Tap Dancing To Work: The Gamification of The Workspace

Hey there, everyone. Brendan here!

Warren Buffett, the famous investor and philanthropist, has described himself as a man who 'tap dances to work' every day. While not all of us are moving the same kind of money that he does every day, that principle emphasizes something that Steffani and I firmly believe in when it comes to work: making it fun.

It's very easy to fall into the cycle of regarding work as a chore, but considering what a vital part of our lives it is, why not try to make it more enjoyable and engaging when you can? Today, I wanted to share some info about the concept of gamification, applying the principles of games (achievements, leaderboards, etc.) to real-life work, often utilizing principles and ideas lifted from video game development. It's something that companies have been integrating more and more into their work and workforce, and it's definitely not a passing fad. 

The benefits of gamifying work for employees are potentially vast. It can make monotonous tasks more enjoyable and engaging by introducing elements of fun and competition. This can lead to increased job satisfaction as employees feel more motivated and invested in their tasks.

Gamification also provides clear goals and immediate feedback, helping employees understand their progress and areas for improvement. This can provide a sense of achievement and recognition. Furthermore, gamified systems can foster a sense of community and collaboration among employees, as they work together to achieve common goals or compete (hopefully in a friendly manner!).

For employers, gamification can lead to significant productivity gains. Engaged employees are more likely to be productive and committed to their work, which can translate into better performance and higher quality outcomes. Additionally, gamification can help in identifying top performers and areas where employees might need further training or support. By making work more engaging, employers can also reduce turnover rates, as satisfied employees are less likely to leave the company. Moreover, the data generated from gamified systems can provide valuable insights into employee behaviors and preferences, allowing for more informed management decisions and strategies.

Other than some suggested reading on gamifying work, it feels fitting to finish today's blog off with how Buffett explained his own philosophy:

Find your passion. I was very, very lucky to find it when I was seven or eight years old... You’re lucky in life when you find it. 

I hope that everyone gets the opportunity to find a job and work that they enjoy doing. Getting to do what I do with Nakee is incredibly rewarding (I really do mean that, I'm not just saying that because I'm writing a blog for them right now :P ). Getting to share beneficial knowledge with people, in addition to beneficial food, is a powerful thing, and I reflect on it from time to time. I wonder about the strange course my life has taken, as most lives do, and how I made it to this table, this computer and to the company of the wonderful co-workers I share my shift with. 

Thanks for reading, everyone. It means the world to me that there are folks out there who are interested in what I have to say, and I always appreciate the feedback I hear. Let me know if there's anything you'd like to hear about from us here at Nakee, and have a wonderful weekend! This is Brendan, signing off for now.