PepsiCo's Smile Revolution with Totem Learning's Innovative Onboarding Game

Imagine you're at the helm of a giant like PepsiCo, where every sip and every bite is meant to bring a smile. Now, how do you ensure your new hires not only understand this mission but live and breathe it? That was the challenge PepsiCo faced with their 2023 onboarding program.

They needed a way to embed their brand values deeply into the hearts of their new employees, transforming them into ardent brand ambassadors. The ultimate goal? To have smiles not just as an end product but as a means of engagement and motivation.

The Solution: A Custom Microlearning Quiz Game

We knew a traditional training session wouldn't cut it. Instead, we crafted a custom microlearning quiz game specifically for Pepsi's new hires. But why a game? Because gamification in learning taps into intrinsic motivations, making the learning process not just educational but enjoyable. Here's how we did it:

1. Bespoke Content and Graphics

We crafted "Internal Audit," an adventure game that places learners in the shoes of a detective. Inspired by classic games like "Where in the World is Carmen Sandiego?" and modern hits like Nintendo's "Professor Layton," this game isn't just about learning; it's about experiencing a story. Employees become part of HSBC's elite team of internal auditors, tracing lost funds, identifying process failings, and bringing criminals to justice.

2. Fast Turnaround

To keep the engagement levels high, we interspersed the narrative with micro-game activities. These bite-sized challenges ensure that learning is not only effective but also enjoyable. By breaking down learning objectives into manageable, interactive tasks, employees are more likely to remember and apply what they've learned.

3. Engagement Through Gamification

We understand that time is a precious commodity in corporate settings. "Internal Audit" is designed to be quick to play, ensuring that employees can engage with it without disrupting their workflows. Yet, it remains a fun and memorable experience, reinforcing key learning objectives through play.

The Results: A Game-Changing Experience

So, how did it go? The feedback was overwhelmingly positive. Let's look at some survey results that speak volumes:

Enjoyment

A whopping 99% of players reported enjoying the game

Engagement

Another 99% found it interesting, proving the power of gamification in learning.

Learning Impact

An impressive 99% acknowledged learning something new that would help in their roles.

These numbers aren't just statistics; they're proof of a successful onboarding experience that aligns with PepsiCo's mission. New hires didn't just learn about the brand; they became part of it, ready to spread smiles with every customer interaction.

A Model for Future Employee Training

What can other companies learn from this Pepsi case study? First, that onboarding doesn't have to be mundane. With microlearning and gamification, it can be a memorable experience that sticks. Second, custom solutions, like the quiz game we developed, ensure that training is relevant and impactful.

For corporate trainers, HR professionals, and learning and development managers, this approach offers a template for success. By embracing innovative learning solutions, you can transform your onboarding process into a powerful tool for brand advocacy.

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