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Small Business Human Resources Workforce Development Your Questions Answered Success Stories

January 2006 — Vol. 83, No. 11

SMALL BUSINESS

Want to spark your staff’s creativity?

One solution may be all around you

 

Office environments — including layout, decor and lighting — greatly affect on-the-job innovation, according to more than half (55%) of the advertising and marketing executives responding to a recent survey. Another 38% agreed that one’s workplace affects staff creativity at least somewhat.

The survey was developed by The Creative Group, a staffing service that provides marketing, advertising, creative and Web professionals on a project basis. Although the 250 professionals polled work for large advertising agencies and other big companies, their creativity-boosting suggestions will work just as well in smaller business.

“Physical surroundings can heavily influence an employee’s ability to concentrate and perform well,” says Tracey Fuller, executive director of The Creative Group.

“Companies can encourage productivity and innovation by providing staff members with comfortable, attractive areas for team meetings, as well as individual work stations that can be tailored to personal needs and preferences.”

The Creative Group offers these tips for developing a productive and stimulating office environment:

  • Create “creativity” zones. Designate an office area, or areas, where informal meetings or spontaneous brainstorming sessions can occur. Equip the space with industry publications and a white board on which employees can jot down ideas.
  • Offer private sanctuaries. While open floor plans can increase collaboration and communication among employees, some projects require greater concentration and solitude. Provide stations where employees can work without distraction. These spaces can also be used for occasional teleconferences.
  • Let there be light. Maximize opportunities to benefit from natural daylight; position desks near windows so workers can have external views. In locations where this is not possible, ensure sufficient ambient and task lighting are in place.
  • Install an idea wall. Transform the walls of a communal area — the lounge or lunchroom, for example — into a blank canvas for spontaneous scribbling. Cover flat surfaces and tabletops with colorful paper and keep a jar of markers close by for people to use to post ideas.
  • Venture into the unknown. Hold staff or team meetings in an unusual place — a nearby courtyard, park or cafe, for instance. A change of scenery is sometimes all it takes to spark the imagination.

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