Gamification is the modus operandi that uses game designs and game elements in a non-game environment to achieve goals. The latest application of gamification is in the recruitment process, where recruiters are adopting this method to help them identity the best applicant for a job. Gamification can also be leveraged to engage individuals with their jobs and improve workplace productivity.
Why gamification is a MUST in recruitment
Gamification in recruitment helps identify an individual’s strengths and weaknesses. Qualities that cannot be determined through direct question can be identified through gamification. For example, Marriot International developed a game to recruit new candidates where candidates are required to play a virtual game where they get to set up their own hotel, buy inventory, manage guests, and train their employees.
This way, recruiters understand how the potential candidate will react to different situations. Recognizing potential qualities, like emotional intelligence, vigilance, adaptability, and other non-tangible abilities is another rationale as to why gamification is a must in the recruiting process.
Since the process is based on artificial intelligence, the results are more precise and less prone to human mistakes. The gamification results are reported and tracked by the software, thus providing accurate results.
Apart from being crucial for the recruiting process, gamification also plays an important role in smoothening the internal processes.
HR activities don’t always interest an employee. At times they can be time consuming and boring. Completing HR mandatory programs, sexual harassment workshops, and other such programs may not always be at the top of an employee’s priority list, especially as it does not directly relate to the employee’s day-to-day operations. In such cases, gamification plays an important role. Once an employee finishes a task or a level, they are rewarded. This makes it easier for the HR department to make sure individuals are taking out time from their daily duties to finish mandatory workshops, which may not be part of their daily activities. This helps the HR to complete the task in a timely manner without delaying the process and having to push the employees to do so.
Office paperwork is yet another important task that is often procrastinated by employees, especially as there are a number of projects and deadlines that needs to be met. By adding gamification to this, one can make the task absolutely fun and easy. Employees will look forward to completing these tasks instead of waiting for the last moment to finish it.
Gamification – Planning and incentivisation strategy
A number of things need to be kept in mind when incorporating gamification in any field.
Most people assume that the most lucrative way of pulling employees towards gamification is by luring them with huge incentives. This is not entirely true. Of course, rewards motivate employees to participate but they aren’t the sole purpose for engagement. An individual must be engrossed in the process rather than the end goal. Also, offering large incentives is not a feasible option for the company in the long run.
The best incentives are recognition and appreciation. A shout-out by the VP, appreciation in company emails, and other such rewards are some ways of showing appreciation after completing a gamification task.
Tracking and reporting is another way to ensure that the employees are benefiting from the program. It also keeps a check on the progress of the employee. Tracking can be done both manually or through online software. It is more convenient to use the software as it may get tedious to keep track of a large number of employees over time. It is crucial that the reporting is apt so as to avoid making any mistakes regarding the performance of the team member.
Gamification is the future of recruiting
Gamification has undoubtedly revolutionized the field of recruitment. Since computers are far more accurate in analyzing data, it is far easier to recognize the right potential candidate for the job. With humans and computers working hand in hand in hiring the right person for the job, the entire recruiting process becomes simpler and faster. Recruiters are now able to hire people within the given time frame and identify their potential strengths faster.
Companies such as Deloitte has created a virtual tour of their offices. Instead of having to move around physically, the virtual tour starts from the airport where visitors can choose their destination. They can virtually interact with the employees and apprehend their work ethics.
Phoenix Software uses an effective gamification tool for recruitment. It locks potential candidates inside an escape room with existing employees This allows them to analyse the canditate and their ability to work as a team. In order to join this company, the potential candidate needs to register for this game, no CVs required.
Gamification highlights qualities like leadership, ability to handle pressure, emotional intelligence, and other essential human capital skills that are ideally not showcased through interviews and CVs. Many researchers believe gamification is the future of recruiting as companies worlwide are venturing into this trend rapidly.
