- Employee Benefits,Property & Casualty
- No comments
Pokemon Go is a free-to-play game for iOS and Android devices, which has exploded in popularity among individuals of all ages since its debut. It has surpassed Twitter as the most popular app in the app store, and is edging out huge names like Netflix and Pandora in terms of daily usage. It has been called the most popular mobile game in U.S. history.
What is Pokemon Go?
Pokemon Go allows players to capture, battle and train Pokemon using augmented reality technology. This means that rather than sitting inside on the couch, players must go out and explore the area around them if they want to find Pokemon. The game uses GPS technology and the phone’s camera to display Pokemon near the player.
Players can gather game items at places called Pokestops. Pokestops are located at places like coffee shops, music venues, businesses and historical monuments. Some Pokestops were chosen due to their historical and cultural significance, while others were chosen based on geo-tagged photos from Google and by suggestions from players.
How is Pokemon Go affecting the workplace?
Given its popularity, it should be no surprise that some employees are playing Pokemon Go at work. This distraction could affect productivity and cause some employees to be less engaged in their work.
Employers can mitigate Pokemon Go distractions by taking the following steps:
- Review your employee handbook to make sure you have a policy prohibiting employees from playing computer or mobile games at work. Remind employees of your policy, and encourage them to play during lunch or on their breaks instead.
- Prohibit employees from downloading the app on company-provided cellphones, which can open the device up to malware and other potential security breaches.
- Apply policies consistently among all employees and departments to avoid claims of favoritism.
Advantages of Pokemon Go
Despite concerns about productivity, there are many benefits that can be achieved by embracing Pokemon Go:
- Wellness—Pokemon Go encourages players to get moving. They must walk around in real life to catch Pokemon, and they can also get “eggs” from Pokestops. To hatch these eggs, players must walk a certain number of kilometers (typically 2 km, 5 km or 10 km). To reap wellness benefits, encourage employees to use their lunch and break times for Pokemon exploring.
- Stress relief—In addition, Pokemon Go offers employees an outlet for releasing stress during the day. By taking a short walk to find Pokemon, employees can reduce work-related stress and return to work with a fresh mind.
- Team morale—People are continually sharing their Pokemon Go experiences on the internet. Translate that excitement into the workplace by holding a Pokemon Go activity during lunch or after work, where a group of co-workers can get together to search for Pokemon. This can be a great way for co-workers to build relationships while having fun.
Use Pokemon Go to Improve Your Bottom Line
If you’re looking to bring in new business, Pokemon Go may be the perfect opportunity to do so. Some businesses that have been designated as Pokestops or gyms (where players can battle one another), have seen a spike in sales. Not sure if your company is a gym or Pokestop? Consider installing the mobile app on your phone and seeing where the nearest locations are.
In addition, consider using a “lure” to drive in new business. Lures can be earned through the game once you reach certain levels or they can be purchased within the game’s store. Lures will attract Pokemon—and therefore players—to a Pokestop for 30 minutes. One pizza shop in New York was able to increase its sales by 75 percent in one weekend by using lures.
While the long-term popularity of Pokemon Go remains to be seen, employers should act now to realize game benefits and minimize workplace distractions.