Written by WiNSS Scholar Sophia Feldman
I’ve always been fascinated by the ways in which neuroscience can enhance workplace productivity and engagement. A little about me: I am a senior at the University of Pennsylvania majoring in cognitive science with a focus on decision-making. At Penn, I serve as the president of the Wharton Neuroscience Initiative Student Society and work as a research assistant at the Wharton Behavioral Lab—can you tell this is my thing?
This summer, my internship at Amazon provided the perfect opportunity to explore the connection between brain science and business, showing me just how valuable this background can be in giving you an edge in the corporate world.
During my time at Amazon, I was tasked with conducting a productivity study. I noticed recurring productivity blockers that stemmed from repetitive tasks, such as manual deletions and time spent verifying product descriptions. The nature of these tasks likely impacted engagement over time. Drawing from my cognitive science background I saw an opportunity to introduce gamification to improve both productivity and employee satisfaction.
The Power of Gamification
Gamification works by applying game-like elements—such as rewards, competition, and performance feedback—to everyday tasks. These elements activate the brain’s reward system, particularly the release of dopamine, which boosts motivation and engagement. As highlighted by the Harvard Business Review, gamification’s potential lies in its ability to enhance motivation by tapping into the need for autonomy, competence, and relatedness. When employees feel they have control over their tasks, can track their progress, and connect with others through shared goals, engagement naturally increases.
My goal was to design a solution that transformed daily tasks into more engaging activities, using cognitive neuroscience principles to make the workplace more stimulating.
For the project, I designed a gamified user interface for teams that tracked performance and awarded points for task efficiency. The tool allowed employees to monitor their progress in real time, receiving badges and recognition for their achievements.
Anticipating Results
Research shows that gamification can lead to a 15% increase in productivity, and my projections of including gamification indicated potential six-figure savings for the company! Studies like Gerdenitsch et al. (2020) highlight that gamification drives motivation by promoting a sense of autonomy, mastery, and achievement. By making tasks more interactive and rewarding, gamification taps into the brain’s natural desire for accomplishment and progress, leading to higher engagement and improved outcomes.
Looking Ahead
The neuroscience behind gamification offers businesses a powerful tool to enhance both productivity and employee well-being. As more companies look for ways to boost engagement in the workplace, understanding how the brain responds to rewards and feedback will be key to creating environments where employees thrive. Gamification is not just a productivity hack; it’s a science-backed approach that can fundamentally reshape how we work.
Works Cited
- Gerdenitsch, C., Sellitsch, D., Besser, M., Burger, S., Stegmann, C., Tscheligi, M., & Kriglstein, S. (2020). Work gamification: Effects on enjoyment, productivity and the role of leadership. Electronic Commerce Research and Applications, 43, 100994.
- Gallup. (2024). State of the global workplace: 2024 report. Gallup.
- Llopis, G. (2024, March 5). How gamification can boost employee engagement. Harvard Business Review.
Sophia Feldman is a Cognitive Science major and Design minor (C’24) originally from Caracas, Venezuela. She currently resides in Miami, Florida.