Innovative solutions generally do not come from uncreative minds. That’s why the most successful companies encourage their staff to think “outside the box.” Workplaces that support creativity often have several qualities in common that help to inspire their staff, rather than stifle their freedom of thought. By adopting some of these fundamental qualities, your company can keep ideas flowing in your workforce—rewarding your business with a stronger process and end product. Here’s what you can do.
Five ways your company can support creativity
If your company is in need of some free thinkers, don’t stand in the way of their progress. Consider the following:
Honor creative thinking.
You can encourage the creativity of your employees by listening openly and honestly to their ideas and taking every idea seriously. After all, if their thoughts are being brushed aside, what is the incentive for employees to offer them? You may also wish to hold challenges for employees to come up with new ideas for a specific project, and reward the winner whose idea is chosen.
Put new ideas to work.
When a team member has a great new idea for how to improve a process, service or product, get any approval required to move forward, and then get this idea into action as soon as possible. When they see their hard work come to fruition, it will show your employees that their ideas matter.
Have a suggestion box.
Don’t miss out on a great idea because a worker is shy—give everyone the option to jot down thoughts on a piece of paper and drop into a suggestion box. Some of your staff may be comfortable sharing their thoughts out loud at meetings. But your more introverted staff may feel more comfortable sharing their ideas confidentially or anonymously using this method.
Maintain a diverse workforce.
Though employees with similar backgrounds and work experience may get along well, they may have similar ideas for how to solve problems. However, a broad tapestry of unique individuals will give your staff varying viewpoints. This can help to stir up the cauldron of creativity in your workplace.
Celebrate learning.
Not all solutions solve a problem. But to support creative thinking, you must allow your employees to learn from their mistakes. Otherwise, your workers will be afraid to offer new and different ideas for fear they will suffer repercussions if their ideas don’t work as planned.
Having a fun work environment can help
Inspiration doesn’t usually hit when you’re planning for it. In general, happiness and a positive attitude can help the mind limber up for the flow of ideas. To help this process along, maintain a fun, supportive work environment that includes comfortable work accommodations, a nice break area and pleasing office décor, including plants and plenty of natural light. You may also consider team building or off-site employee events.
If you’re in search of new staff, contact Snelling Georgia Group
Perhaps you’d like to diversify your staff, or you’re looking for someone to fill a specific role. Snelling Georgia Group can help. We work with our clients to place candidates that will excel in your open job opportunity. To learn more, contact Snelling Georgia Group today.
