Fostering Creativity in the Workplace

Creativity has become a necessity rather than a desirable trait in today’s business landscape. Companies that foster creativity outshine their competitors in employee satisfaction, overall performance and innovation. 90% of business leaders think that creativity is fundamental for having competitiveness in the marketplace. After 25 years in the branding industry, I have seen how a creative environment can nurture and develop employee productivity in the workplace. While many companies may acknowledge the importance of creativity, some fail to include and foster the creativity that drives innovation and empowers the workforce. An executive survey at Deloitte showed that high-growth brands are more likely to promote innovation and let creativity flourish.

Some insights on how to foster creativity in your workplace.?

Open Communication

An environment where creativity thrives is where the employee feels free to express their ideas without the inhibitions of being criticized. Creating an environment that encourages open communication is important, a space where team members can share their ideas and thoughts without any hindrance will help foster creative and unexpected solutions. Incorporating a regular brainstorming session, and creating forms that will ensure that everyone is heard can give way to new ideas because… serendipity!?

Diverse Team for Diverse Ideas

A diverse team that includes people from different backgrounds, disciplines and cultures come together, they bring in a beautiful and unique perspective that will lead to innovative solutions. Diversity in thoughts can broaden the spectrum of ideas and hinder the echo chamber effect, where ideas are from retrospect.?

Precise tools & resources

Make sure your team has access to all the latest technology, informative materials and software that would cater to improving their knowledge and creativity. With continuous learning and development, conducting workshops, courses and access to industry conferences will also help individuals to grow and be more productive. By providing resources to develop employees,? foresee your commitment to their growth and will empower them to think outside the box.?

Creativity Rewards & Recognition

Acknowledgement is the ultimate motivation. When employees know that their efforts are being appreciated and rewarded, they are more likely to initiate effective and innovative solutions. Building a culture where creativity is appreciated will make employees feel valued and give result-oriented solutions.?

Work flexibility

Offering flexibility to employees can stifle creativity. Giving the option to work remotely and not having a rigid schedule can increase productivity and creativity. When employees have the freedom to choose where and when they want to work it is more likely to have innovative ideas. For example, companies like Microsoft have embraced work flexibility which resulted in soaring productivity when employees were given the autonomy to work from anywhere that suits them the best. This has now become a proactive work mode rather than a reaction to global disruption.?

Be the Example?

Leaders who project creative thinking are more likely to encourage and inspire their team to do the same by setting a powerful example. Be open to experimenting with different approaches and new ideas that will show that you support and value creative efforts. When employees see leaders embracing creativity, it’s more likely that your employees will also follow suit.?

Foster a positive work environment

Employees should feel valued, motivated and respected at their workplace, and a supportive and positive work environment is essential for creativity. Promote positivity and support where negativity and toxicity are addressed promptly and the employees feel good about the workspace which will foster them to be more productive and creative.?

Fostering creativity in the workspace is an important process that requires commitment and effort from all levels of management and organization. While considering the interests of employees 80% of individuals believe that creativity is crucial for economic growth as well. By encouraging open communication, building a diverse team, and creating a supportive and flexible work environment, you can unlock the creative potential of your employees.?

Take note that creativity is not just about new ideas; it’s also about turning those ideas into driving your business forward. Be creative and set to see your organization go wild on success.?