Creativity isn’t just for artists or designers. It’s for everyone. No matter your job title or responsibilities, thinking outside the box helps businesses grow, solve problems, and keep things fresh.
That’s why World Creativity and Innovation Day is the perfect excuse to shake things up at work, have some fun, and encourage new ideas. Not sure how to celebrate? No problem. Here are 10 ideas to boost creativity and bring some fresh energy to your office.
10 Ways to Celebrate
1. Have a Brainstorming Session (No Bad Ideas Allowed!)
Set up a casual meeting where any idea goes. Discuss how to improve office workflow, come up with fun marketing ideas, or think of new ways to engage customers. Just let the ideas flow. The wilder, the better!
Did you know? According to one study, 75% of people feel pressured to be productive rather than creative at work. Creating dedicated time for brainstorming can help alleviate this pressure and encourage innovative thinking.
2. Try a Creative Workshop
Give the team a break from the usual routine by bringing in a guest speaker or hosting a fun workshop. It could be storytelling, improv, problem-solving, or even a hands-on DIY session. Learning something new is a great way to get the creative juices flowing.
3. Mix Up Departments for Fresh Ideas
Have you ever noticed how different teams think in totally different ways? That’s a good thing! Pair up people from different departments and challenge them to tackle a small work problem together. You’d be surprised how new perspectives can lead to big ideas.
4. Start an Office Creativity Wall
Put up a whiteboard or dedicate a bulletin board space where people can doodle, jot down ideas, write inspiring quotes, or share random thoughts. Sometimes, seeing other people’s ideas sparks new ones for you!
5. Hold a “Pitch Your Idea” Challenge
Let employees pitch their biggest, boldest ideas. Maybe it’s a new office perk, a cool marketing strategy, or a fun way to boost teamwork. Sweeten the deal with a prize for the most creative idea!
6. Take a Creative Field Trip
If you can swing it, get out of the office for a bit! Visit a museum, startup hub, or even a local coffee shop for a change of scenery. A little time outside the usual routine can do wonders for creativity.
7. Try a “No Wrong Answers” Challenge
Ask a fun, weird question, like “How would you redesign our office if money weren’t an issue?” or “What’s the most ridiculous marketing idea you can think of?” Then, let people run with it. Even silly ideas can lead to great ones!
8. Celebrate Past Wins
Take a moment to shout out employees who have come up with great ideas in the past. Recognizing creative problem-solving makes people more likely to share their ideas in the future.
9. Give People an Hour for Passion Projects
Block off an hour where employees can tinker with an idea, research something interesting, or test a new process. No meetings. No deadlines. Only creative thinking. Who knows? The next big idea might come from that hour!
10. Hand Out Some Creative Tools
Give employees something to help them think differently. This may be a creativity or coloring journal, access to a fun new tool or software, or even a book about innovation. The more resources they have, the easier it is to keep the creativity going.
Don’t be Afraid to Try New Things
At the end of the day, creativity isn’t about being the most artistic person in the room. It’s about thinking differently and trying new things. Whether your team celebrates with a brainstorming session, a field trip, or just a little extra time to dream big, every effort counts.
So, how will you celebrate? Whatever you do, have fun because great ideas come when you least expect them!
Encourage a Brain Shift
No matter the profession, everyone runs the risk of getting stuck in a rut. Visit the School Datebooks store to find coloring books, creative planners, and more. Help your team stay motivated, engaged, and thinking outside the box!
SDI Innovations has market access, global manufacturing, capital, and experience that few other companies can provide. The combination of an in-house marketing agency, an aggressive sales department, and knowledgeable customer service representatives accelerates SDI Innovations’ brands with best-in-class promotion and follow-through. Plus, in-house IT and production capabilities, coupled with our global manufacturing reach and top-of-the-line logistics, keep SDI Innovations on the cutting edge of innovation. Learn more about what we do through our socials, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok.