|
MENLO PARK, Calif., Nov. 18 /PRNewswire/ -- Mood lighting may influence
more than ones romantic mindset; it can impact an employees creative
quotient as well, a new survey suggests. More than half
(55 percent) of advertising and marketing executives polled said office
environments -- including layout, decor and lighting -- greatly affect
on-the-job innovation. Another 38 percent of respondents reported ones
workplace impacts staff creativity at least somewhat.
The survey was developed by The Creative Group, a specialized staffing
service that provides marketing, advertising, creative and web professionals
on a project basis. It was conducted by an independent research firm and
includes 250 responses -- 125 from advertising executives with the nations
1,000 largest advertising agencies and 125 from senior marketing executives
with the nations 1,000 largest companies.
Advertising and marketing executives were asked, "In your opinion, to what
extent, if any, does a companys office environment, including layout, dicor
and lighting, affect creative output?" Their responses:
Greatly 55%
Somewhat 38%
Not very much 5%
Not at all 2%
100%
"Physical surroundings can heavily influence an employees ability to
concentrate and perform well," said Tracey Fuller, executive director of The
Creative Group. "Companies can encourage productivity and innovation by
providing staff members with comfortable, attractive areas for team meetings,
as well as individual work stations that can be tailored to personal needs and
preferences."
The Creative Group offered the following tips for developing a productive
and stimulating office environment:
-- Construct "creativity" zones. Designate a few office areas where
informal meetings or spontaneous brainstorming sessions can occur.
Equip each room with industry publications and a white board to jot
down ideas.
-- Offer private sanctuaries. While open floor plans can increase
collaboration and communication among employees, some projects require
greater concentration and solitude. Provide stations where employees
can work without distraction. These spaces also can be used for
teleconferences.
-- Let there be light. Maximize opportunities to benefit from natural
daylight; position desks near windows so workers can have external
views. In locations where this is not possible, ensure sufficient
ambient and task lighting are in place.
-- Install an idea wall. Transform the walls of a communal area -- the
lounge or cafeteria, for example -- into a blank canvas for spontaneous
scribbling. Cover flat surfaces and tabletops with colorful paper and
keep a jar of markers close by for people to post ideas.
-- Venture into the unknown. Hold staff or team meetings in unusual
places -- a nearby courtyard, park or cafe, for example. A change of
scenery is sometimes all it takes to spark the imagination.
The Creative Group has offices in major markets across the United States
and in Canada, and offers online job search services at http://www.creativegroup.com.
|
|
