One of my favourite parts of working in a communications agency was when we got to brainstorm new ideas for a new client or new product launches. Once we started to have an increase in new clients and continuous product launches the more and more we met for creativity brainstorms. I often found that it wasn’t a very comfortable environment to express ideas that are outside of the digital ideas that were always in mind. This got me researching and thinking of ways to foster creativity in the workforce which I think is a particularly important part of a workforce when working with online content. Taking these things in mind can sure avoid creative ideas being stale.

1. Brief in Advance: before a group brainstorm, make sure each member has adequate time to think about the brief and come up with ideas as inspiration can come from various things and ideas can spark at the most unexpected time.
2. Reward Creativity: Employees will have little motivation if they feel their ideas will never be used so it is important to reward them so that they can think outside of the box.
3. Allow of Anonymity: Not all people are comfortable with expressing their ideas in front of a group of people and they may the best ideas. Allow for anonymity by perhaps allowing people to submit their ideas in written form into an online file or a suggestions box.
4. Support Creativity: if you are a manager it is important to remember to not shut down any ideas during a brainstorming session. Ideas often bounce off each other and if they are shut down, it can stop most people from contributing in fear of disapproval. Support creativity by allowing for interchange of thoughts and diversity.
5. Colour in the office: Inject the office with colour this can be by paintings, furnishings and lights. Certain colours such as blues and greens are said to be inspiring for creative thoughts so consider adding splashes of these colours around the office.

Below is an infographic that further highlights why the above points are important in the workforce.