Did you know 85% of employees are unengaged at work? Implementing a rewards system for your LMS can make the difference between an unproductive employee and an engaged employee. Rewards systems are a great way to recognize employees for their continued growth and incentivize employees to invest time in their personal and professional development. As goals are achieved, employees can see themselves moving along their career paths and training programs.
Here are some ways to implement a rewards program:
Step 1 – Implement gamification technology
Gamification is a technique that organizations use to add game elements into the workplace. When gamification is implemented, interest, attention, interaction, and learner engagement are used for problem-solving. Especially in distance learning methodologies, gamification can increase user involvement and provide a more stimulating experience paired with healthy competition. Prizes that can be awarded are company merchandise, an extra floating PTO day, etc. The possibilities are endless!
Tip: Deploy a poll or survey to gauge employees’ thoughts and ideas of what they feel would be rewarding to win. This can help increase that connection and buy-in for the program.
Step 2 – Identify the rewards system
Once the chosen method is implemented, a reward system must also be created and implemented. It’s important to understand that employees are driven by different motivations. Some employees are driven by status – like reaching a desired ranking. Other employees are driven by roles within the platform. Once a certain level is achieved, a user can become a mentor to others or a moderator who can answer other users’ questions. Therefore, several options must be given.
Tip: Develop a point system for completing learning or other achievements within your organization’s LMS. Points can be given for consuming additional curricula, engaging in a set amount of time in a specific module, or even just exploring the platform. After a certain number of points have been accrued, your employees can earn tangible rewards.
Step 3 – Introduce badges
Outside of points, employees are driven by other factors that can be displayed in the LMS. A badge, for example, can be displayed under a user’s profile indicating a ranking or status. Badges provide public recognition for learning and professional achievements. In Saba Cloud, a learner can earn a badge by completing learning events (courses or classes) or by receiving an impression. Impressions are a great way to give feedback quickly and easily to colleagues.
Tip: Tie a badge to the impression and allow those impressions to be displayed on the learner’s profile. You can even allow learners to become “star” performers if they get to a certain number of badges. Click here to learn how to implement badges in Saba Cloud.
People who are recognized and appreciated are naturally motivated, committed to their work, and willing to go the extra mile. Regardless of the rewards method used, employee adoption is key. The system must incentivize the employee to continue to hit milestones on their eLearning journey, and it must also serve to enhance the cohesion of the group by creating a collaborative environment where each member is proud and engaged with their role.
