Getting Outside the Box

When you think about innovation in the workplace what comes to mind? Developing new products that meet a previously unmet need? Brainstorming creative ideas? Taking risks?

We know that businesses need to continually innovate to stay relevant and competitive. In a McKinsey poll, 84% of global executives said innovation was extremely important for business growth. Not to mention, organizations that nurture a culture of out-of-the-box thinking tend to have more highly engaged employees with improved well-being. And guess what? When employees feel engaged and cared for, they are motivated to do more and stretch beyond their job description, which further influences innovation.

There are many elements that contribute to creating a workplace where innovation is free-flowing. These include creating a psychologically safe workplace, where there is a strong sense of trust, and a connection to purpose. All topics about which I’ve written before.

In a recent conversation with author, thought leader, and innovation strategist, Claus Raasted, we discussed the link between workplaces that foster innovation and well-being. “…part of it is about creating the right environment. There are so many numbers to support the fact that joy in the workplace, well-being in the workplace have major payoffs on the bottom line, and whether that bottom line is about dollars or about innovation, it’s still true. Somebody who feels safe, who feels listened to, who feels they are in the right place doing the right thing with the right support, they are going to be crazy innovative.”

To see the full video interview with Claus, click the image above.

Here are a few ways to support and encourage innovation in your workplace:

• Form virtual connections. Utilize virtual tools and technologies where people can come together, whether they are in the office or working from home. The interaction and idea-sharing that comes from collaboration and connection with others can cultivate creativity.
• Allow for unstructured time. Being under the constant pressure of deliverables and deadlines negatively impacts being innovative. Building periods of free time into the day allows teams to look at things differently and focus on idea generation, without time pressure. These times of lower stress can improve creativity.
• Break the rules. Okay, maybe it should be, ‘suspend the rules.’ Give employees permission to be a bit rebellious in the spirit of coming up with solutions and ideas that currently don’t exist.
• Take breaks. If your employees are stressed, chances are they are grinding through the day, often not even stopping for lunch. Breaks can provide the downtime the brain needs to refocus. Consider a walk outside for an invigorating change of scenery.

These actions can help reduce stress, improve relationships and give employees a sense of autonomy. All of which drive innovation through enhanced engagement and increased well-being. Imagine the possibilities in a workplace where the culture inspires and empowers people to think differently. How are you cultivating innovation in your workplace?