Packt Publishing's challenge
Packt Publishing, founded in 2004 and based in Birmingham, publishes on-demand technology books, tutorials, videos and courses for IT professionals worldwide. With a global, digital workforce spread across several countries and cities, HR had a problem: hardly anyone signed up voluntarily for training. Getting people into the same room had become mission impossible, and traditional e-learning simply didn't engage them.
Packt also needed quality training in leadership, team management and influence. Its managers coordinate writers all over the world, give them feedback and make sure they deliver on time: in such a fast-moving sector, any delay hits sales.
- Engage a global workforce that wasn't signing up for voluntary training.
- Strengthen the leadership skills of middle managers and team leaders.
- Offer flexible training: at their own pace, anytime and anywhere.
The solution
Packt chose Pacific, the Game Strategies serious game on leadership and team management. Players are stranded on a desert island and must lead a team to build a hot-air balloon and escape alive. Along the way, they learn to motivate their team, give feedback and delegate tasks to become an inspiring leader.
It goes well beyond theory: the simulator makes players take decisions from the very start (delegating, distributing tasks, team building, motivating). And all you need to play is an internet connection and a username, so everyone progresses at their own pace, whenever and wherever they want, on a computer, tablet or smartphone.
The games they played
In their own words
The feedback has been tremendously positive. Our staff at Packt really loved Pacific. It sparked their interest, and they were able to play the game at their own pace, resolving conflicts and delegating tasks practically.
Our employees learned a lot with Pacific. Many of them even downloaded the available PDF files. They didn't forget the contents after finishing the game.
It's very difficult to get ten people to all stop working at the same time and come in for training, which is why the flexibility that Game Strategies provided was very important for me.
The results
Packt calls it a total success. 96% completed the training, in stark contrast with classroom training and other e-learning; 96% would recommend it and 96% consider it applicable to their jobs. Many even downloaded the available PDF files.
Pacific's story and interactivity captured employees' attention and boosted engagement. The outcome: more motivated, more confident managers with stronger leadership and team management skills. So much so that Packt has already decided to expand the program to other departments.
More case studies
+4%sales in the stores that took the trainingPhone House lifts store sales by 4% with customer service training built on a video game
100NPSResMed gears up its high-performing sales team with gamification and hits an NPS of 100
81.8%learn more than with traditional teachingRoyal St. George's College teaches negotiation with Merchants, and 81.8% of students learn more
Shall we play?
Tell us what your team needs to practice and, in a personalized demo, we'll show you the solution that will make the biggest impact on your organization.