Two-plus years ago, when Mountain Park Health Center in Phoenix wanted to find a way to inspire and recognize its 750 employees, executives decided on a gamification approach. This is one of many real-world applications in the expanding trend of using features of games to engage people and influence their behavior.
For help with the project, Mountain Park Health Center turned to Snowfly, an employee incentive and recognition company whose programs combine proprietary software along with motivating rewards that understand human behavior. For example, at Mountain Park Health Center, employees can congratulate each other with a Peer to Peer Recognition program, and are also recognized and rewarded for suggesting ways to improve the quality of care their patients receive.
It all starts with data analytics on individual behavior, regardless of the end-user experience, according to Ryan Dietrich, account manager for Snowfly. “By recording behaviors and patterns, we use tested and tried algorithms and data analysis to assist organizations with efficiency, employee motivation and trends. We collect, protect and analyze behavioral data, which can then be used to tailor a unique customized experience to the end user.” Among the technologies used are relational database management system MySql and server management and database reporting tools.
“Mountain Park Health Center also uses gamification for employee birthdays, where they can play quick games to yield transferable points to a reloadable debit card,” Dietrich says, adding that the gamification option allows employees to win a significant number of points which can then be redeemed for a customized incentive reward.
Jenny Albios, manager of human resource information systems and credentialing for Mountain Park Health Center, says the incentive program has been extremely well-received among the employees and is working quite well. “Our employees love it, and the feedback has been great,” she says.
