Increasing the digital competencies of HR management trainers through Minecraft Escape Rooms

We applied for this project to address the profound changes in HR practices brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly the rise of hybrid and remote working models. Research highlighted several critical challenges faced by HR professionals, including disengagement among remote employees, inefficient on-boarding processes, and a lack of digital skills to manage virtual teams effectively. For instance, studies showed that companies with engaged employees were significantly more productive and profitable, yet a substantial portion of employees remained disengaged in remote environments. Furthermore, the rapid digitization of HR functions exposed gaps in digital literacy, with many HR managers unprepared for the technical and leadership demands of hybrid workplaces. Despite the availability of digital HR training programs, there was a lack of solutions combining comprehensive training with innovative gamified learning. We sought to fill this void by leveraging immersive technologies, such as Minecraft Education Edition, to create engaging, impactful training tools tailored to the specific needs of HR managers and VET trainers.

The project’s overall objective was to facilitate the digital transformation of HR management by equipping HR professionals and trainers with the necessary skills to thrive in hybrid and remote work settings. Specifically, the project aimed to: - Develop engaging and interactive training resources that address current digital HR challenges. - Design a hands-on and open MOOC that integrates modules on e-leadership, remote team management, on-boarding, and digital problem-solving skills. - Create a gamified learning environment in the form of escape rooms using the Minecraft Education Edition platform, to reinforce the acquired skills through practical, scenario-based challenges. - Establish a collaborative online community where HR professionals, trainers, and other stakeholders could access resources, share best practices, and foster cross-sector synergies. - Ultimately, the project sought to promote long-term skills retention, increase employee engagement in hybrid workplaces, and ensure the sustainability and competitiveness of businesses adapting to the digital age.