As an employer, the last thing you want is creativity and innovation to stall in your workplace. Employers, fortunately, can make simple changes to the workplace to encourage creative thinking and new ideas.
Steve Jobs was a true innovator; he intuitively understood what we at Great Place to Work® have known for 30 years. We discovered that an inclusive approach is essential for creating a creative and sustainable workplace. This is what we mean by “Innovation by AllTM,” which occurs when leaders cultivate the intelligence, skills, and passion in the company. Everyone creates, everyone connects, and everyone contributes.
However, the organization must have a “For AllTM” culture for everyone to contribute their ideas. This results from day-to-day experiences — an environment in which people feel they belong, that their unique talents are valued and that colleagues and leaders are concerned about their needs.
Here are 6 amazing ways to make a workplace innovative:
1-Give all types of space.
Leading businesses make room for more than just work. They make mental, emotional, and temporal space for themselves. Employees should have the freedom to be creative, take risks, and develop ideas that will benefit the organization.
Better’s VP Alex says. “I believe that expecting to work 40 to 50 to 60 hours per week, whatever you work, and have a balanced life is unrealistic. You’re putting yourself in a bad situation.”
Same at MEXIL. We promote “work-life harmony” rather than imposing a false balance on employees. “What do you need in your life to have a harmonized work-life experience?“ they ask employees.
Employees at Better.com stated that they desperately need social interaction right now. As a result, the company made it possible for teams to meet virtually in ways that had nothing to do with work.
2-Create energy by thanking all.
Rather than just the outcomes, recognizing everyone’s efforts does not dilute the concept. Instead, it serves as fertilizer. It energizes individuals and the organization and encourages people to continue contributing.
The enthusiasm for trying to make things better is communicable and enjoyable. And this, in turn, catalyzes creativity.
Deloitte, a professional services firm, wanted to improve financial audits for its clients. As a result, they organized an annual “Audit Innovation Challenge.” Finalists pitch their ideas to company leaders, but it’s not just the winners who get recognized — Deloitte recognizes everyone who comes up with an idea, which helps sustain an Innovation by All culture.
3-Nurture diverse connections.
Leading organizations build bridges by bringing people who would never talk to each other, let alone collaborate.
Diverse team connections can help a company get through a crisis. Farmers Insurance CEO Jeff Dailey formed a cross-functional team of leaders from human resources, government affairs, internal and external communications, legal, and real estate teams to monitor the COVID-19 situation as the world faced the pandemic.
“The team was formed with the understanding that no one person had all the answers,” a company spokesman confirmed. Jeff prioritized this team, making himself readily available, providing direct access and support to assist in immediate decision-making, or providing feedback.
4-Invest in everyone’s growth.
It is a mistake to focus solely on employees who demonstrate “high potential.” It disregards the potential of others and may result in unintended consequences. It frequently results in feelings of frustration and favoritism.
The best leaders recognize the importance of maximizing all human potential and assisting each employee in developing, including outside work.
Few companies do this as well as Bitwise Industries. When asked what their secret to employee retention is, Co-founder and CEO Jake Soberal mentioned that one reason is that their company “is not tight-fisted.”
Bitwise encouraged flexibility and non-linear paths for growth and work as most employees found their agency increased during the pandemic (via remote work).
“We encourage that agency and ask employees, ‘Do you have anything else you want to do on the side?'” We sincerely want to help and see it succeed. Do you have a new interest that you want to pursue on your own? We’d like to provide you with channels and opportunities to do so.'”
This open-handed approach to training and career advancement, according to Jake, is what makes Bitwise a place where people can see themselves navigating between roles within the company. And who, in your opinion, benefits from all of this outside inspiration? The corporate culture.
5-Make it easy for all.
Leading organizations understand the importance of leaving no stone unturned. Putting out a suggestion box isn’t enough. They make it easy for their employees to generate ideas — and plenty of them.
These businesses go above and beyond by offering assistance in fleshing out a new concept. They implement systems that allow peers to comment on and support promising proposals.
Texas Health Resources benefits from the wisdom of its employees, regardless of their position. With the help of a communication tool, this egalitarian approach is possible. It’s known as “Question & Resolve,” used throughout the design process. Employees can consult with coworkers about designs until they reach a mutual understanding.
6-Inspire all with purpose.
According to our findings, when employees use the word “incredible” to describe their workplace — for example, “incredibly hardworking environment” or “incredible company journey” — they are 81% more likely to encounter meaningful innovation opportunities.
As you move down the management ladder, your sense of inspiration and purpose diminishes in most organizations. The best leaders find ways to motivate employees at all levels, from the C-suite to those working in the basement boiler room.
Creative Ways to Introduce Innovation in Workplace – Final Words
All company cultures generate more high-quality ideas and implement them more quickly. Contact us to learn more about how we can assist you in developing an inclusive culture that fosters innovation at all levels.
Cheers!
Frequently Asked Questions
How can you make employees more innovative?
Make sure you and other leaders keep your office doors open as much as possible, let employees know directly that their ideas are always valued, and keep formal discussions on a two-way street. Also, use your intranet, brainstorming sessions, or even an old-fashioned suggestion box to solicit input.
How do you build and sustain an innovative work environment?
- Make innovation an integral part of leadership and management activities.
- Establish work practices that support innovation.
- Promote innovation.
- Create a physical environment that supports creation.
- Provide learning opportunities.
Why is it important to develop learning plans collaboratively with individuals?
Develop the learning plan with the team member, helping them understand the need for each skill and how it will benefit them. It is important to encourage them to contribute to solutions.