6 Fun Workplace Competitions That Are Sure to Boost Productivity

Do you struggle to motivate your employees to reach company goals?

Employee engagement, the emotional motivation someone has for the organization, is a key driver to better outcomes.

Without high levels of employee engagement, goals can stagnant, and attribution rates rise.

Worse so, more and more workers settle into doing only the status quo, which will negatively impact business growth.

Therefore, using gamification tactics in the workplace can not only help boost your team's productivity but also their tangible results.

Read on to learn how to include more fun contest ideas for work, and why these are effective.

Gamification 101

Essentially, gamification is the application of traditional gaming elements to activities or tasks in order to achieve a goal.

A great example of this concept is with wearable fitness trackers, as these provide badges and other rewards for the user if they achieve caloric intake or step goals.

In the workplace, gamification would likely involve boosting productivity or reaching sales metrics through collaborative and competitive contests.

6 Fun Contest Ideas for Work

Are you interested in using games to improve the workplace, but don't know where or how to start?

Below are six fun contests ideas for work to create a more positive and engaged environment.

1. Utilize Visuals

While this is likely one of the simplest tools in the book, old school money-thermometers are surprisingly effective.

Set monthly targets for each sales team member, or team, and use it to track progress over time.

This strategy works because it involves emphasizing improvement over time, and it can be difficult for many employees to visualize this otherwise.

2. Merit-Based Raffle Tickets

With merit-based raffle tickets, employees receive a ticket each time they perform the desired behaviour or reach an outcome.

There is plenty of flexibility with this game because it can include that outside of revenue based positions.

For example, managers could reward employees that go above-and-beyond in their role.

The prizes can range from a paid Friday off, gift cards, or trophies and badges to display.

3. Scavenger Hunts

For a more collaborative, team-based game, a scavenger hunt is a great option. This is especially true if it is used as an annual activity or training exercise.

It also gives workers a chance to get out of the office for a while, with the chance at a reward.

For an added level of growth, try to strategically pair team members based on their tenure or productivity levels.

4. Use Service Awards

Reward positive feedback from clients with service awards. Team members with the best rating in a certain period of time can be recognized, and appreciation. This will help drive customer satisfaction.

5. Incentivize with Half-Days

Overall, regardless of the ultimate game, incentivizing with a half day is very effective. If you feel that sales numbers tend to lull at the end of the month or week, motivate employees by setting a goal.

Once the measurable goal, such as gross income, is met, allow them to take a half day at the end of the month.

6. Try Creative Pitching

Creative idea pitching will allow you to engage with employees in a way that allows for continued improvement of procedures.

Simply create an anonymous survey for workers to provide feedback and bounce new ideas, and then have everyone vote on the best proposal to implement.

Games for a Better Workplace

Ultimately, involving employees in a bit of friendly competition helps the organization reach its goals, and maintain better engagement.

This will likely increase the likelihood that collective goals are met, and that employees feel more connected to their workplace.

Regardless of the game, tangible rewards such as medals, awards, and trophies serve as the perfect reminder of their accomplishment.

Check out our variety of office trophies such as the employee of the month awards, and others that be customized to any organizations' fun contest ideas for work.