Need an excuse to doodle at work? We have compiled a short list of reasons why creativity is, in fact, better for your company, and may just set you apart from your competition.
1: Creativity Means Adaptability
In a quickly-changing industry, creativity can mean the difference between thriving and becoming obsolete. Encouraging creative thought in the office instead of sticking to the way things have always been done is what leads to breakthroughs and moves companies forward. When the creative wheels of a company are consistently churning out new ideas, and adjusting for failures and successes, then the company manages to stay relevant in a complex and ever-changing market.
The Miracle Mop, the disposable diaper, and sliced bread were all inventions that made an old idea new. The creative minds behind these inventions managed to anticipate and even guide the future of their industries, simply by focusing their efforts on what could be instead of what was.
2: It’s a Stress-Zapper
Not a yoga person? Making time for creative activities can be just as meditative as deep-breathing and mindfulness. During more routine tasks at work, the mind has space to wander: my tax forms are due soon…I should really buy my niece a present for her birthday…did I leave the stove on? Creative exercises, on the other hand, have the ability to silence extraneous thought and focus the mind. While painting a portrait, playing an instrument or writing an article, everything else simply melts away. Even taking time for a smaller act of creation, like doodling in the margins of a notebook, can re-focus the mind and allow for big ideas to emerge.
3: Happier Employees
Time for creativity and play in the office can lead to happier, more energized employees. Many modern offices now have places for employees to to unwind and play. At Dogpatch Labs, where Viddyad is located, there is a pool table, table tennis, and a chess board. These opportunities to play and think creatively allow employees to exercise their strategic muscles in ways different from their work. When employees finish their games, they are refreshed, maybe a bit sweaty, and thinking in new patterns than if they’d been glued to their desk all afternoon.
There is a reason why “work hard” and “play hard” go hand in hand: each makes the other more enjoyable, more sustainable and more fruitful.
4: It Brings Employees Together
No need to send your employees to a team building retreat in the woods. Simply allowing employees to brainstorm, play, and create together can allow them to build lasting connections. Table tennis partners who realize they work well together may turn around and co-write an outstanding paper. The very act of writing together, which is an act of creation, will build the trust between these very same co-workers and contribute to a more steady, more comfortable work environment.
Any act of creativity or brainstorming is also an act of vulnerability, since it takes courage to throw ideas out into the world and hope they are well-received. This is both the peril and the reward of creativity. Encouraging an open environment in which even the most outlandish ideas are free to be explored can build confidence among employees and allow for free thought.
5: Creativity Inspires The Customer
Think back to the most memorable ads you’ve seen on TV. Were they memorable because they were promoting the most useful product? Were they memorable because they were reinventing the wheel? Most likely, they were memorable because they were funny, surprising, or inspiring. The ads that we remember are the ones that make us feel something grand.
Every day, we are bombarded by advertisements. The average person may see as many as 5,000 ads per day. With this amount of competition, only the most eye-catching ads can reach the customer and really stick. Only the most well-thought-out ads can move the customer to action. No matter how great the product, it has to be marketed creatively.
6: Differentiation
The creative talent in a company can be what sets it apart from nearly identical businesses. Whether it be a creative logo or a clever marketing scheme, the customers want to see how you stand out from the pack. At Viddyad, we believe that a video ad campaign can be that push. The difference between a dry, stationary ad and a colorful moving advertisement is palpable, especially in this video-centric age.
We would love to hear about the ways your business has creatively engaged your audience. As a small but creative business ourselves, we are constantly being inspired by other small businesses. Feel free to email us at info@viddyad.com or post below.
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Image source: http://bit.ly/1UFHybE