Has your workplace ever gone a little bit crazy over something small? Maybe it was a sales competition to win a box of chocolates, who can do the most push-ups, who can walk the most miles, raise the most money for charity. There are endless workplace competitions going on through the country all with one goal – to keep people engaged, entertained and form a community spirit.
Why do they work so well? Because going to work for a salary is not enough for most people to enjoy their role. Job satisfaction is the number one reason why someone leaves the workplace, and we all know that hiring replacements can be costly – not to mention resource intensive!
Workplace incentives are a sure way to keep staff happy, but what if we said you could make them work for you financially as well as benefitting the environment? It’s a triple threat.
So, let’s talk about how you can gamify your green goals.
What Does Gamification Look Like In The Workplace?
If you’re wondering how you can possibly bring gamification into the workplace, a good place to start is to consider classic games. Quizzes, leaderboards, weekly challenges… anything that’s reflective of a checklist where you can get a score/result. Whether that pitches employees against one another or a continual improvement of their own learning.
Why would people participate in these games? Well, that’s simple, because it’s supported and promoted by a higher management and is encouraged to be done during the working day. Keeping games short and no longer than 15 minutes each week is ideal. It gives employees the perfect mental break to help them recharge and refocus their attention, but subliminally, they’re still working. How can we be sure? Because the content of these games is geared towards business goals.
How Gaming Content Should Be Decided
The key is to not make this part ‘boring’… remember you’re trying to incentivise your employees to take part in these competitions and games. Yes, you can dangle the carrot of a prize such as winning a TV or a ‘cinema date for two’, but you need to keep things interesting to make sure that it’s suitable for everyone.
The content should be focused on your environmental goals, but be sure to keep it interesting, informative and fun. Studies show that more people than ever are switched on to the environment and care. More of us have a moral compass that is telling us to do something, anything – imagine what happens when you provide employees with the power to act at no cost to the individual at all. Then on top of that, they can win something. You’re onto a winner!
Those who do not care to do anything for the environment at all, can do something for themselves by participating and having the chance of winning. Those who are unphased by the prize can feel warm and fuzzy knowing they’re doing something positive. Then you’ll get the very few who are just thankful there’s a game they’re encouraged to participate in as part of their job role.
The triple threat for a content and productive workplace. Gamifying your green goals.
Wondering What Goals Will Save You Financially?
Start with the easy wins – reducing paper usage, cutting down on energy consumption, encouraging car sharing or cycle-to-work schemes. Track metrics like waste reduction or energy saved and tie them into your gamified challenges. Not only will your business see cost savings through lower utility bills and reduced waste expenses, but you may also qualify for green incentives or sustainability certifications that boost your brand image. When employees are actively involved in hitting these targets, they become more than staff – they become ambassadors for a greener, leaner business. So next time you’re thinking about upping engagement, think games – and let your environmental goals play the long game for your bottom line.
