[Part 1 of this article appeared in yesterday’s Advisor.]
Elements Workplace Video Games Should Have (continued)
Challenging levels that require work—Don’t simply have your learners follow an avatar around, but have them complete tasks that require them to think and use their reasoning skills via their avatar. Place them in unexpected situations that require them to react and use tools and techniques they learned during their time playing the game.
Chances to interact with coworkers—When possible, create video game environments where employees can work together on certain tasks to uncover badges or reach an advanced level. This will help them build their teamwork and communication skills.
Opportunity to earn rewards and recognition—Video games rely on some sort of purpose. There is a reason why players work so hard to get to the next level—they get some type of reward. If possible, make rewards tangible, such as a free gift card or an extra work-from-home day. And always recognize players who learned a lot in front of their peers to increase everyone’s motivation.
Industries Currently Benefiting from Video Games in the Workplace
If you’re not sure where to start with video games, here are some industries already using them that you should know about.
Hospitality—Some hotels are using simulated video game experiences to teach employees how certain interactions with a guest can affect the guest’s entire stay at the hotel. They cover everything from interactions at the front desk to housekeeping concerns.
Healthcare—Surgeons are learning how to do complicated procedures with video games in a virtual reality environment. And nurses are learning how to respond to emergency situations and minimize common errors.
Electronics and Manufacturing—Employees are learning how to build and repair things by using video games. They can learn various models and pieces of different things being produced on an assembly line.
Finance—Accountants are starting to play games with quizzes to reduce boredom as they learn the ins and outs of accounting. If they can’t answer questions about basic accounting principles, they can’t advance in the game. If they can, they can earn things like free coffee or vacation days.
Delivery—Truck drivers and delivery drivers are using video games to practice safety as they learn how to drive routes.
Sales—There are video games that test a car salesperson’s knowledge of the vehicles being sold. They also permit salespeople to practice with common rebuttals and concerns their customers will have.
Aeronautics—Pilots and astronauts are learning how to navigate through the sky and other elements and conditions with video games. They also learn how to use the controllers inside the aircraft they’ll be handling, without ever leaving the ground.
As you consider the benefits and elements of video games for your workplace learning programs, be sure to keep this brief guide nearby.