Every job has its list of requirements—those must-do’s in order to get the work done and for the job to be an integral part of the organization. But beyond all the basics of the job, there should always be some space for workers to be creative, to allow the ideas to flow and exploration and experimentation to be welcomed.
At Google, there is no lack of creativity—or wheels. According to the Fast Company article, “How Google’s Flexible Workspace Ignites Creative Collaboration (On Wheels),” the Google Garage is held up as not only a totally cool place to work, but also the birthplace of many new ideas for the company. If you’re looking to use flexibility to foster creativity within your company, this could be a jumping off point.
Here’s how companies can foster creativity:
Make it flexible.
If your workers are locked into a 9-to-5 job that doesn’t allow for much freedom, it can be hard to expect them to have the time, energy, or desire to be creative. But if your company offers flexible work options that managers support, employees can then be in better balance both professionally and personally. Once their needs are met, then your employees can be relaxed enough to put their energies into thinking outside of the box and creating new ideas that could take the company to the next level.
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Make it fun.
Why do so many people dread Sunday nights? It’s because Monday morning—and a job that they hate—is right around the corner. If a job is fun, though, employees are more likely to look forward to clocking in each day. Google takes fun to a new level by letting people write on the tables and walls—something many of us were told not to do since we were two years old. Breaking down those barriers can allow workers to think in a totally new way, and give birth to great ideas.
Make it collaborative.
Sure, you might get great ideas when you’re in the shower, but the best way to foster a strong team mentality is to make your workers feel like, well, a team. That means eliminating a competitive atmosphere among your employees, and instead praising workers for their accomplishments, and above all, getting them together so they can collaborate.
Even if your company is remote, offer a wide variety of collaboration tools so that employees can connect with each other no matter where they work on the globe. Another option: host annual company retreats, so that workers from all different departments can get a chance to meet and form strong bonds.
Share the success.
When one of your workers comes up with a Big Idea, don’t just keep it to yourself or only share it with management. Connect with your workers and share the idea, commending your employee for a job well done. Once other workers see how the company shines a spotlight on those who think creatively, it can inspire others to do the same.
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