We all know that work can be stressful, and it's up to managers and HR leaders to help make the workplace a happier, more productive place. One powerful but often overlooked tool for this is creativity. Yes, the same creativity that fuels art, music, and hobbies can also make your team healthier and more productive.
What science says about creativity and well-being Studies from University College London show that doing something creative, like painting or going to museums, can actually make people feel less stressed. This is because such activities lower stress hormones in the body and increase "feel-good" hormones like dopamine.
And it's not just artsy stuff; other creative activities like sewing, cooking, or gardening can have similar benefits. These activities help us focus and give us a break from stress, almost like a natural form of therapy.
Real people are catching on
Even outside the science lab, people are noticing the benefits of creative activities. Craft Club, supported by the Crafts Council, recently did a survey and found that 29% of its members joined the club for therapeutic reasons. If that many people are turning to creative activities for their well-being, it’s worth considering for the workplace too.
How creativity can help your team So, how can we use creativity at work? At Trills, we think that using creative methods can bring new energy and ideas into any team, especially those working remotely.
Here are some simple yet effective ways to do that:
Visualise success Visualisation isn’t just a feel-good catchphrase; it has real science behind it. When we picture something in our mind, our brain actually prepares us to do it. Try encouraging your team to imagine completing a project successfully or winning over a client.
Sketch out solutions Instead of always using spreadsheets or presentations, why not encourage your team to draw their ideas? A simple sketch can often communicate an idea more quickly and might even lead to creative solutions you hadn't considered.
Try improv Improv isn't just for comedians; it’s also a great team-building activity. It teaches people to listen carefully and think on their feet, skills that are crucial in today's fast-paced business world.
Write a poem No, really. Taking a few minutes to write some free-form poetry can help people get their thoughts out and think more clearly. It could be a fun and different way to start your team meetings.
Jazz up your brainstorming Inspired by jazz musicians, who often enter a “flow state” when they play, consider having more free-form brainstorming sessions. This allows for a natural, back-and-forth exchange of ideas, free from the constraints of a strict agenda.
Final thoughts Creativity isn’t just for artists; it's for everyone. It’s time we use the proven benefits of creative activities to make our workplaces healthier and more productive. These aren’t just “nice-to-have” activities; they're a “must-have” for a strong, engaged, and happy team.
In a world that is becoming more and more automated, let's not forget the unique value of human creativity. Let's let it flow in our offices and make work a better place to be. Because behind every screen, there is a person with a dream.
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