How To Encourage Creativity In The Workplace

Creating a More Innovative Office Culture 

Nothing holds a workforce back like a lack of creativity, so make changes to ensure that your team aren’t resting on their laurels. 

If you feel as if your team are struggling to come up with new and exciting ideas, it could be that you haven’t encouraged creativity in the workplace enough. Putting an emphasis on innovation and out-of-the-box thinking means that you’re much more likely to come up with ideas that your competitors won’t. Here’s how to make that happen in your office. 

Diversify your teams

Creativity can’t occur without diversity, and that’s why you should encourage people from different departments to work together to find solutions. Web developers could learn something new from content writers, and social media specialists could show those in product development a new way to approach things. Allowing your staff to see things from another’s point of view will help them to explore ideas that may never have occurred to them before. 

Try team building 

Team building is one of the most effective ways to boost creativity in the workplace. Zing Events have made a name for itself as the provider of team-building events that are innovative and encourage creativity. Your workforce can try their hand at cookery, street art and even mixology. Having the opportunity to work together on creative tasks will allow them to bring that mindset back to the office and apply it to their own project, both as a team and individually, 

Brainstorm like never before

Brainstorming is an old technique that has many people rolling their eyes – but it can be so effective at boosting creativity when you approach it in a different way. The key is to encourage the ridiculous, asking ‘what if’ questions that are provocative. This will allow your team to come up with solutions that are really outside the box. While some might not be the right fit, you’ll be surprised at how many good ideas come from this way of brainstorming. 

Introduce flexible working 

Sometimes, being stuck in the same place can stifle creativity. That’s why taking people out for team-building events inspires such a change. When you’re back in the office, allow your team members to work flexibly, away from their desks. That could be anywhere from at home to at the coffee shop around the corner. A change of scene really can work wonders, and doing this just once a week can really help you all to think more creatively. 

Encourage taking risks 

Encourage risk-taking when possible. We know that every business owner’s instinct is to avoid risk when possible, but you cannot be creative without taking a chance. It’s amazing how much the fear of making a mistake holds people back, so make an effort to create a workplace culture where creativity is rewarded. Yes, there will be some failures, but knowing that they are welcome to try new things will lead to your team pushing themselves that much further – delivering great results. 

It’s time to make the change 

Some of these changes can be implemented right away, while others may take more time. By starting now though, you can create a workplace that’s creative, forward-thinking, and driven. So book a team-building event, start brainstorming, and tell your team that it’s time to take creative risks. You’ll be amazed at the difference it makes.