Most employees would argue that workspaces can either enhance or hinder their production- especially in "creative fields" such as R&D, marketing and advertising. We here at {e} are fortunate to work in a relaxing, uniquely designed environment that encourages our creativity- and we're not alone. Thanks to a new initiative in interior design tends, it seems that scores of companies have caught on: systematic, uninspiring workspaces inhibits their team's innovation and are becoming a thing of the past. Companies of all sizes and backgrounds are beginning to focus more on constructing arousing interiors rather than just showy, exterior building facades. They're turning to firms such as Jump-Studios and The Architecture Office to bring their office spaces into the new generation of design.
While browsing the web, I came across an interesting study by renowned business analyzer, Teresa Amabile. Her research conclusively supports the idea that office practices greatly affect employee performance. Her studies prove that maximum creativity is achieved when designers incorporate employee collaboration areas, inspiring surroundings, and stimulating, open spaces.
1. "I believe most people aren't anywhere near to realizing their creative potential, in part because they're laboring in environments that impede intrinsic motivation" Amabile writes, "The anecdotal evidence suggests many companies still have a long way to go to remove the barriers to creativity." One way to alleviate these impediments is to design spaces with the worker's happiness in mind. Adding vibrant colors, opening up stifling spaces, and choosing comfortable, interesting furniture are just some of the ways to foster creativity.
2. "When people are excited about their work, there's a better chance that they'll make a cognitive association that incubates overnight and shows up as a creative idea the next day." To keep employees excited about work, keep work exciting. These firms have gone above and beyond in creating an energizing office, including the 29-foot slide found in Red Bull’s London HQ.
3. "Time pressure stifles creativity because people can't deeply engage with the problem. Creativity requires an incubation period; people need time to soak in a problem and let the ideas bubble up." Creating spaces where employees have the opportunity to come up with fantastic ideas should be at the forefront of a designer's mind. While working with others is key, as I’ll discuss below, people also need personal, private spaces and adequate time to cultivate their new ideas.
4. "In our surveys, we found that creativity takes a hit when people in a work group compete instead of collaborate. The most creative teams are those that have the confidence to share and debate ideas." These designs have encompassed that concept by offering an informal environment where employees can gather and join forces. By exchanging and discussing ideas, creatives can expand their own thinking and come up with new, inventive ways to solve problems.
Although these exemplary companies have really taken the bull by the horns with their spaces, smaller companies can embrace these core ideals and come up with similar results. In the end, it's not about spending a fortune on an indoor skating rink for the R&D department, it’s about understanding your employees and responding to their creative needs.
Comments
Leave a Comment