How Gamification and Rewards Work to Improve Compliance

Gamification’s special moment has come and gone.  It’s no longer the flavor of the month.  Because now that it’s enshrined in business operations everywhere, it’s rapidly become an essential tool.

This post address how gamification and rewards work to improve compliance.

Applying a Process

It’s not the game itself but the game’s mechanics which can be applied to encourage engagement, participation and loyalty.

Game designers apply data-driven knowledge to engage those who play games.  Applying the principles they use in that pursuit is how you make your travel policy friendlier to employees by dispensing with the need for rigid guidelines.

In other words, making the process look more like a game in which there are rewards and recognition built in is the silver bullet to compliance with your policy.

Motivation and Cost Containment

It’s no secret to those of you reading that travel costs can get out of control quickly when employees won’t play ball.  But adding gamification and rewards creates the conditions for global compliance by presenting a friendlier face than spending limits and rigid policy.

Extrinsic motivation derives from adding a motivating factor, which ups the ante for compliance.  For example, benefits are an extrinsic motivation, as well as salary increases.

Most people enjoy friendly competition and fun.  Gamification draws on those natural inclinations to drive higher rates of compliance, including with travel policy.

For example, introducing a system of rewards earned by employees who comply with policy includes the deployment of tools like points awarded and leaderboards.  When employees can see their ranking against others, they automatically get a motivational boost.

The positive reinforcement of being rewarded for compliance with policy is far more effective than negative consequences for not complying. 

Gamification and rewards work to improve compliance by providing immediate gratification, driving willing and wholehearted employee compliance.

A Shiny, Brass Ring

For gamification to work, the reward must be significant enough to get employees on board.  When the reward appeals, adoption is much easier.

It pays to remember that compliance with your corporate travel policy is going to save you a considerable amount of money. 

The extrinsic motivation to comply skyrockets when what employees are rewarded with is highly desirable.  That’s worth a chunk of the money you’ll save.  Spending it on rewards just keeps the ball rolling and “voila”!  Compliance is suddenly global.

Positive Results Vs. Negative Attitudes

Shrinking your travel budget isn’t going to win you any fans.  In fact, it may breed resentment.  That’s because it’s not a positive.

Negative policy rarely motivates anyone.  But the positivity of gamification brings rewards and competition that makes it fun and gratifying.  Accentuating the positive is how you get employees on board, with gamification and rewards doing much more than rigid policy.

Incentive Travel Group

For over 20 years, ITG has been creating corporate travel incentive programs and rewards systems for companies like yours.

With strong vendor relationships, finely tuned logistics and incentives expertise that keeps your people burning to achieve, we extend your capacity.

Contact us about gamification and rewards.

Let’s Get Started

Let’s Get Started

Planning a Group Trip?
We can help.

start planning

Case Studies

Boosting Retention Rates
Providing Sales Incentives
Building Employee Teamwork
Improving Employee Recognition

Testimonials

  • Evan Polin
    Sandler Training

    "I've been working with Bruce and his team on two projects and they've been great to work with. Bruce has helped us set up a referral/incentive program for us to roll out with our clients and strategic partners. Bruce was great to work with. He's set up a 7 tier program that allows for flexibility and he's also helped us to market the program."

  • Kevin O'Keefe
    Vice President World Wide Sales, Maginatics, Inc.

    "Beverly arranged and managed the early Envivio Sales incentive trips for us. Each of our events was an outstanding and motivating experience Our Sales team appreciated the attention to detail and to fun. Qualifying for the "trip" was a motivating factor behind many end of year sales pushes. I will use Beverly again in the future."

  • Mickey Poorman
    Laird Technologies

    "Peak Performance’s attention to detail and personal service made me feel like I had a true corporate meeting planning partner that I could rely on throughout the planning process right up until I was on site. I look forward to doing more meetings with them."

  • Marco Lopez
    C& J Energy Services, Inc

    "I have used your services two years in a row and you all have made my vacation a great one. You have the most helpful and considerate employees. Always very friendly, respectful and willing to make my travel experience a good one. Thank you and keep up the great job."

Latest Blog Post

Bucket List Destinations for your next President's Club

Are you looking for some inspiration for your next President's Club or sales incentive destination? Look no further than this...

Contact Us