Play To Prosper: 4 Ways Gamification Can Level Up Your Coworking Space

• Gamification isn’t just about kids and video games anymore; it’s about applying playful elements to encourage positive behaviors.
• Coworking operators can counteract stagnation by incorporating gamification elements like prizes and badges to encourage member participation and create a vibrant atmosphere.
• Operators can utilize points, leaderboards, and interactive experiences to motivate coworking space members.

Do you feel things are a bit…stagnant in your coworking space? 

When member engagement is dropping, that can be a real drag for your business and everyone in it. Disengaged members mean underutilized spaces, a less vibrant atmosphere, and ultimately, lost revenue.

The great news is that there’s a powerful tool that can turn things around: gamification.

Gamification isn’t just about kids and video games anymore. It’s about applying playful elements to encourage positive behaviors. 

In the context of your coworking space, that means motivating members to connect, participate, and get the most out of the environment you’ve created.

“Games are the only force in the known universe that can get people to take actions against their self-interest, in a predictable way, without using force,” according to Gabe Zichermann.

If you’re a coworking operator and ready to ditch the dull and unleash the power of gamification, here’s how you can supercharge your coworking space.

Level Up Your Space: Gamification Techniques in Action

By adding fun elements like points, badges, and challenges, you can nudge your members toward the behaviors you want to see. Think of it as a gentle push in the right direction, wrapped in a layer of friendly competition and excitement. Here are some winning techniques to try:

1.Points & Prizes 

Consider rewarding members with points/credits for attending workshops, yoga classes, or using the on-site cafe. These points can then be redeemed for cool perks like free meeting room time or discounts on services. It’s a win-win: members get rewarded for engaging, and you get them using all the great features of your space.

2.Leaderboard Smackdown (the friendly kind)

A little healthy competition can’t hurt; create leaderboards that showcase members who are the “Top Networkers,” the “Meeting Room Masters,” or the ultimate “Focus Zone Champions.” You can even design fun challenges, like completing a project by a certain date or participating in the most workshops in a month. Winners can score prizes or some serious bragging rights within the coworking community.

3.Badge Bonanza  

People love a good achievement, so why not create a digital badge system? Members can earn badges for completing tasks or reaching milestones. Imagine a “Networking Ninja” badge for attending five events or a “Collaboration Guru” badge for booking the most meeting rooms with other members. It’s a fun way to recognize accomplishments and keep members motivated.

4.Beyond the Screen: Interactive Experiences

Gamification is meant to be fun, not just a checklist, so think outside the box and incorporate some interactive experiences, like a virtual reality collaboration tool that lets members work together in a simulated space station. Or how about a gamified app that rewards members for using focus rooms or scheduling meetings with others? These playful touches can add a whole new dimension to the coworking experience.

Gamification is meant to be fun, not just a checklist, so think outside the box and incorporate some interactive experiences.

Boss Level Engagement: Implementing Gamification

Ready to begin adding elements of strategic fun to your space? Here’s how to turn those gamification ideas into action:

Step 1:  Know Your Mission

Before starting, take a moment to figure out your ultimate goal. Do you want to see more members networking and collaborating? Maybe you want to boost usage of those awesome amenities you offer. Having a clear target in mind will help you choose the right gamification tactics.

Step 2: Pick Your Power-Ups Wisely

Think of gamification techniques as your toolbox; don’t try to throw everything at the wall at once. Look at your goals and choose the tools (like points, badges, or challenges) that best fit your member base. Remember, you don’t want to overwhelm them. Start small, see what works, and then you can level up your gamification strategy based on your success.

Step 3: Seamless Integration is Key

Imagine a member trying to earn points but getting lost in a maze of complicated rules. Not exactly the fun experience you’re aiming for, right? Make sure your gamification system is smooth and easy to use. Integrate it seamlessly with your existing tools — website, app, member communication — so it feels like a natural part of the coworking experience.

Step 4: Track Your Progress and Adapt!

Gamification isn’t a “set it and forget it” strategy. Keep an eye on how your members are responding. Are they engaged with the challenges? Are the badges motivating them? Track key metrics like member activity and feedback to see what’s working and what needs tweaking. Don’t be afraid to adapt your approach to keep things exciting and effective.

The Final Quest: A Look Ahead

As technology evolves, so too will the ways we can gamify the coworking experience. This means even more exciting ways to keep your members engaged, motivated, and feeling like an integral part of a vibrant community. So, stay curious, embrace new ideas, and keep your finger on the pulse of gamification trends — the possibilities are endless.