Hang around board rooms and C-suites enough and you\u2019ll start to notice some predictable trends. (This statement could take us in several directions, but for today, let\u2019s focus on look and feel.) Most corporate offices are modern, uncluttered and functional. Maybe there are planters here and there. A few pieces of art or company accolades probably dot the walls.<\/p>\n
In short, office spaces aren\u2019t usually an overflow of creative inspiration. But why not?<\/p>\n
According to this Harvard Business School Online post<\/a>, creativity in business encourages innovation, boosts productivity, allows for adaptivity and fosters growth \u2013 positive outcomes often prioritized by C-suite leaders. Access to unconventional tools, flexible spaces and malleable mindsets can inspire fresh ideas, new products and better business outcomes.<\/p>\n At my own company, Three Box<\/a>, we lean into unapologetic and unconventional creativity as a core element of our culture. What started with a full reimagination of our office space in 2021 now permeates our meeting formats, project workflow and client ideation.<\/p>\n 1. We equip for exploration.<\/strong> Our office features a craft area with just about any tool you need to doodle, fidget and create. Whether in a campaign brainstorm or weekly staff meeting, our team has full reign of a variety of art supplies, Legos, pipe cleaners, color swatches, paper samples, games and more. These seemingly unproductive items actually encourage our brains to explore different textures, colors, materials and concepts.<\/p>\n 2. We intentionally inspire.<\/strong> Every square foot of our office holds potential to inspire creativity. Natural light streams from floor-to-ceiling windows into the open floor plan. Real plants add a tangible example of gradual growth, changing colors and adaptation to new environments. Murals commissioned by Texas artist Rasheal Winters<\/a> go beyond beautiful art by intentionally showcasing our brand promise and aesthetic. Individual spaces feature different lighting, building materials and d\u00e9cor to bring variety to each workspace and meeting room.<\/span><\/p>\n 3. We extend creative hospitality.<\/strong> Client relationships thrive in creative hospitality. While clients expect creativity from their agency, they may not be as comfortable in creative spaces themselves. We often offer our space to our clients for their leadership workshops, strategic planning and team trainings. A new environment gives them room to think differently and ideate bigger, better brand possibilities.<\/span><\/p>\n These are only a few examples of how creativity benefits our business. To explore deeper integration of creativity in business, check out this episode of the PRGN Presents Podcast<\/a>. Host Abbie Fink and I dive into sabbaticals, creativity in the planning process and how leadership can make or break your team\u2019s creative mindset.<\/p>\n\u00a0<\/span>Here are three ways we\u2019ve leveraged creativity for better business outcomes:<\/h3>\n