Drive engagement through gamification
Many organisations are seeking novel ways to reduce turnover rates and ensure warehousing is rewarding and engaging, while incentivising hard work. Gamification may be the answer, says Matt Gregory.
ADDRESSING THE talent shortage in warehousing doesn’t have a silver bullet solution. However, improving engagement and satisfaction is a crucial first step in helping businesses to retain talent already at their disposal. Business leaders recognise the impact that gamification has on employee engagement – particularly among harder-to-access demographics like GenZ and millennials.
Gamification uses game-design elements to increase engagement and boost productivity among workers. Implementing technologies that challenge and create friendly, interdepartmental competition can motivate workers while providing valuable feedback to employers. Employees can complete tasks faster or more accurately, with performance tracked using leaderboards. Employees are recognised by receiving meaningful rewards, either financial or even additional days off. As many as 90% of employees say gamification makes them more productive at work, while on average, employees experience a 48% engagement increase with a gamified work experience.
Through the integration of gamification into the day-to-day employee experience, management can remove some of the complaints about existing duties and build a work environment that ultimately rewards passion and engagement.
Despite the benefits, gamification is still in the adoption stage for many organisations. Successful gamification strategies require careful consideration. Meaningful change in the warehouse needs to be balanced against broader business goals and employee needs. Incentives and productivity gains must also be weighed against potential stress.
Before implementing any gamification technologies, secure processes need to be in place to avoid compounding any pre-existing confusion or discontent. It’s also important that leaders understand the types of incentives that will best motivate their employee base and determine the reward frequency to ensure that efforts are engaging but aren’t ultimately distracting employees from their day-to-day roles.
When implemented correctly, gamification can reinvigorate the warehouse environment by empowering employees to shape how they interact with the workplace. This approach boosts engagement while fostering a more dynamic and productive workplace. When employees feel valued, they are far more likely to stay.
Leaders will increasingly look to gamification to reshape operations in the years ahead. Gamification isn’t just a trend; it is a proven strategy that can help businesses retain workers, enhance productivity and increase overall warehouse output – enabling quick fulfilment.
Matt Gregory, senior vice president of voice & mobility at Infios
