The Impact of Gamification on Employee Training in the Steel Structure Manufacturing Industry

Introduction: In the steel structure manufacturing industry, training and skill enhancement of employees play a crucial role in improving productivity and reducing operational errors. Given the technical and precise nature of this industry, adopting innovative training methods is essential. One such method is gamification, which incorporates game-based elements such as scoring, challenges, and rewards to make the learning process more engaging and effective. This approach not only enhances employees' motivation but also transforms learning into an interactive and immersive experience, leading to improved technical knowledge and skill acquisition.

Methods: This study was conducted in a steel structure manufacturing facility in Iran. To design a gamification-based educational application, workplace conditions, operational processes, and statistics on human- induced errors and workplace incidents were analyzed. Based on these insights, a system integrating scoring mechanisms, motivational badges, and practical challenges was developed. The application aimed to actively engage employees in the learning process, encouraging them to solve practical problems and participate in friendly competition. To evaluate its effectiveness, user behavior was monitored, and their progress in learning and error reduction was assessed.

Results: The findings indicate that incorporating gamification into employee training had a positive impact on motivation and engagement. Employees who used the application demonstrated significant improvement in their technical knowledge, while operational errors decreased notably. Additionally, the time required for learning and mastering essential skills was reduced. These outcomes highlight an increase in productivity and overall improvement in the quality of manufacturing processes.

Conclusion: The implementation of gamification in educational applications can serve as an effective strategy for enhancing employees' skills in the steel structure manufacturing industry in Iran. This method not only fosters motivation and engagement with educational content but also directly contributes to reducing operational errors and increasing productivity. Future research should explore additional gamification elements and tailor them to the specific educational needs of this industry. Furthermore, integrating advanced technologies such as augmented reality and virtual reality could further enrich the learning experience. Support: This study received ethical approval from the Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran (Ethical approval number: IR.MUI.REC.1401–063). The research was funded by the Isfahan University of Medical Sciences (Grant number: 3401657).

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Artikel online veröffentlicht:
08. Oktober 2025