Make training fun and effective with a digital game
Training around safety is extremely important for ensuring a safe working environment. But who says learning has to be boring, time-consuming or complex? Game-based learning not only makes it more fun, it also makes it a lot more effective.
Imagine: Your employees learn 4x faster, work 30% more efficiently and experience 1,000 times more fun.
In this article, you'll find out how game-based learning makes safety training fun.
Mandatory training for your employees
As an employer, training your employees is mandatory. Although this legislation has been in place for a long time, it has become more stringent in 2024. We would like to explain this in more detail.
As from 1 January 2024, all full-time employees must undergo an average of at least 5 training days per year for a period of 5 years. This also applies if the employment contract is terminated. In addition, a training plan must be drawn up and available to each employee.
Game-based learning can help: It's an easy and efficient way to get your employees to comply.
Source: https://www.sociare.be/nl/kennisbank/verplichtingen-opleiding
Different types of training
There are different types of training, such as live training courses, simulation exercises, toolbox meetings, e-learning and game-based learning.
Below, we will go through the advantages and disadvantages of each type of training.
| Type of training | Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|
| Live training courses | - Direct interaction with instructor and other participants - Possibility for questions and discussions - Personalized feedback |
- Time-consuming and more expensive due to travel time, location costs - Not flexible in terms of time and location |
| Simulation exercises | - Realistic environment for practical experience - Hands-on learning experience - Increases problem-solving ability |
- More expensive and time-intensive to set up - Often requires specialist equipment or software |
| Toolbox meetings | - Short, focused on specific topics - Promotes team communication and collaboration - Practical and directly applicable |
- Limited depth of material - Short duration can lead to superficial understanding - Dependent on participant involvement |
| E-learning (video & quiz) |
- Flexible in time and place - Extremely scalable and cost-effective - Can be repeated for revision |
- Limited interaction and personal guidance - Dependent on self-discipline - Can promote passive learning |
What is game-based learning?
Game-based learning is an innovative learning method that uses game elements to improve employee knowledge and skills. Especially in safety and business training, this method offers an attractive and effective way to translate theory into practice by using interactive simulations that replicate the real working environment. Moreover, you need little or no technical experience to complete these courses, which are accessible to all ages and educational levels.
Many employees lack the intrinsic motivation to take part in traditional training. Gamifying training not only makes learning more fun, but also more effective. Simulations make it possible to experiment and learn from mistakes in an entirely safe environment. This allows employees to immediately apply their knowledge and skills in real-life situations. A good example of this can be seen in chemical companies, where accidents have been reduced by 30% as a result of this approach. (Source: Play it)
Advantages for employees
- Flexible learning: digital games are accessible via any platform and device (desktop PC, laptop, tablet, smartphone and VR) allowing employees to engage with the training anytime, anywhere
- Combination of theory and practice within one training course: employees are immersed in realistic, interactive scenarios in which they can apply theoretical knowledge in practical contexts
- Learning in an environment that realistically replicats the workplace: game-based learning simulates a real environment, allowing employees to practice and apply knowledge in a risk-free environment
- Fast way of training thanks to microlearning: game-based learning provides short pieces of focused learning content with clear goals, designed to convey knowledge in a manageable way
- Active participation: employees must interact with the game environment by making decisions, solving problems or completing tasks to progress
- Instant feedback: the digital game provides instant feedback on actions, allowing employees to understand their mistakes and correct them in real-time
- Goal-oriented motivation: games often focus on achieving a specific goal such as meeting a challenge, which keeps employees engaged through a sense of achievement
Advantages for managers
The icing on the cake? As a responsible person, you will have access to an easy-to-use LMS (Learning Management System).
- Monitoring of training by deciding who takes which training and in which order (indoors, outdoors, production environment, office,...)
- An understanding of training results and common mistakes
- A targeted focus on knowledge that requires further developed
- Focus on safety and well-being
- Onboarding and guidance of the induction within a company (ensuring a correct start and creating sufficient support)
- Cost-efficient training by reducing training costs, promoting knowledge transfer and offering scalable, flexible learning opportunities, while minimising errors and downtime
From first aid and ergonomics to fire safety and hygiene: the Play it Safe catalogue offers more than 100 interactive simulations to improve workplace safety.
Ask for a demo and test it yourself
Game-based learning options by Play it Safe
With Play it you create or choose what works best for your business. You can create your own simulation game, or choose a course from their extensive “marketplace”. In addition, you can link it to your own system or the Play it Learning Management System.
Satisfied customers
“Training 800 employees in 2 weeks, in a safe and virtual environment where unsafe situations are simulated entirely free from risk: il faut le faire!”
7200 employees
26 sites
5 continents
Koen Colpaert – Group Process safety manager at Borealis
“The simplicity of the platform, combined with the innovative possibilities of G-learning, was a real added value in bringing a lot of info to all employees in a bite-sized, visual and concrete way.”
4000 employees
Laure Monard – Interal Communication Manager at Delhaize
The following Vandeputte customers have already chosen this fun and effective way of learning:
- Totalenergies
- Bayer Agriculture
- Electrabel
- Antargaz
- Ecco Leather
- SGCPB / Autover
Conclusion
Game-based learning provides an innovative way to make business training not just fun, but also more effective. It increases learning speed, improves learning outcomes, and simulates realistic scenarios which better prepare employees for the workplace. It also offers a cost-effective and time-saving alternative to traditional learning methods. Safe(r) working and readjusting is made easier by gaining insight through data. You know where mistakes are made, and you can easily and effectively guide your employees to make changes where necessary. In short, Play it Safe not only allows you to complete mandatory training days more effectively, but also to systematically improve safety in the workplace.