Supporting Creativity in Your Workforce Could be the Key to Long Term Growth
Productivity seems to be the buzzword of every busy office. As a result, employers are constantly looking for ways to make their workers more organized, efficient, and mission-driven. Yet, recent research is finding that there’s one overlooked and undervalued skill within the modern workplace that is paramount to success: creativity.
Without creativity, there is no productivity, innovation, or drive. So, how can employers shift their focus and unlock creativity as the key to their long-term growth?
In this article, we not only delve into why creativity is so important in the workplace but also reveal the best ways you can foster greater creativity in your office starting today.
The Importance of Creativity in the Workplace
Creativity is defined as the ability to generate fresh or unique ideas and translate them into reality. Therefore, creativity can play a crucial role for companies in any field.
Let’s take a closer look at several ways your workplace can benefit from a boost of creativity.
Creativity Fuels Innovation
Employees that can think creatively and outside the box are more likely to develop innovative and original solutions to problems they face. This drive to solve challenges can lead to new ways to accomplish tasks, thus contributing to your business’s long-term growth and success.
The ability to employ creative-thinking techniques also leads employees to question the present ways of doing or thinking about things. Organizations that are open to new or unexpected possibilities can drive excitement for their products or services and distinguish themselves from the competition.
Creativity Allows Greater Adaptability
The business world is a constantly changing environment that necessitates creative solutions. Though adaptation is necessary, creative problem-solving doesn't always require big changes to your corporate strategies.
To increase efficiency, you can create a brand-new product or service or make a small adjustment to the way your business is conducted. A great example of the need to adapt was seen with the recent COVID-19 pandemic, where many companies had to alter their business model in order to survive such unprecedented times.
Creativity Improves Collaboration
Employees of all levels must respect and listen to one another in order to collaborate effectively. People that utilize creative thinking tend to be more flexible and open-minded, which makes them more eager to explore other people's ideas. As a result, they tend to be less judgmental too.
When employees use creativity in a team brainstorming environment, it can also produce more ideas that are of a higher quality. This is because each team member can build upon the idea being put forward, thus resulting in an even more successful idea than they may have reached by themselves.
Creativity Boosts Job Satisfaction
According to research, a creative atmosphere leads to more engaged and motivated employees, who have greater flexibility and control. This, in turn, leads to higher job satisfaction.
When workers were surveyed about creative skills in the workplace, the results concluded that when they can express their creativity at work, it makes them feel “empowered, motivated, inspired, engaged, energized and proud.” Additionally, 64 percent of workers said creativity in the workplace has a positive impact on work-life balance, while 71 percent agreed it has a positive influence on the company’s profits.
Creativity Enhances Productivity
Remember how we mentioned earlier that productivity is one of the most valued skills by employers? Well, it turns out that the key to boosting this productivity actually lies in creativity.
Utilizing creativity within the workplace can push employees out of their comfort zones and bring a fresh perspective to their day-to-day tasks. This counteracts monotony, which can have a detrimental effect on productivity.
Participating in creative processes also encourages employees to become more emotionally invested in their work, thus enhancing their passion. This passion goes hand-in-hand with sparking motivation and productivity.
How to Foster Greater Creativity Among Employees
Thankfully, there are plenty of ways you can encourage greater creativity within your workplace. We’ve included the top 5 methods below.