Newsletter APR 2012

“They actually think work should be fun”

“They actually think work should be fun”

Don’t let your spell checker fool you: gamification is a real term and a real trend in workplaces around the world.

In fact, it’s a very rapidly growing trend that is changing the way corporations approach training and motivating their employees.

And as trends go, this one is practically a senior citizen. Author and CEO of Gamification.co Gabe Zichermann describes gamification as “the process of using game thinking and game mechanics to engage audiences and solve problems.”  

In those dark days before the internet made honey sweeter and the sun brighter, using game mechanics often meant a leader board for sales staff or a competition for best customer service feedback.

Now many of the same concepts and motivations (think “leveling up” or winning badges) found in the world of video games are being harnessed to train and motivate employees around the globe.

Zichermann points out how important this evolution is at a time when the so-called “Millennial Generation,” or those who have grown up in the digital age, is beginning to enter the workforce.  

"Millennials are different from previous generations largely because of their exposure to video games. These have really changed their expectations of how work should be. They actually think work should be fun."

As terrible as fun at work sounds, there are other reasons for gamifying your workplace.

According to Donald Farmer of Qlikview, "[There is the] concept of flow. Flow is effectively this mental state that people get into when they're playing a game.

"Have you ever found yourself searching for something on Google and then 30 minutes later you're looking at something completely different and you don't know where the time has gone? If that's happened, then you've been in a state of flow."

Being in flow is quite similar to what athletes describe as “being in the zone.”  It is a state in which the body and mind move and connect seamlessly, providing outstanding results.  For training it means the learner is in a zone where he doesn’t consciously realize that he is learning.

Ready access to high speed internet and web-based tools are opening the doors for even smaller companies to benefit from the educational and motivational powers of being in the zone.

You may have already guessed that Tekmil is hard at work with gamification experts to deliver our partners an even more effective and fun learning experience.  Be on the lookout for more news and clues on how we will gamify the Finnish training industry in the near future!

English Lessons for Americans

There is an old saying that England and America are two countries separated by a common language.  I always thought it was a kind of funny, but basically meaningless phrase.

Then an English colleague of mine told me to “have a butcher’s” at something.

Now, as an American English speaker often using British English textbooks, it is not uncommon for me to stumble across an oddly placed preposition (at the weekend), a missing article (he was in hospital) or a different word than we would use (flat).

But have a butcher’s?  I was in the unique position of understanding all the words and still having no clue what was being said. 

It turns out that to “have a butcher’s” means to “have a look.” 

Makes perfect sense, right?

Actually, for those well versed in something called Cockney Rhyming Slang, it’s crystal clear.  And while it was completely unknown to me, I was able to call upon my years of research experience from university to quickly shed some light on the matter.  Yep, I googled it.  

In searching what George W. Bush once called the “interwebs,” I came across this excellent blog entry from the folks at BBC. 

Have a butcher’s!

The hottest campaign of the year – invest in yourself

The sun is shining. You can hear a pin drop in the office. Your mind is wondering. Everything has come to a halt. Just counting the days until your holiday…

Sound familiar? Could there be a way for you to make better use of your days? Perhaps by enhancing your skills?

Now you have the perfect opportunity to improve your language skills! TekMiL is offering language training tailored to your specific needs at summer prices.

Example: 10x90 min course EUR 1,250 + VAT (incl. materials).

Let's make this summer better together!

The campaign applies to group and private training courses taking place between 1 June and 31 August 2012.

Contact:

Sari Kanti-Paul, 050 538 6243, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it