Setting a tone for creativity

We know so much more these days about the different types of environment us as humans need to thrive in. We require optimism, motivation, human interaction, self-esteem and productivity to name a few. 

Unfortunately, there is still an assumption in some workplaces that stress and pressure push employees to perform more, better, and faster. What some company leaders fail to recognise is the hidden mental health costs incurred by employees. In fact, a study conducted by Mental Health America Mind the Workplace found that 33% of participants had missed work due to workplace stress at some point in their career.

“Think left and think right and think low and think high. Oh, the thinks you can think up if only you try!”

Dr Seuss

With productivity being one of the most prized goals for companies and individuals in this day and age, I’d like to focus on how we can get there in a mindful, healthy way. 

One transformative way that is becoming more and more prevalent, is boosting the culture of innovation and creativity. Not only have innovation and creativity become increasingly important factors of organisational performance and long-term survival, but it has also increased happiness, office morale and even makes us smarter, improving connectivity between the right and left sides of our brains. 

Creativity. What is it? Simply put, creativity involves transforming your ideas, imagination, and dreams into reality. When we are being creative, we can see the hidden patterns, make connections between things that aren’t normally related, and come up with new ideas. 

“Creativity is seeing what everyone else has seen, and thinking what no one else has thought.”

Albert Einstein

Whether you are a company leader, employee or self-employed, here are some ideas to share for simple ways we can make our workspace more creative for 2020:

Communal gathering space

Having a big table or comfortable seated area for teammates to get together and share ideas, or to meet with clients can be a way to break down barriers and invite a friendly atmosphere, allowing creativity to flow more easily. 

Displaying of values

Placing eye-catching signs or reminders around the office of our values and company ethos can be a reminder of why we love what we do. It can also serve as decoration for the office to instil that creative vibe. 

Hide the clocks

Reducing the constant reminder of how fast time is flying can help our creativity flourish. Lord knows sometimes creativity can take as long as it likes!

Use nature

National Geographic recently published a story about the importance of nature to not only creativity and reducing stress, but also overall brain functioning. Putting plants in and around your workspace can let a bit of that nature in to foster our creativity. 

Research also suggests that going for a walk helps relieve writer’s block and gives us a much-needed change of perspective, while problem-solving or working on a challenging work-based dilemma.

Music

I have recently written about the positive effects on music and how it can impact the workplace. Low background music sets the tone and instantly makes the environment feel more laid-back, calmer and more friendly. With today’s music-streaming services, it’s easier than ever to pick up a low-cost wireless speaker and provide a soundtrack for creativity to flow.

There are so many other ideas for improving creativity in the workplace out there, just using a few of these could be the difference we need for the new working year fast approaching