Toward Proposing Gamification Solution to Enhance Employee Onboarding

Abstract

Human Resource Management (HRM) plays a critical role in developing a productive workforce, with the onboarding process being essential in preparing new employees for success. The onboarding encompasses four components, known as the four Cs: Compliance, Clarification, Culture, and Connection. Managers view the onboarding process as a way to deliver comprehensive information. Consequently, new employees encounter difficulties when transitioning to a new organization, such as adjusting to policies, understanding roles, adapting to the culture, as well as connecting with colleagues. Recently, the HRM department has adopted an innovative approach known as gamification. This study proposes gamification as a solution to assist employees during their onboarding process, focusing on the four Cs of onboarding. Additionally, it explores employees’ perspectives on their onboarding experience, identifies the most needed onboarding components, and examines their satisfaction with the work environment. A mixed-methods research approach was used to create a questionnaire based on the four Cs, completed by 230 participants. As a result, participants identified relationships and connections within the work environment as the most needed aspects that HRM needs to focus on during onboarding and throughout employment. Accordingly, a sample gamified prototype has been developed to enhance connections between employees during onboarding. Overall, it is crucial for organizations to recognize the importance of onboarding and provide proper support to new employees.