It is easy to forget that an organisation is set up to do more than just go about its regular activities to achieve set goals and complete its mission statement. But in truth, as we spend 1/3 of our day at work, it is important that we feel comfortable in our work environment and relaxed and motivated by our colleagues. Therefore finding the right mix of people to enhance the creative culture is necessary for social cohesion and meeting corporate objectives.
The workplace culture resonates through every department of a company and allows the company to set acceptable behaviours and methodologies for all to follow. But importantly, it does not mean that you need to hire a similar 'type' of person. Culture is created by a well-rounded and diverse range of individuals who fit together. Your ultimate strength lies in the variation of work experience, cultural diversity and education of its members.
Unfortunately, many companies forget the aspect of the creative culture when they are recruiting for new team members. The motivation to do the job is just as important as the ability to do the job, but in the rush to hire the most qualified, it is often left out of the mix. If an organisation concentrates on hiring for culture, it can then train for the skills. Therefore a culture fit should be identified before someone is hired.
But where do you start to build your creative culture? First, you have to determine exactly what lies at the heart of your company culture. Then you need to go about creating the perfect space. Inspiring your employees is one way to do this. Forget boring egg white cubicle spaces and opt for large open spaces with plenty of natural lighting up to date computer systems and ergonomic furniture.
Just as everyone is different, so is their work situation. Some people are naturally early birds while others prefer to start later and work through the evening hours. This, of course, may not work for all organisations, but can be useful for creative cultures where standard hours are not the priority.
You have to put your team first at all times. Follow in Richard Branson's footsteps and show them that they are more than a cog in the wheel.
"A company is people ... employees want to know... am I being listened to or am I a cog in the wheel? People really need to feel wanted." - Richard Branson
Let them be themselves and reward their individuality and creativity. After all, aren't rules made to be broken? Well within reason, anyhow! Let their vision inspire the overall corporate vision. When that happens, then the sky is the limit.
By allowing your staff to make their own decisions, they can develop their resourcefulness through their roles. Let them know you have healthy expectations of what they can achieve and provide them with some autonomy so they don't feel they are stuck in a rut. Remember work has to involve an element of fun. Everyone wants to let their hair down, even in a corporate based environment.
Flexibility encourages an element of fun while maintaining corporate and job security.
If you want passion, innovation and creativity, it is important to think slightly outside of the box when it comes to your hiring practices. Align their values with yours and hire strategically. When you have managed to achieve that, then the rest will simply fall into place.