Workplace values, like creativity, are an essential aspect of any work environment. Whether you work from home or need to be in an office, employees need to adhere to certain unspoken standards of work ethics.
In other words, workplace values can be considered as a set of guiding principles that will help to shape the way you and your colleagues work together. When specific values are shared to be expected in order to work together in a professional setting, fewer misunderstandings will occur.
A happier, more cohesive and understanding environment will grow out of such a nurturing environment. And that’s got to be a win-win situation for everyone.
With all that being said, what are some of these workplace values that can help to improve the overall quality of your work environment?
In this article, you will be able to find out more about the workplace value of creativity and 3 ways you can practice creativity at your office.
What is creativity?
Sure, you and I know what the term generally asks of anyone in a social setting. However, what exactly does it mean?
According to Lexico.com, creativity refers to “the use of imagination or original ideas to create something”. It has also been referred to as a sense of inventiveness.
When placed into the context of a working environment, creativity can take on many forms at the workplace. As with any workplace value, we use creativity as a guiding principle to help us make better decisions as a colleague, and more importantly, as an individual.
How then we can apply it at the workplace? Read on to find out 🙂
How to practice creativity at the office?
Practicing the workplace value of creativity at the office doesn’t actually call for much effort! Meaning to say, that it does not need to be big or outlandish gestures.
We practice creativity through the simple, and daily acts of our everyday lifestyle. As such, here are 3 steps you can take to start practicing creativity within your own office space.
Create a flexible workspace
Creating a flexible workspace is one of the first steps you can take to practice creativity at the workplace.
We’ve all experienced one form of creativity block or another. When working on a project at the same spot for hours on end, many of us tend to hit a road bump. As such, it’s important for individuals to switch things up a little bit.
One way to get started with that is by creating a flexible workspace. And we mean that quite literally too! Introduce an open-concept office is possible. In fact, don’t make it feel like an office all that much. Have some space for art and chill corners.
This can help employees take a little break away from the task they’ve been working on for so long. Alternatively, allow employees the freedom to work from elsewhere – anywhere they find comfortable!
This will allow them the room to think out of the box. Inspiration can strike at any time – especially when at a different or new venue. Perhaps, they’ll get a new idea when they see a random object or person on the streets.
Give them the space to work things out on their own! And so, creating a flexible workspace is one way to foster the workplace value of creativity!
Incorporate creativity as a routine practice
One can also foster creativity at the workplace simply by infusing creativity into a routine practice. When at the office, it’s not just tasks and projects that need a dose of creativity.
Switch up the ways things get done at work too! Organise a potluck lunch by drawing lots to pick a cuisine of the week, for instance. Reorganise teams every now and then to diversify staff interactions at work. Incorporating creativity as part of a daily routine can be done through the little things at the office.
Thus, incorporating creativity as a routine practice is one way to foster the workplace value of creativity!
Keep doors open to feedback
The third, but perhaps, the most effective way you can practise the workplace value of creativity is by keeping the doors open to feedback. This can be achieved by listening actively to your co-workers who approach you with feedback about the way things are done at work.
On top of listening actively, paying attention to your colleagues and asking the right questions can help you get a better sense of their ideas too. Ask questions in return to ensure that you have indeed understood what their suggestions are all about. Brainstorm together to improve on these ideas too.
Take the initiative to make others feel like you are approachable and easy to talk to. Encourage one another to share feedback. It is the road to improvement, after all. You’d be practicing the workplace value of creativity in no time!
What's next?
And there you have it – a piece on an absolutely critical workplace value of creativity. We hope the information in this article has helped you get a clearer idea of how you can better practice creativity at the workplace.
Instilling workplace values, like the above, at your office can rake in numerous benefits for every employee. Remember, a little effort can go a long way to ensure a happy and successful workplace for everyone!
Keep a lookout for other workplace values we will be discussing as part of this series soon! Searching for a new workplace that practices these workplace values? On the hunt for a new job?
If you’re on the lookout for jobs within other industries that are nonetheless located in Singapore, here’s an article that shares with you the top 19 job portals in Singapore.
No matter the industry or the position, remember to visit GrabJobs to find a job opportunity in Singapore easily!
