Numerous studies have shown that introducing fun into the workplace can do wonders for a company's productivity and its ability to recruit and retain staff with the required skills and the right attitudes. Employees who have fun are more creative, more productive, better decision-makers, get along better with co-workers, and have fewer late and sick days than people who aren't. It's also good for profits; customers like doing business with people who are enjoying their job.

Ideally, these events should be headed by someone who is able to ramp up energy levels and maintain genuine interest and enthusiasm, whether through ice-breakers or innovative team-building exercises.

Above and beyond workshops, manufacturers should try to incorporate some element of fun into the working routine and realise its potential. The South West MAS helps manufacturers in a number of areas to increase productivity and having fun is an extremely cost-effective way of doing this.

To find out more about the support available from the South West MAS, visit www.swmas.co.uk