At the risk of Gertrude Steinposting, I think we can all agree that work is work is work. It’s serious, it’s often dry, and it never, ever ends. Oftentimes this sober-minded framing is appropriate, especially when we’re talking about careers where life and death hang in the balance. Even in those contexts though, professionals can benefit from harnessing our innate biological tendencies towards epistemic play, which refers to the way that human beings acquire knowledge through playful interaction. With workplace dynamics changing rapidly as AI floods every industry with unprecedented levels of productivity and turnover, workplace training games are poised to help employers and employees alike stay competitive.
Stop Pretending, Start Playing
According to Moodle’s State of Workplace Learning Report, nearly 40% of workers’ skills will become outdated within the next five years. Companies are investing billions in training programs, yet many employees find them ineffective, with nearly half admitting they speed through or disengage from mandatory training. This sort of pretend training sounds like a tremendous amount of waste of time and resources to us! Fortunately, game-based training is a powerful antidote to this disengagement.
A West Virginia University study found that incorporating game elements into routine assembly tasks significantly increased productivity. Workers in gamified environments were not only more engaged but also performed tasks more efficiently. This suggests that when designed thoughtfully, game-inspired approaches can counteract workplace disengagement and drive meaningful skill development.
Extended Reality: The Training Ground of the Future
Some companies are taking game-based training to another dimension by integrating Extended Reality (XR) – a blend of virtual, augmented, and mixed reality. According to Forbes, XR is being used to upskill workers in fields ranging from healthcare to skilled trades. By offering immersive simulations, XR enables employees to practice complex procedures in a low-risk, interactive environment, accelerating both learning and retention.
For example, healthcare providers are using XR to train nurses on life-saving procedures, while manufacturing firms deploy VR simulations to teach workers about operating heavy machinery. Unlike traditional training, these game-like experiences allow employees to fail safely, refining their skills without real-world consequences. If you want to experience this kind of environment yourself, check out our own VR experience Some Assembly Required (SAR)! SAR takes place in a virtual robotics warehouse in which you are free (and even encouraged) to break everything on your way to robotics mastery.
Gaming as a Job Pipeline? IKEA Thinks So.
If training can feel like a game, why not make recruitment one too? That’s exactly what IKEA did by hiring employees through Roblox. In a bold move, the furniture giant launched “The Co-Worker Game,” a virtual store experience that mimics real-life retail jobs. Players could take on various roles, help customers, and even get promoted, all within a digital environment. The top-performing candidates were then selected for paid positions. This strategy underscores how gaming can provide a skill-building environment that can prepare workers for real-world careers. With companies increasingly recognizing transferable skills gained from gaming – such as teamwork, problem-solving, and multitasking – it’s no surprise that more employers are turning to digital simulations as a talent pipeline.
The Future of Work is Play
Whether it’s AI-powered learning, XR-driven simulations, or gamified task management, the influence of games on workplace training and recruitment is undeniable. Games provide an environment where employees can hone critical skills, receive instant feedback, and build confidence, all while possibly even enjoying the process.
As businesses continue to explore innovative workforce development strategies, one thing is clear: the skills developed in gaming environments are proving to be some of the most valuable in the modern workplace. If games are preparing employees better than traditional methods, maybe it’s time for all of us to start taking play more seriously. On that note, are you ready to get serious about play? Contact us about our game-based learning development services.