The document argues against the integration of gamification in employee recognition programs, highlighting that gamification shifts focus from the recipient to the nominator and introduces artificial competition. Research indicates that a significant majority of American workers believe gamification detracts from the meaning of recognition. Key motivators for recognition include appreciation for colleagues' efforts, rather than competition or badges.

1. WHY GAMIFICATION
and RECOGNITION
DON’T MIX

2. Gamification is great!

3. for things like:
Coaxing people to do
things we dislike.

4. Or entertaining us when
a task is mundane.

5. Or motivating
us through competition.

6. No wonder it’s become
quite a fad in business.

7. 1
We see badges and leaderboards
popping up everywhere.
great
job

8. But does gamification belong
in recognition?
?

9. Recognition isn’t mundane, or
competitive.
And most people really like it.
Great job! Aww, shucks.

10. SPRING 2014 REPORT
ADAPTING TO THE REALITIES
OF OUR CHANGING WORKFORCE
RESEARCHREPORT
In the Globoforce Spring 2014
Workforce Moodtracker,
we asked American workers if
they thought recognition should
include gamification.
They overwhelmingly
said “No Way!”

11. “Do you feel that gamification
would be a positive addition to
your recognition program?”
70% NO
30% YES

12. We asked if a recognition
leaderboard would motivate
them to recognize more.
They said “Nope!”

13. “Would you work harder if the
number of recognitions given
or received was ranked in a
leaderboard type format?”
79% NO
21% YES

14. We asked if gamified recognition
was less meaningful to them.
They said “Absolutely!”

15. “Would getting recognized mean
less to you if you knew someone
got points on a leaderboard, or a
badge for giving that recognition?”
62% YES
32% NO

16. We asked what DID motivate
them to recognize.
TOP THREE MOTIVATINGREASONS FOR GIVING RECOGNITION TO OTHERS
76%THANKING A
COLLEAGUE FOR
GOING ABOVE
AND BEYOND
74%MAKING A
COLLEAGUE
FEEL GOOD OR
APPRECIATED
53%REINFORCING
BEHAVIOR THAT
BENEFITS THE
COMPANY

17. Gamification and recognition
DON’T MIX.

18. Gamification introduces
an artificial set of goals
into the program.
It shifts the focus
from the recipient
of recognition to
the nominator.The data from
recognition becomes
about competition
rather than a reflection
of employee values-
based behavior. It motivates people
to recognize for the
wrong reasons.

19. Read more in our Globoforce
“Workforce Mood Tracker Report”.
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Adapting To The Realities Of Our Changing Workforce