Would you allow video games in the workplace?

Video games might be considered a pastime activity by most. We, however, like to look at them as a tool to grab the attention of a team member and help them learn in a fun and engaging environment.

Why not, right? If you had the option to play a game in a simulated environment or sitting in a classroom, which would you choose? Personally, I would choose playing the game.

According to a 2010 study by the Entertainment Software Association, 70% of major employers were already utilising interactive software and games to deliver training. That means I was still in high school when gaming in the workplace began to gain popularity. Today immersive learning is so affordable that it is easier for organisations to take advantage of its benefits.

In my last blog I spoke about 4 Out of date training practices for the Millennial workforce and how, according to the 2018 Workplace Learning Report by LinkedIn, 94% of employees felt that they were more likely to stay at a company if it invested in their career development. Well, today I would like to talk about how we can invest in our employees, boost morale and inspire a productive workforce using immersive learning.

We are living in the age of information. Anything you want to know you can google. People are learning things when they need to and when it is relevant to them. By enabling this style of learning in your workplace you are encouraging employees to be productive by getting the skills and information they need when they need them. When incorporating immersive learning into your training it is very important that learners can come back to the game and pick up on relevant information when it is useful to them or when they need to refresh the information. This helps build intellectual ‘muscle-memory’, so that knowledge becomes deeply embedded and can be drawn on immediately and with ease.

Simulation gaming has been found to be more effective for learning, creating an opportunity for a deeper learning experience versus traditional teaching methods. Using technology to your advantage by incorporating immersive learning into your training, allows you to provide memorable training that encourages continuous learning. By investing in an effective and enjoyable learning method, your employees will feel valued and be more likely to take advantage of the chance to improve their skills.

Mr. Mohsin Memon said in his Ted talk on Limitless Growth Through Immersive Learning, that people have a fear of failure but that immersive learning gives you the opportunity to not worry about failing because it creates a safe environment in which to fail without cost. By eliminating the fear of failure employees can reach their best potential.

I think that if you invest in your employees they will invest in your company, and that is a win for everyone.

If you want to learn more about how you can use immersive learning in your organisation/company to boost productivity, please feel free to contact us.

We would also love to hear your thoughts on the topic of immersive learning, so do please join in the conversation on our social media channels.

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