4 Gamification Platforms That Show Why You Can't Afford to Ignore This TrendCompanies are letting their employees play "games," to explore new roles and get the latest on personal healthcare trends.

ByHeather R. Huhman

Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

Shutterstock.com

During their first week at work, new tech employees atAsurion, a technology-support company in Nashville, are locked in a room and told to "escape." It's all part of their training. And it's a game.

Related:Why You Should Supercharge Your Workplace With Gamification

作为运动的一部分,伴随矩阵的小团队y are tasked with figuring out how to "escape" the room, by working together to solve challenges designed to reflect their new roles.

These tasks can range from something as simple as resetting a router to more complex issues involving multiple operating systems.

"The Escape Game concept allows Asurion to tap into its employees' innate affinity for gaming, while reinforcing skills and traits important for their job," Vincent Phamvan, senior director of innovation, explained via email.

The escape game, he said, "gives new employees -- primarily millennials -- hands-on experience with the latest technology devices, while honing the critical skills and traits they'll need to provide top-notch customer experience."

Not to mention, it'sfun. Yet while Asurion's Escape Game may be innovative, it's not necessarily appropriate for every company, because not every entrepreneur has time to design his or her own game.

The good news, however, is that HR tech tools are offering companies gamification activities to improve their employees' work experience. Here are four:

Axonify

Description:a modernized corporate-learning solution

Company headquarters:Waterloo, Ontario

At Home Décor, a home-accessories retailer based in Plano, Texas, has implementedAxonifyin 100 stores, covering more than 2,000 associates. Kiosks with the learning platform are located in break rooms, and each day, employees log in and complete short training modules with an option to play a game to test their knowledge. They can also earn badges and other rewards.

Related:How Gamification Is Engaging Customers and Employees Alike

"When we made our training program engaging and relevant, with some fun built-in, we noticed a significant increase in participation," Valerie Davisson, chief people officer, said via email. "We now see a 99 percent participation among our store associates; have reduced onboarding time by 90 percent; and have increased sales among stores with the highest knowledge levels."

Limeade

Description:a corporate-wellness platform

Company headquarters:Bellevue, Wash.

的医疗保健, a nationwide company with a variety of healthcare centers, wanted to create a wellness program that would meet the needs of its diverse workforce. WithLimeade, the company was able to choose and develop a variety of ways for its employees to improve their own health.

"My favorite challenge is 'Move Across America,'" said Andrea Romisher, the company's VP of benefits, based in Louisville, Ken. "We formed teams, and our folks posted pictures on Instagram and Facebook, showing how they were taking steps across America. And we have some real heroes out there."

She went on to say that because of these types of competitive programs from Limeade, more employees are completing well-being assessments, making them better educated about how to take care of their health.

Ambition

Description:an all-inclusive performance-management system

Company headquarters:Chattanooga, Tenn.

Ambitionallows organizations to create and track competitions designed to motivate employees. In fact, when an employee hits a goal, individuals can choose a YouTube clip to play on the office TV in celebration.

"One of our reps hasShe's a Bad Mama Jamaas his anthem," Adam Harless said via email. Harless is sales operations leader ofPrezi, a presentation software company in San Francisco. "Every time that thing plays, the whole office knows he's achieved something of note."

Harless went on to say that the biggest benefit from Ambition is the increased visibility it allows. By playing the game, all members of the team stay aware -- and have fun with -- the latest performance data.

YouScience

Description:career-planning software

Company headquarters:Nashville, Tenn.

YouSciencehas drawn on 40 years of research to develop assessments that guide people on their career path. But instead of putting users through tests and skills quizzes, the game has them play brain games.

Then, each individual receives a report detailing his or her skills and potential good job fits.

While this technology was primarily designed to help job seekers, there's great potential for employers to use it, as well. For example, interns and entry-level employees could complete the program to show the talents they have to offer the organization.

Related:Effectively Manage a Remote Team via Gamification

Supporting internal mobility is another feature the platform provides. If a valuable employee wants more opportunities or a career change, a stint playing YouScience's brain games may well reveal new roles he or she could fill within the company.

Heather R. Huhman

Career and Workplace Expert; Founder and President, Come Recommended

Waldorf, Md.-based Heather R. Huhman is a career expert, experienced hiring manager and president ofCome Recommended,thePR solution for job search and HR tech companies. She writes about issues impacting the modern workplace.

Related Topics

Business News

These Are the Top Rated Cruises in the World, According to a New Report

Conde Nast Traveler recently released its list of readers' top cruises across six categories.

Business News

These Are the 10 U.S. States With the Happiest (And Unhappiest) Employees, According to a New Report

A recent report found that employees in Alaska are the happiest in the country.

Business News

Are You 'Coffee Badging' at Your Hybrid Job? How to Maximize Your Schedule With This New Workplace Trend.

'Coffee badging' is popular with people who dread going into the office.

Thought Leaders

5 Books Every Entrepreneur Should Read Before Starting a Business

A selection of books that helped me found and scale a startup from a $10,000 line of credit to a billion-dollar business

Business News

Victoria Beckham Says She Grew Up 'Very Working Class' — Her Husband, David Beckham, Would Beg to Differ

The couple's disagreement was caught on camera for their hit Netflix docuseries, "Beckham."

Thought Leaders

From Side Hustle to Full-Time Success — 6 Ways to Turn Niche Interests into Profitable Ventures

A hobby, pro bono work or charity project can turn into a money-making business if you know the right steps to take.