Ever found yourself staring at your screen at work, thinking, "Man, I wish this was as fun as a video game"? It's a common feeling for anyone caught in the daily grind, and workplace burnout is a hot topic for a reason.
But according to a report by Japan's TBS NEWS DIG, some companies are now actually integrating gaming directly into their workflow. The result? Not only is employee motivation up, but efficiency is soaring, paving the way for a new kind of work model.
In Wakayama, a company called Maruwa, which handles the cleaning and rental of linens and towels for hospitals and hotels, is trying something new.
Step onto their factory floor, and you'll spot something unusual: a gaming monitor mounted right above the machinery controls. Employees can be seen glancing at it as they work. This isn't just for show—the game is directly linked to their work progress. Every time a task is completed, their in-game character mines, farms, and develops an island, making it more vibrant and bustling. The more work they do, the more buildings pop up, and the richer their virtual island becomes.
"You put the sheets in, and buildings just start popping up on the island. It's pretty fun," laughed a veteran employee of 20 years. A younger employee, who has been with the company for two years, added, "I play video games at home, so combining that with work feels pretty good."
The system was developed by Nissho Electric Control, a company based in Izumisano, Osaka. While they typically specialize in factory automation equipment, they realized that no matter how much you automate, some tasks still require a human touch—and these are often the most monotonous and repetitive ones.
So, they designed a "business-use game" called "REAL FOCUS," hoping employees could "play while they work" and make repetitive tasks a little less boring.
"Honestly, our company had zero experience making games," admitted Shohei Shindo, president of Nissho Electric Control. "Our inexperienced team was worried we'd just end up with a crappy game." In a stroke of genius, he decided to seek advice from the pros: Epic Games, the developer behind the global phenomenon Fortnite, which boasts over 500 million players. With their guidance, Nissho was able to refine the system into a more complete experience.
"REAL FOCUS" is more than just a way for employees to pass the time; it's also a powerful data collection tool. The system tracks each employee's hourly output, calculates averages and peak performance, and even features a leaderboard, giving the company a clearer picture of its production progress.
Factories that have implemented the system have seen an average productivity increase of 8% within the first week, with some individuals boosting their output by as much as 18%.
"Before, I just worked quietly, and time dragged on so slowly," said an employee of six years. "Now, watching the houses get built in the game actually makes me want to do more."
A factory manager also noted, "This department used to have pretty high turnover. But since we brought in the game, almost no one has quit due to burnout. Everyone feels like they're not being forced to work, and that's the best part."
Inquiries about the system are on the rise. President Shindo believes, "As long as society can embrace the idea that 'work can be fun,' there's huge potential for gamification tools in the manufacturing industry."
Of course, the key is "balancing gameplay with work efficiency." If it's too fun, it's a distraction. Too simple, and it loses its motivational power. The design has to strike just the right chord.
"Working while you play" might sound like a fantasy, but some companies are already using this system to boost efficiency and even make work more enjoyable. In the future, this new "Entertainment x Work" hybrid model might just become a common sight around the world.
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via： TBS NEWS DIG