Having fun at corporate training improves learning experience claims Alton Towers report
HAVING fun while undergoing corporate training improves the learning experience, new research commissioned by Alton Towers has claimed.
The Staffordshire theme park said its new study proved fun was a key influence for successful work-related training.
The research, conducted by post-graduate business students at Sheffield Hallam University, was compiled by a survey of more than 100 employees spread across businesses as diverse as small start-ups through to large, established organisations.
The questions were chosen following a focus group, which identified key elements, factors and perceptions associated with work-related learning.
In line with Alton Towers Resort’s ‘Business with a Twist’ approach to conducting corporate events, the research investigated the concept that ‘fun improves learning’ by combining academic theories with organic research.
The report highlights a connection between fun and corporate events, with 57% of respondents saying they would be able to concentrate more on the work-based task or activity if there was an element of fun added.
The key findings from the 2014 Fun Improves Learning Report were:
• 52% of respondents found standard conferences boring, indicating they would be less receptive and engaged than the 60% of respondents that said they would be more interested in corporate events if there was an element of fun added to the learning process.
• Companies investing in work-related training wanted to see positive results that would benefit the business. Respondents wanted similar results from such activities with 55% hoping to improve their skills and 48% wanting to progress their leadership abilities and gain knowledge.
• Respondents also wanted to further their personal development and improve their working environment with 46% wanting to see significant self-improvement and gain practical experience, with 51% looking to build new business relationships.
Rachael Cotton, head of trade and corporate sales at Alton Towers Resort, said: “Teaming up with Sheffield Hallam University has allowed us to produce a report that supports and proves adding an element of fun into a corporate event increases delegate engagement and the effectiveness of workplace education.
“We strongly encourage event planners to include an element of fun in their corporate event and we will continue to add new and innovative ways to our portfolio to enable this to be done successfully.”
