The workplace innovation code: The seven step HR way to write it better

The role of HR in fostering #innovation in organizations has been debated and discussed extensively in the past decade as organizations have found that innovation is the most important success-differentiator. Most of us would name a slew of tech companies if we are asked to name the most innovative ones on the globe.

The art, craft and heart of Innovation: Most workplaces encourage the innovation-minded professional, for that person is one who brings a higher order of mental application to the job. We all have the option of treating a job just as a job or as a calling that engages all our faculties in top gear. The innovation-minded professional is not content with the way things are; she is constantly thinking of the way things ought to be, the improvements that can be made, the greater success that can be attained. A recent report on interns at three major tech giants in businessinsider.in reported a conversation with an intern in Uber who says that his organization looks for people who “take ownership, not people that are just going to come punch a time clock.” Innovative companies know that the speed and scale of innovation within their portals is the hallmark of an engaged employee ecosystem. Creating and maintaining that ecosystem is an #HR thing.

The Seven Sutras of the Innovative Workplace: So, what attributes characterize the innovative workplace? For me there are seven powerful ones that we can take note of:

1.   Innovative workplaces challenge their employees, never hide a problem: For popular clothing retailer Eileen Fisher, customer satisfaction is the highest priority, the challenge they place before all employees. And, their employees respond with innovative displays, customer care and after-sales among other things. Challenged employees are innovative employees, engaged employees!

2.   Innovative workplaces provide the tools, are often looking for the overkill with regard to tools: Mayo Clinic is a non-profit healthcare provider with nearly 60,000 professionals on board and has consistently been ranked as one of the best employers in the US. The reason is not hidden. Providing its employees with an extensive and deep on-the-job training, Mayo has ensured that the best, most technologically-advanced medical devices are deployed for their business. They do not scrimp on that front. Neither do their employees falter in services.

3.   Innovative workplaces are talkative: The emphasis on communication in companies that value innovation is possibly the most pronounced feature. Innovative companies are constantly talking to all stakeholders, employees, customers, shareholders, suppliers, contractors, industry associations, governments, everybody. Through newsletters, brochures, advertisements, events, demos, soirees and, now, social media they tap into the widest network of brains and seek ideas. They leave no one in the dark about their work and their purpose and are rewarded with feedback and breakthroughs.

4.   These workplaces are fixated on transparency and governance: Innovative workplaces are mindful of their perception in the public eye. They ensure that their culture, practices, sourcing standards, products and services all stand up to the rigor of regulatory and public scrutiny. For them it is a matter of faith and a tribute to the confidence reposed in them. For their employees it is inspirational!

5.   They invest in learning and sharing: Heard of the retail chain Sainsbury? It is not in the same league as Walmart in terms of visibility. Yet, this retail chain pioneered the one big idea that defines modern super/hyper-market experience – the self-service shopping! This idea came from its employees. Sainsbury is a prized employer in the US, investing heavily in employee learning and training through its training academies. And, with the thin margins that such organizations work on, Sainsbury continues to turn in profits year after year.

6.   Innovative workplaces emphasize the employee experience, going to great lengths to make it free, fearless, fun: Innovative workplaces value their employees, in culture and in practice. They know that big, winning ideas come from folks who feel relaxed, yet purposeful. Driving that sense of purpose through a sharp articulation of their vision, challenges and a deep study of their market place, these companies leave it to their employees to play around with ideas. The results are usually devastatingly effective. As John, the intern at Uber referred to earlier in this article says co-workers at the company are “always trying to make big bets around what the next big thing is. Everyone is encouraged, even interns, to challenge what is being done…The best idea will win, even if it comes from an intern…”

7.   Innovative workplaces are socially responsible: This is special. Innovative companies connect their employees with the larger social purpose, ensuring that they see the bigger social purpose of their work. The Tata Group in India knew this secret much before corporate social responsibility became a buzzword. The true sustainability of any business is measured by its ability to create consistent value for society. The innovative workplace, therefore, encourages its employees to connect with society as often as they can.

Innovative workplaces are as much a product of design as of inspiration. There are many in our world, doing good all around. For greater innovation success, all one has to do is to look around. The ideas and the inspiration will arrive.

(A version of this post was published in the September 2016 issue of Human Capital)