In this episode of the Vantage HR Influencers Podcast, we explore how gamified learning can unlock productivity across large, distributed workforces by driving engagement, skill adoption, and measurable performance outcomes.
Host Riha is joined by Ujjal Sengupta, Deputy General Manager, Human Resources at Jio, to discuss how organizations with vast employee bases can use game mechanics to transform traditional learning into an immersive, results-driven experience. Together, they examine how elements such as leaderboards, challenges, rewards, and real-time feedback can increase participation, accelerate capability building, and align employee development with business goals.
About the Speaker
Dr. Ujjal Sengupta is a seasoned Human Resources leader with over 25 years of experience across Telecom, ITES, BFSI, Hospitality, Infrastructure, and Education. He currently serves as Deputy General Manager – HR at Reliance Jio Infocomm Ltd., where he leads HR operations for the West Region’s contact centres, overseeing a workforce of more than 4,500 employees.
He holds a Ph.D. in Management Studies from Jamnalal Bajaj Institute of Management Studies, University of Mumbai. His doctoral research examined the impact of diversity and inclusion on employee performance in the ITES industry. Over the course of his career, Dr. Sengupta has driven strategic HR transformation initiatives aligned with business growth, with expertise spanning talent acquisition, organizational development, HR analytics, employee engagement, compensation and benefits, succession planning, and change management.
Prior to Reliance Jio, he held leadership roles at Hinduja Global Solutions, SPML Infra Ltd, and Hotel Hindustan International, where he established HR frameworks, implemented SAP-based performance systems, and supported mergers and acquisitions integration. His contributions have earned him multiple recognitions, including the Best Employee in Shared Services, Top Gun Award, and Best Business Impacting HR Initiatives. A published thought leader, he has authored articles in The Telegraph, Indian Express, and Hotelier & Caterer on HR and talent management. Known for his people-centric leadership and strategic vision, he remains passionate about mentoring young professionals and advancing the practice of modern HR.
Timestamps
(01:40) - How would you define 'gamified learning' in the context of large workforces? What makes it different from traditional training methods?
(06:44) - How do you ensure that gamified learning isn't just entertaining but actually contributes to improving productivity?
(09:00) - When you scale gamified learning across a large workforce, what are some of the biggest challenges you face, and how do you overcome them?
(12:25) - In a gamified learning environment, how do you balance competition (e.g., leaderboards) with collaboration (e.g., team challenges)? Can both coexist effectively in large workforces?
(15:02) - What metrics or KPIs do you use to measure the success of gamified learning programs? How do you tie these programs to increased productivity?
(18:28) - Looking ahead, how do you see gamified learning evolving in the next few years, especially in the context of large workforces? What emerging trends should organizations keep an eye on?
