How Creativity helps in fostering Employee Engagement & Inclusivity
Since March 2020, businesses have been through a lot. From facing a worldwide pandemic that forced us to close our physical doors to having to now navigate the online space in order to survive and stay relevant.
One of the biggest reasons that companies are losing employees or employee productivity has drastically reduced is because of unfulfillment, a lack of growth, and simply the feeling that work is no longer an enjoyable process. Some even feel as if they are making no real and positive change, despite their efforts.
Amidst the chaos, what if we tell you that there is a way to have your company thrive by keeping your employees happy and engaged?
You can improve employee wellness and boost productivity, by making a few simple changes, and adding a little creativity to your workspace.
The link between Creativity and Increased Productivity
Creativity and productivity have always been deemed to be at odds with each other, simply because productivity is deemed more systemic, while creativity tends to be more sporadic and operates at its own pace. However, according to a 12 year research study conducted by Dr. Craig Wright at the University of Exeter, art in the workplace may boost productivity. In his own words, Dr Wright highlights that “If you enrich a space, people feel much happier and work better; a very good way of doing this is by using art.”
Research from this 2018 study published in the 2020 Journal of Creative Behaviour also reveals that creativity and productivity work together to increase concentration and curiosity in employees. Problem solving techniques with a creative touch like Art, Music, have specifically proven to improve original ideas by about 350%, as it tends to arouse curiosity.
Whether you choose to integrate physical art in the workplace, such as painting or photography, or performing arts such as dance,singing or acting, you will be inspiring creativity in your employees. This automatically results in an increased ability to be effective at each task, and work together, leading to inclusivity and a more productive workplace.
Since most companies have migrated to a remote work schedule, a tailored creative engagement program needs to be adopted into your work schedules, and make them a vital part of the work week.
Be it Art therapy workshops, Music engagement, online competitions or even letting the employees continue their hobbies by opting for online interactive creative courses, engagement programs need to innovate as well with the changing times.
The Benefits of Creative Arts for your Employees
One of the reasons that the school curriculum involves various forms of creative outlets such as music, visual arts, dancing and literature is because it has been proven to stimulate learning and improve focus in students. This essentially leads to a more holistic, well-rounded and fully developed student, who is able to perform optimally in most subject areas.
So why do we, as companies, not foster that same growth by incorporating these forms of creativity in the workplace?
3 Major Benefits of Creativity in the Workplace
The truth is that Creative Arts is a necessity when it comes to optimal performance in your employees, and it improves learning and fosters growth. There are 3 major benefits that can result from incorporating creativity and creative arts in the workplace, let's take a look!
- Creativity Improves Teamwork among Employees - Creativity promotes curiosity and ideas, which employees tend to share with each other. When businesses focus on including more creativity in the workplace, they are fostering an environment where employees easily share ideas with each other, and work together to meet a common goal.
- Creativity Improves Problem Solving & Critical Thinking - Creativity like Art or music related activities encourage employees to find new methods to solve old problems. Creativity also allows the employees to think critically about the issue at hand, and find a solution that is favourable to both them and their company. Businesses benefit from these skills as it helps them to grow more efficiently.
- Creativity Improves Mindset by Reducing Stress - Businesses need to find an effective way to relieve stress & promote well-being among their employees if they want to improve. Creativity, specifically through art, is one of the best ways to do so. Statistics show that businesses that add art to their workplace or art related activities have seen a reduction of stress, and an increase in creativity and productivity, according to this survey.
Best Ways to Introduce Creativity to the Workplace
There are many great ways to add creativity in the workplace, but in this era of remote work, one of the best options is to incorporate Creative Employee engagement programs designed specifically for your organisation.
Persius.in’s programs include Creativity (Art, Music, Dance, etc.) related learning activities for employees, Therapy sessions (Individual sessions or workshops to inspire creativity & promote communication between employees) while focusing on the key issues your organisation is facing today.
Whether arranging a workshop for unique skills like Fashion design, Self-defence, Cooking class, etc. or running online competitions or even individual courses for employees to take up their favourite hobby again, Persius provides a lot of options to choose from, leading to a highly motivated workforce.
Take advantage of our extensive Engagement programs by clicking here or contacting us at [email protected].