Gamification in human resources

Gamification is the use of game elements and game design techniques in non-game contexts, including business. The concept is that by redesigning everyday routines to contain more game-like and interactive elements, activities such as employee training and recruiting can be made more engaging, fulfilling, fun and productive.

With the potential to direct behaviours towards business objectives, motivate and improve outcomes such as performance, engagement and retention, Dr Penny Simpson and Pete Jenkins focused on exploring the opportunities gamification presents for HR professionals.

Project timeframe

This research project commenced in October 2015 and is ongoing.

Project objectives

The objective was to:

  • raise awareness and understanding about the potential of gamification in human resources (HR).
  • examine the case for using gamification in HR, giving consideration to helping an organisation achieve employee engagement and other business objectives
  • explore how gamification can be used in HR to attract, induct, train, develop, engage and retain employees and improve understanding within the HR function, thus enabling HR professionals to maximise the potential of gamification opportunities
  • highlight the importance of good game design to successful gamification implementation.

Project findings and impact

Research suggests that gamification is much more than a passing fad; it can be a key part of an organisation’s strategic human resource management (HRM) approach. While gamification of HR may be in its early stages, an understanding of the opportunities that it offers can only be an advantage for HR professionals.

Research team

Dr Penny Simpson

Pete Jenkins, Entrepreneur in Residence at Brighton Business School

Output

Gamification and human resources: an overview

Pete Jenkins website

Partners