes them happier at work. Recognising and rewarding small wins boosts morale and reinforces positive behavior.

• Tracks progress: One of the reasons video games are so addictive is that they let players see their progress in real time. Whether it’s unlocking a new level or ticking off tasks, gamification can help employees feel like they’re advancing toward something tangible. This sense of progress is powerful—90% of employees say they’re more productive when their work is gamified.
  
• Promotes competition: A little friendly competition can go a long way in energising teams. Studies show that gamification in the workplace leads to a 48% increase in employee engagement which is especially important for remote and hybrid teams.

• It’s fun: Who says work and play can’t mix? Gamification injects creativity and lightness into even the most routine tasks, creating an environment where people feel energised and inspired. 

3 ways to gamify your workplace

By weaving interactive elements into everyday activities, you can motivate employees and create a culture that thrives on teamwork and progress.

Here are three ideas to get your game on:

1. Make training sessions interactive

Training doesn’t have to feel like a chore. Instead of a standard PowerPoint presentation, create a session where employees can actively participate, solve challenges, and earn rewards.

1. Kick things off with a challenge: Divide your team into small groups and assign them engaging challenges, like role-playing tricky client scenarios or solving creative problems printed on a premium Business Card.

2. Track and celebrate progress: Structure the training into “levels” that teams unlock as they complete each challenge. Reward their progress with things like Stickers and Gift Certificates. Keep the energy high by displaying a leaderboard or tracking achievements to showcase success in real time.

2. Set wellness challenges for remote teams

Wellness challenges are a brilliant way to gamify remote work while making employee wellbeing a priority. They show your team that their health and happiness matter, even when working apart:

1. Start with purpose: Choose a challenge that aligns with your commitment to employee wellbeing, whether it’s encouraging movement, mindfulness, or healthy habits. A step-count challenge or hydration tracker can be a fun and inclusive way to inspire small, positive changes.
   
2. Make tracking easy: Use tools like fitness apps, shared spreadsheets, or team platforms to track progress. The simpler the process, the more likely employees will stick with it. For example, a step challenge could use synced fitness trackers to create a team leaderboard.
   
3. Celebrate milestones: Break the challenge into stages and celebrate key milestones to keep motivation high. When your team collectively reaches a goal—like walking 100,000 steps—mark the occasion with virtual badges or personalised messages.
   
4. Encourage interaction: Create a space for team members to share updates, tips, or motivational messages. A group chat or weekly wellness check-in can build a sense of community and support.

3. Host an Office Olympics 

Inject energy and friendly competition into your workplace. This fun-filled event combines light-hearted challenges with team-building activities that tie into your business objectives and help everyone blow off some steam:

1. Tailor the games to your goals: Choose activities that align with your company’s culture or objectives. For example, a sales sprint challenge to pitch the most creative ideas in a set time or a product brainstorm scavenger hunt.
   
2. Recognise achievements and reward the victors: Hand out medals, ribbons, or certificates to the winners—but make them stand out. Use Foil Postcards to create custom medals, or opt for personal prizes like an Water Bottle.

Get set with MOO

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