Creativity in the workplace is critical, so why are many businesses missing out?

Research carried out by top UK business coach, psychologist Ros Taylor, says that creativity in the workplace is critical to enable businesses to survive. Taylor’s latest book Creativity at Work challenges the traditional definition of creativity and highlights how firms are stifling innovation, at a time when it is essential for businesses to allow a creative environment. 

Taylor’s research, which included a poll of 1,000 working people in the UK and interviews with leaders from organisations around the world, highlights common misconceptions around what creativity is. Many of those involved in the research didn't believe there was a place for creativity at work, but Taylor disagrees. 

Innovation can transform a business into an adaptive entity, yet only 25% of employees in the UK are actively given time to come up with new ideas in the workplace.

In her research she proposes that individuals fall into one of four different creative styles and that diverse teams with all creative styles represented perform better because by working together the team can fully engage with the creative process without accidentally ‘short-circuiting’ some of the key steps.

She argues that UK companies should actively hire for creativity and that employees should be assessed regularly to determine their creative styles. Without a clear approach to creativity at work, individual team members may be prevented from playing to their strengths and frustration or conflict may hinder the company’s overall productivity. 

Words Worth Reading Ltd can help you provide creative, team building workshops for your employees. Visit us HERE to find out more. 

Image: Diago Tanaka, Flickr