Nov. 2, 2013

Sheppard Mullin hosts panel on gamification in the workplace

During a panel at Sheppard, Mullin, Richter & Hamptons LLP's Palo Alto office on Oct. 24, gamification experts Steve Sims and Mario Herger explained how companies use elements from video games and mathematical game theory to motivate employees. Sheppard Mullin labor and employment partner Paul S. Cowie also gave local technology company representatives advice on how to avoid litigation when implementing gamification programs in the workplace. Cowie said gamification should lead to less litigation in general by keeping employees more engaged in their work and lowering the risk of their quitting or being fired. He added that companies need to be careful when constructing gamification programs to ensure that employees' personal information and privacy are handled correctly. "Tell them where it's going to be published. Tell them how it's going to be used. Tell them who's going to have access to the information, and have them sign up," he said. — Joshua Sebold