A Systematic Review of Coaching Generation Z Employees with Emphasis on Gamification Requirements

Abstract

This study aimed to identify, analyze, and classify the gamification requirements necessary for designing a coaching model aligned with the characteristics, expectations, and learning preferences of Generation Z employees. This applied study employed a systematic review design. Relevant Persian- and English-language studies addressing organizational coaching, gamification, and Generation Z were searched in Scopus, Web of Science, and PubMed. The search period covered 2021–2024 for English-language sources and 2020–2024 for Persian-language sources. The initial search identified 265 articles. Following duplicate removal, title and abstract screening, full-text assessment, and methodological quality appraisal using a 12-item checklist, 33 eligible studies were included in the final synthesis. Data were extracted using a structured checklist and analyzed through qualitative content analysis. The identified requirements were coded, compared, and organized into broader conceptual categories. Researcher self-review and supervisory review were used to enhance the credibility and consistency of the analytical process. The synthesis identified five principal categories of gamification requirements for coaching Generation Z employees: motivational and reward requirements, technological and digital requirements, interactive and participatory requirements, content and learning requirements, and cultural and organizational requirements. Motivational and reward requirements were the most frequently reported category, appearing in 91% of the included studies and encompassing points, badges, tangible and intangible rewards, and progressive achievement levels. Technological and digital requirements were reported in 85% of studies, followed by interactive and participatory requirements in 79%, content and learning requirements in 73%, and cultural and organizational requirements in 67%. The findings indicate that effective gamified coaching depends not only on reward mechanisms but also on mobile accessibility, interactive platforms, immediate feedback, personalized learning pathways, experiential scenarios, transparent rules, continuous-learning cultures, and senior management support. Effective gamified coaching for Generation Z requires the balanced integration of motivational, technological, interactive, instructional, and organizational components. The proposed framework can guide human resource managers and instructional designers in developing engaging coaching programs that enhance the learning, motivation, retention, and job performance of Generation Z employees.