Create fun working environments to stimulate creativity

Give yourself a pat on the back, 2015 is in the bank and we’re already nearing the end of January! Hopefully we’ve all emerged from our festive chocolate comas and are ready to take on 2016 and all it has to offer. That said, there may be some employees still struggling to get back into the swing of things. It draws us to think about what benefits creating a fun workplace environment can have and how this can stimulate creativity as an approach to doing business.

Every employer desires a team full of creative, open minded people but how do you create and maintain that stimulation? Some may think that making the office space colourful and having a casual dress-code constitutes as ‘creativity’ but this isn’t the case. Sure, these things are pleasant and may well encourage the odd eccentric outburst but there is more to it than this. You must realise the distinction between welcoming an occasional out-of-the-box idea and cultivating creativity as an approach to doing business.

The secret is allowing employees to have fun but to also feel empowered. It’s about giving them the opportunity to come out of their shell to create an atmosphere other people can bounce off. What most employers don’t realise is that every organisation already have these people at their disposal. They just need encouragement to promote the creative process throughout the organisation.

So whose job is it to create this atmosphere? I would argue that it’s a HR function to engage Line Managers and Line Managers to transfer enthusiastically throughout the rest of the organisation. It all starts from the top, if the people at the top are reserved it becomes very difficult to implement that ‘buzz’ throughout the organisation. A ‘boss’ must be a leader and lead by example.

It has been said that it is the expectations of the younger generation that has sparked this drive. Because they are so highly mobile, if they are not kept entertained, they will just go elsewhere. With so much at their disposal and arguably shorter attention spans they are constantly seeking out the ‘next best thing’. Organisations should always strive to be just that. Understanding this key piece of knowledge from the beginning stages of an employee’s lifecycle is crucial.

If you would like any guidance or help to ensure your engagement strategy is stimulating creativity please contact HR180 on 0113 287 8150.