Not too long ago, the term “creativity” was broadly used to describe writers, painters, musicians, and other artists, but nowadays, it is recognised as a critical factor in business. Creativity in the workplace is one of the biggest forces in boosting sales, creating loyalty and team spirit, and improving problem-solving on many levels.

The benefits of promoting creativity in the workplace are many, but how do we encourage employees to think creatively, and how do we convince those near the top of the hierarchy that creative thinking is just as important as anything else?

How Important Is Creativity In the Workplace?

According to a 2021 study by Miluše Balková, Pavla Lejsková, and Lenka Ližbetinová, creativity is more indispensable than ever. The researchers claim that changes in technology are transforming both the workplace and the workforce, thus making employees who can think creatively more valuable than ever.  

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They see creativity as one of the few characteristics that AI and other technologies can’t replicate. Being creative in the workplace could end up being the only thing that makes individual workers irreplaceable. Furthermore, the creativity of human specialists can help a brand stand out in a sea of AI-generated marketing ploys and cookie-cutter products.

Creativity In the Workplace: Examples Worth Mentioning

Unlike problem-solving, creativity in the workplace has no clear goal. Still, it remains an essential tool in creating different, attention-grabbing, and successful products. Here are some classic creativity in the workplace examples:

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• Apple is famous for promoting a culture of creativity, which leads to generating successful products that exist in a unique ecosystem.
• Unilever started a Creative Culture Program, a series of creativity workshops to better understand a customer’s desires and behaviours.
• BMW established the BMW Innovationswerk facility, a space where employees are encouraged to think differently about aspects of the car industry.

Benefits of Promoting Creativity In the Workplace

Conservative companies still struggle to accept the idea of being creative in the workplace. Yet the World Economic Forum's Future of Jobs Survey reports that 73% of all companies and organisations involved in the research see creativity as a top priority when seeking new talents. As more and more companies recognise the benefits of this, it cannot be denied that it also has many benefits for employees.

Top 5 Benefits for the Employee

Employees who use creativity in the workplace don’t end up with the short end of the stick. Quite the opposite. In fact, they can use it to make meaningful progress in their careers:

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• Creativity is a sought-after characteristic in marketing, sales, programming, and many other fields.
• Creativity enables employees to introduce new ideas to the company, which can create leverage when negotiating.
• Creative thinkers are the most valued members of any team.
• Creativity increases the employee’s flexibility, thus helping them to figure things out under new circumstances.
• Switching jobs is much easier when someone can think creatively.

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Top 5 Benefits for the Employer

Employers who encourage creativity in the workplace can look forward to:

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• Better teamwork: employees feel more comfortable with each other when they are motivated to express themselves.
• Innovation: creative thinking can unexpectedly introduce great ideas that can be put to good use.
• Boosted productivity: employees are more keen to work when they know their ideas are valued.
• Boosted adaptability levels: creative people see solutions, not obstacles, which can help the company adapt its vision on time.
• Increased growth: modern consumers value creative thinking and creative solutions, which leads to higher revenue and consumer loyalty.

How to Promote Creativity in the Workplace

Looking for some suggestions? Here are five tips on how to promote creativity in the workplace:

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1. Reward and acknowledge creative ideas

2. Encourage collaboration between different teams

3. Promote flexibility on every level

4. Offer materials, classes, and workshops to stimulate creativity

5. Ask for creative input

More Time for Creativity in the Workplace with Flexopus

It is obvious that many employees don’t have time or energy for creativity in the workplace. Strict deadlines, meetings that could have been an email, and never-ending correspondence are not exactly creativity boosters.

Fortunately, with Flexopus—The Desk-Sharing Solution, booking your desks, meeting rooms, and parking spaces in your hybrid office becomes seamless - perfectly cut to your needs and preferences. Spend less time on finding a free seat, meeting room, or parking space in the office and more time on creativity!

Creativity is the No.1 Asset in Every Company

Even though systematic problem-solving will always be a part of every business, it is creativity within the workplace that can help companies stand out, become more desirable employers, and offer better products. Creativity must be nourished, and it will always be a valuable element of every successful company ready to leap into the future.