Gartner Forecasts Rapid Rise of Gamified Workforce Platforms in Logistics Sector

From points and badges to real-time leaderboards, companies are using game design to boost morale, speed up training, and tackle labor shortages.

Warehouses may soon look a little more like video games. According to new research from Gartner, 40% of large warehouse operations and distribution centers are expected to adopt gamification tools by 2028 to better engage and motivate their workers.

Gamification applies elements commonly found in games such as points, badges, leaderboards, and rewards, to everyday work tasks. In logistics environments, this can mean tracking performance in real-time, rewarding milestones, and turning routine processes into interactive challenges.

The move comes as companies face ongoing labor shortages and rising employee turnover. Businesses are under pressure to attract and retain workers, especially younger employees who are looking for more engaging and meaningful work experiences.

“Employee retention is becoming increasingly crucial in the current climate,” said Federica Stufano, senior principal analyst in Gartner’s Supply Chain practice. “Gamification helps organizations deliver engaging experiences by combining skill-building, recognition, and motivation in a practical way.”

Gartner’s research also shows that gamified training tools such as simulations and interactive quizzes help new or seasonal workers learn faster. Progress dashboards allow employees to track their development, building confidence and encouraging improvement.

However, experts caution that success depends more on company culture than technology. In regulated or unionized environments, careful planning is essential to ensure the system motivates rather than frustrates workers. As warehouses grow more automated and competitive, turning work into a smarter, more rewarding experience may be the next big advantage.