In a world where millions of businesses compete online and administrative tasks can be handled by AI, creativity is a more important asset than ever. An innovation or great idea remains a way to gain an instant advantage over your competitors, and the good news is that creativity is not something that people either have or don’t have. With some simple changes, you can help to foster it in your workplace. Read on to find out how.
Table of Contents
1. Invite Natural Light
If it is creativity you want to inspire, fluorescent white office lights are not your friend. Instead, get as much natural light as you and your team can. It is a proven mood, energy, and cognitive performance enhancer, and these are all great things for creativity. If you can, let natural light into your workplace. You could even work from an outdoor table, if the weather allows it. A change of scenery might provide the spark you need.
2. Declutter Your Space
Clutter is distracting and causes stress. When it is there in the background of what we are trying to do, a part of our minds is always thinking about it. This is not ideal when you want every neuron focused on generating brilliant new ideas. Make sure desks and other visible surfaces are kept as tidy as possible. Put stationery away neatly, file documents away when not in use, and keep cables tidy and organised.
3. Choose the Right Colours
Different colours cause different emotional responses in people. That is why warning signs are usually red, for example. It makes people feel alert. However, blue might be a better choice for a creative environment, as it promotes calm and focus. Green is good for serenity, similar to when we spend time in nature, while yellow is associated with energy and optimism. You do not need to redecorate to get these effects. Some coloured accessories or artworks can do the trick.
4. Incorporate Biophilic Design
Bringing biophilic design into your workplace is simply a fancy way of saying surround yourself with nature. Plants, water features, and natural textures like wood are all excellent at reducing stress and boosting focus, so work them into your space as much as you can. If you want to know whether this helps creativity, just look into the lives of great creative figures from the past. Many artists, writers, musicians, and thinkers spent time in nature to stimulate their ideas.
5. Stand Up
Being sedentary for long periods restricts our circulation and is bad for our posture. It is also suboptimal for creativity. The shift in posture created by standing up can help shift your mindset to one that is more alert and engaged, and your blood can freely circulate to your brain to ensure you are working at your full cognitive capacity. You do not always have to stand, but be sure to alternate between sitting and standing throughout the day.
Conclusion
These simple changes are low-hanging fruit when it comes to inspiring workplace creativity, and they also make the working environment healthier and more pleasant. In addition to producing interesting ideas, you will likely also notice your team become more productive and happier at work once they are implemented.