Leveraging gamification to enhance productivity and employee engagement in the Nigerian construction industry

PurposeThis article aims to investigate the various applications of gamification practices in the construction industry, with a focus on improving safety and quality, project management, innovation and productivity and workforce development.Design/methodology/approachA comprehensive literature review was conducted to identify several construction areas where gamification can be employed, which helped in formulating a questionnaire survey. The survey was disseminated to construction professionals in the Nigerian construction industry using a convenience sampling technique. The collected data were analyzed using a variety of statistical tools such as percentages, frequencies, mean item scores and exploratory factor analyses. Additionally, cluster analysis was performed to obtain a more comprehensive analysis of these application areas.FindingsFour key clusters of gamification areas of application in the Nigerian construction industry were identified – safety and quality, project management, innovation and efficiency and workforce development. By integrating game elements into these critical areas, construction organizations in Nigeria can enhance worker engagement, increase productivity and improve safety, ultimately leading to better project outcomes.Practical implicationsThe identification and evaluation of the gamification areas of application in the construction industry would help construction organizations and stakeholders make informed decisions regarding the integration of game elements into critical areas such as safety and quality, project management, innovation and efficiency and workforce development.Originality/valueThe study provides valuable information for construction organizations and stakeholders looking to enhance worker engagement, increase productivity and improve safety in their projects through gamification. It also adds to the growing body of research on the use of gamification in various industries and provides a foundation for further studies in this area.