All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy' is an adage that Mr Vsevolod Rozanov, CEO, Sistema Shyam Teleservices is taking seriously.

 

The Russian head of the mobile company, which offers services under the MTS brand, has found a new way to keep employees engaged by adopting online game-based software for day-to-day work.

 

Sistema Shyam has partnered with Tata Interactive Systems (TIS) to develop these game-based programmes that make even routine functions such as stock-keeping look interesting.

 

To start with, the company has introduced an induction process for the new employees at Sistema Shyam Teleservices, who will no longer have to go through dull presentations or brochures to know more about the company. The game engine developed by TIS will help track the learner's progress at every stage. Most of the information received by the learner is cross-linked and the individual must interpret it or use it in conjunction with other information in order to progress.

 

Prior to this, Sistema Shyam was using instructor-led, classroom training for induction. The programme often required the new hires and senior management to travel to training venues, thereby increasing resource and time commitment.

 

Positive impressions

 

Mr Manish Kharbanda, Chief Human Resource Officer, SSTL, said, “It is imperative that we make a positive first impression on our new employees. We hope that the experience of this game-based orientation will reinforce to them that they are part of a progressive and world-class organisation. MTS is amongst the first few companies in India to use this tool. In the near future, we will introduce a slew of innovative programmes.”

 

It plans to introduce gaming-based programmes for its other internal processes.

 

Mr Rajesh Jumani, Chief Marketing Officer, Tata Interactive Systems, said, “Our orientation games are generally designed around an adventure or quest that takes the players through a series of episodes to teach them about the company. The players learn through puzzles, activities etc., and collect information ‘items' which help them discover more as they move on.”

 

TIS has done similar projects in other countries for large multinational companies, including Barclays Bank, Citibank, British Telecom and Unilever.