5 Modern Ways to Spark Creativity in the Workplace

Many people believe that creativity is an inborn trait rather than something that can be learned and developed. However, studies have shown that a conducive environment is one of the critical factors that allows new ideas to be generated. As an employer, it is your responsibility to create an environment that helps your employees liberate their innovative and value adding ideas. As Albert Einstein correctly said, “Problems cannot be solved with the same mindset that created them.” 

Here are 5 ways you can boost creativity in your workplace:

Allow time for employees to “daydream”

Although daydreaming is deemed as counterproductive, studies have shown that daydreaming is the core of creative problem-solving. The starting idea that comes before the successful product is usually birthed in a daydream-like state. We do our most creative problem-solving when our mind is allowed to wander. During daydreaming, we allow ourselves to envision models and uncensor thoughts that are necessary for originality. We make connections, generate novel solutions and tap into the most complex regions of our brains.

This explains why some major companies in the world have adopted feature programs allowing their employees the time and space to think creatively. This generally involves allocated time scheduled into the work calendar and it is purely dedicated to creative thinking or problem solving. For example, Google has a 20% program, 3M offers a 15% program, and Gore & Associates (Gore-Tex, etc.) has “dabble time”. All these three companies claim that these programs are the source of their most successful products. This can work for you as well, if your business is serious about using new ideas to its advantage, then you need to be serious about alternative means of stimulating new idea creation.

Reward creativity and refrain from negative reinforcement.

In order to motivate your employees to think outside of the box, you need to reward them. To start off, you can task each employee to provide one suggestion by the end of each week to a problem or a new innovation. Assess which idea is the best, reward the employee and equally as important, implement the ideas. The reward could be tangible, such as monetary incentives or intangible, such recognition from the organisation.

Also remember, not all innovations will pay off. When an innovation is not as successful as it should have been or is a complete failure, it is vital that there be no punishment. This provides negative reinforcement which teaches employees that trying new ideas is not a good idea. This will have a negative effect of the innovation and creativity of your workforce.

Include criticisms in brainstorming sessions

Contrary to popular belief, being non-critical of group members’ ideas does not allow ideas to flow more freely. Author Jonah Lehrer suggests that brainstorming without being critical would not facilitate creativity because criticisms and debate are necessary to generate new ideas. Psychologist Charlan Nemeth further explains that proper criticism encourages more creativity as individuals feel the desire to want to improve upon their ideas. Conversely, in the absence of criticism, no one would feel challenged to push their creativity to consider unexplored possibilities. Just be sure to keep the mood positive and motivate all members to contribute and discuss each other’s input in a constructive manner.

Surround the office with colour and imagery

Charts and grids can lead to restricted thinking as they create a sense of structure and rules. Encourage your employees to think freely by putting up visually stimulating images that inspire mental clarity and allow for happy thoughts. Colour is also proven to stimulate creativity and alter moods. For instance, InformeDesign found that light blue is linked to mental clarity and stimulates the mind, whereas red was more commonly associated with aggression but also acuity and attention. Studies show that a balance of both colours is conducive to creativity. If you can balance colour with a sense of identity and even humour, it will not only increase the flow of creativity, but do wonders for a strong corporate culture.

Diversity among employees

How can different and unique ideas emerge if everyone thinks in a similar manner? When an organisation puts similar individuals with the same knowledge and background together, these people tend to generate the same ideas because they think the same. Diverse environments filled with varying cultures, gender, level of education and experiences increases creativity. The more diverse a group’s knowledge and beliefs are, the more unique ideas will arise.

Hire staff from different knowledge pools and backgrounds then get them to dabble around in projects and even attend company events. Create a more informal setting when brainstorming to allow employees with dissimilar profiles exchange thoughts.

To ensure that when you do work towards diversifying your workforce you are still recruiting individuals who will fit your company’s culture, use a Psychometric Assessment. To find out more about how Psychometric tests can help your organisation see how Psychometric Assessments can help your hiring decisions. If you are interested in learning more about Psychometric Assessments, please speak with Dr. Gavin Didsbury or a consultant from our assessment partner PsychPress who provide a variety of psychometric assessment solutions. Please call on (03) 9670 0590 or email info@psychpress.com.au.