Randstad uses game tech to breathe life into its HR guide

Randstad’s new Workpocket World is a worthwhile exception

Playing games in the office isn’t usually something most employers would encourage – but Randstad’s new Workpocket World is a worthwhile exception. The recruitment giant’s ground-breaking new online tool gives information about every aspect of Human Resources by using an animated 3-D interactive office-scape.

The Workpocket World, similar to life simulation games like The Sims, features five colourful floors of office space with employees, visitors, passers-by all engaged in their daily virtual activities. By clicking on information buttons, users can bring up more than 200 articles and 80 HR scenarios that help with recruitment, HR regulations, employee rights, talent development, rewards, staff retention, disputes and redundancy.

Workpocket World is an innovation on Randstad’s previous Workpocket manual featuring articles and advice, which the HR consultancy firm has produced for the last 13 years and distributed to line managers with limited HR experience, as well as HR professionals. The new Workpocket online world is now being released as a free resource for anyone who is interested in knowing more about every aspect of HR, whether they are employers, managers or recruiters.

Mark Bull, CEO of Randstad UK and the Middle East, said:

“HR is a constantly evolving and often complex environment. It’s hard enough for the pros, but ludicrous to think that hard-pushed business owners and line managers should be able to keep track of every aspect of the employment cycle.

“In the past, WorkPocket has proved to be a popular resource for time-strapped smaller business owners and HR professionals – and in taking the step to digitise the handbook for the 13th edition, we’re hoping to make this vital information even more accessible.”

The Workpocket virtual environment can either be accessed by entering a search query or by navigating around the world by clicking and dragging. The inventive interface blends all kinds of situations that can be found both inside and outside the workplace.

Just outside the front entrance, next to cyclists and pedestrians, is a group of people with placards. Clicking on the information button reveals a how-to guide on trade unions, with advice and information covering trade union recognition, what information employers must disclose to unions, health and safety and strike action.

Outside you’ll also find employees with babies – offering advice about parental leave in a variety of sectors – and others chatting in a café about a gay colleague, with information about discrimination.

Head upstairs to see some of the common workplaces scenarios that Randstad’s tech wizards have created. Clicking next to a group of workmen constructing an office space brings up an article about the UK’s skills gap and the impact on recruitment.

Office spaces have people conducting appraisals, talking about a company sports team, working out in a company gym, discussing employment contracts and receiving medical help.

The decision to turn the popular Workpocket manual into a searchable digital world will help HR professionals and employees gain a better understanding of the issues and context, Bull said.

“Creating a fun and interactive platform where people can visualise countless scenarios and effortlessly search for information on the area they’re interested in, will add value for all kinds of user and ensure HR best practice at every level,” Bull said.

Randstad has also produced a full guide to Workpocket World.

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The British Institute of Recruiters is the Professional Body operating The Recruitment Certification Scheme

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