Promoting Creativity in the Workplace
Creativity in the workplace is key to building a culture that gives employees the opportunity to develop innovative solutions to business challenges. The results include not only better business operations, but also increased employee motivation and workplace morale.
Creativity springs from hiring a diverse team and giving them the freedom to ask questions, find new solutions to old problems, and experiment with ideas that benefit everyone in the workplace.
Companies that foster creativity in the workplace enjoy key benefits that include:
- Better teamwork and team bonding
- Improved ability to attract and retain employees
- Increased problem solving
- Higher employee morale
Achieving these benefits requires a commitment to implementing ideas that promote more workplace creativity.
How to Support Creativity in the Workplace
Business leaders should know the different ways to foster creativity among employees because every group responds differently. What works well with one might not with another. WeWork recently focused on some of the main ways to promote creativity, which include the following.
Brainstorming Sessions
Brainstorming remains an effective way to create a relaxed setting to discuss ideas. One idea can spark another, eventually leading to a solution. Brainstorming also encourages lateral thinking, which involves bypassing straightforward answers and instead looking at challenges from different angles that may produce innovative approaches. A classic example of this is when Apple engineers couldn’t decide where to put the on/off switch on the iPod. Steve Jobs told them to eliminate it altogether. Customers, he correctly decided, wouldn’t care.
Encourage Individuality
No two people are alike. Smart business leaders allow individuals to “be themselves” and voice their opinions. Otherwise, as noted by WeWork, employees tend to assimilate with the pack, keeping their heads down and never offering their own, unique insights.
Increase Employee Motivation
Everything goes into creating a culture of creativity. One look at the Google or Apple offices tells you that: they are not boring. Colors, sounds, and layout influence creativity. For example, low ambient noise is often good for creativity, but overhearing others’ conversations is a major distraction, according to WeWork. Sterile colors like beige and gray are oppressive. Executives should take all these different factors into account.
Hiring a Diverse Team
Diversity builds strength because a diverse group of people tends to create a better mix of ideas. Organizations should strive to hire people with different backgrounds and educational experiences. The online job site Indeed lists “expanded creativity and problem solving” as the top benefit of hiring a diverse workforce.
Implement Good Ideas
Employees will stop voicing creative ideas if they never get acted upon. Leaders should implement the best creative ideas developed by employees and communicate that fact companywide. In turn, this will foster even more creativity among employees.
Understanding the methods of promoting creativity in the workplace is a key attribute for those who earn an online MBA and aspire to become business leaders. Additionally, the online Doctor of Management Concentration in Strategic Innovation and Change provides advanced studies and research in creative management
Creativity is no longer a “nice to have” as a bonus benefit that occurs in workplace settings. It’s become central to the success for modern companies.
