The importance of creativity at work

Creativity could be the boost your organization needs to get to the next level. As recent surveys have shown, employee engagement in organizations is down and continues to remain at relatively low levels.
Eighty-seven percent of organizations have cited employee engagement and development as a top concern, and the answer could be as simple as creativity.
A recent survey conducted by the ILR School found that drawing creative energy during the day could result in a better work experience through releasing secrets. Many workers feel as if they need to hide their learning disabilities, orientation or other work secrets to get through the day.
This can negatively impact their work and distract from their overall productivity. By using creative means during the work day, those that felt as if they had to hide their secrets had a better time getting work done and felt more engaged as well.
In addition, other research concluded that creativity at work boosted employee morale, happiness and well-being.
This study, “looks at creativity not as an endpoint, but as a work process that can, in and of itself, have positive consequences for an individual’s happiness and well-being,” according to Science X Network.
Keep these four tips in mind for boosting employee creativity in the workplace:

• Create open spaces for collaboration: Employee collaboration is an important facet of creativity. Implementing open desks, communication forums and encouraging innovative ideas are just some of the ways work spaces can encourage creativity. Although employees do work well on their own, working together has been shown to boost creativity and overall office atmosphere.
• Ensure a feeling of ownership: If an employee comes up with an idea, give credit where credit is due. Employees will often be more apt to add to conversations and contribute new ideas if they know they will be attributed back to them.
• Encourage movement: Moving around throughout the day, such as holding a walking meeting or time outside can get the creativity going. Recent research indicates that physical activity for even a few minutes can give the brain the boost it needs to get through the rest of the day.
• Think outside the cubicle: Sitting at a desk all day is one of the worst things employees can do, for both their work output and health. Set up standing desks, collaborative table work spaces and other open areas where employees can work and meet outside of their cubicle. In the age of flexible work hours and changing workplace space dynamics, change can also be seen as a move in the right direction for new hires.

Employee creativity is a vital part of the work process. Ensure your workers feel as if they can be themselves and bring innovative ideas to the table.
Eliminate creativity barriers and foster team innovation with Mastery’s easy to use e-learning courses. Learn more on our website.
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