Japanese Firm Boosts Factory Productivity with Innovative Game

A company in Japan has introduced an innovative game to enhance factory worker productivity and alleviate the monotony of repetitive tasks. The initiative, implemented by Maruwa, a firm specializing in the cleaning and distribution of sheets and towels, aims to keep employees engaged during their shifts while also boosting output.

Game Mechanics Designed for Engagement

The software, known as Real Focus Synergy, was developed by Nissho Denki Seigyo. It incorporates idle game mechanics, allowing each worker to control an avatar that navigates a virtual island to develop a village. The gameplay encourages productivity: as workers load sheets into machines, a corresponding countdown begins in the game. The length of this countdown determines how long their avatars can engage in activities on the island.

For instance, when workers load bed sheets, they must remain productive in their actual tasks to facilitate progress in the game. This dynamic creates a direct link between real-world productivity and virtual rewards, motivating employees to perform their duties more efficiently. A screen mounted in front of the workers displays their overall progress, reinforcing the connection between their efforts and the game.

Partnership with Epic Games Yields Results

The concept emerged as Shohei Shinto, a representative of Real Focus Synergy, sought to develop a video game—an unusual venture for a company primarily focused on supplying factory production equipment. Inspired by the success of Epic Games and its popular title, Fortnite, Shinto reached out to the company for guidance. To his surprise, Epic Games responded, providing assistance that helped shape the project.

Since the rollout of Real Focus Synergy, productivity in Maruwa’s factory has reportedly increased by approximately 8% overall. Some workers experienced even more significant improvements, with productivity surging by nearly 18% in the first week of implementation. These results underscore the potential of gamification in workplace settings, offering a fresh approach to enhancing employee engagement and efficiency.

This integration of gaming elements into the work environment reflects a growing trend among companies seeking innovative solutions to improve productivity while maintaining employee morale. As more organizations explore similar strategies, the success of Maruwa may serve as a model for others looking to harness the power of play in the workplace.