Using game-based learning for employee onboarding
Modern businesses are realizing that traditional onboarding methods are no longer effective in keeping new employees motivated and engaged. This is why game-based learning is all the rage, especially during the onboarding phase. This approach involves using game elements to create a welcoming experience for new hires while bringing them up to date with company policies and their job duties. Below, we’ll highlight best practices for game-based learning for onboarding new team members, as well as the benefits it can bring to your organization.
6 ways to incorporate game-based learning into your onboarding processes
1. Gamification of technology
Create a series of quizzes or challenges for your new hires to complete during the onboarding process. These could be timed or scored to emphasize their importance and urgency. You can also offer badges or other incentives for completing certain tasks or milestones that can help motivate employees and create a sense of accomplishment. Another idea is to create a scavenger hunt or scavenger hunt that prompts new hires to find clues about the company’s history and culture in the office or through your LMS and rewards the first hire to collect them all.
2. Simulation
Simulation trains users in a controlled environment. For example, if you are training new customer service representatives, you can create a simulation where they have to handle a series of customer calls or chats. From angry complaints to technical problems, your new hires will be able to practice their problem-solving and communication skills. Similarly, if you are recruiting sales associates, enroll them in a simulation where they have to pitch a product or service to a potential client.
3. Interactive videos
Interactive videos allow users to interact with content in real time, making the process immersive. For example, create an interactive video that introduces new employees to the company, presents them with different scenarios and asks them to choose the best one based on the company’s values. Similarly, you could show them the tools and processes they will encounter in their work. At the end, present them with different tasks and ask them to complete them using the tools shown in the video.
4. Mobile application
Mobile apps are easily accessible to anyone with a smartphone, so your employees can continue the enrollment process even when they’re not in the office. For example, an app can allow new employees to learn about the company through short questions. In this way, they can reveal more about the mission, vision and values ​​of the business. An eBook application offering an interactive guide can be used to deliver training materials in a more engaging and informative manner. For example, an e-book that includes interactive quizzes, videos, and other multimedia elements to keep a new hire interested.
5. Game-Based Rating
Game-based assessments help your company measure your new hires’ understanding of the material and their ability to perform the tasks required for the role. For example, create a test to see how well your new team members know the company’s compliance policies and procedures. Assessments could include multiple-choice questions, true/false statements, and interactive scenarios to test their quick thinking skills. You can also test their knowledge of technology by including tasks that require them to demonstrate their ability to use specific software.
6. Social learning
Social learning uses social media and other collaborative tools to promote knowledge sharing. This approach allows new employees to bond with their peers and learn from their experiences. For example, include a social learning platform that allows new team members to ask questions about their roles and responsibilities. Include discussion forums and chat rooms that facilitate open communication. Finally, consider a mentoring program that includes gamification elements, such as rewards for meeting certain milestones, to make it more engaging for both new hires and their mentors.
The benefits of game-based learning for training new employees
Retention while learning
Games and simulations are effective tools for improving long-term memory retention because they provide students with repeated opportunities to practice and consolidate knowledge, leading to better job performance. Game-based activities are also more engaging than traditional training methods such as lectures or presentations because they require active participation. This way, you can capture the attention of your new employees and keep them interested in the training materials, so they become productive team members from day one.
A safe learning environment
In traditional training methods, new employees may hesitate to ask questions or make mistakes for fear of being criticized. In contrast, games and simulations provide a low-risk environment for new team members to experiment with new concepts and ideas. This is ideal for roles that require people to process sensitive or complex information. A safe and controlled environment through game-based learning helps new hires develop the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in their roles without risking negative outcomes.
Active learning
Active learning is a teaching method that encourages students to actively participate in the learning process. Through game-based learning, new employees are required to make tough decisions, solve problems, and apply what they’ve learned. This promotes deeper learning and helps them develop critical thinking skills.
Team dynamics
Players often need to work together to solve puzzles or accomplish common goals in games and simulations. This encourages teamwork among new employees, which can help develop a sense of community among team members. Companies can help new hires develop strong working relationships with their co-workers by fostering a culture of collaboration and introducing team-building components to game-based learning.
Immediate feedback
Games and simulations also provide instant feedback to your new hires, making it easier to tell if they are on the right track. With game-based learning, companies are able to help new hires identify areas where they need improvement and adjust their learning paths accordingly.
Conclusion
Your company has the ability to create an immersive and enjoyable onboarding experience for your new hires through gamified learning so they retain information and feel more connected to company culture and values. However, it is important to remember that what works for one company may not work for another. Therefore, it is vital to adapt your approach to the specific needs and goals of the organization and to constantly evaluate the process. Why not check out our list of the best gamification companies to find the right outsourcing partner for your program?
