Over the last few years, workplaces and organisations have seen a huge change.
From companies and employees shifting to work from home set-up during the COVID-19 pandemic, to now moving to hybrid work culture post-pandemic, and the increasing use of artificial intelligence at work– the workplace is ever evolving. And so are the skills needed to thrive in one’s career or for an organisation to survive.
Considering this, the World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs Survey did a study on the top skill organisations and what they are looking for while hiring people. And according to the survey, creative thinking skills emerged as the top priority.
Importance of creative thinking at the workplace
Creative thinking is an important skill needed at the workplace as it shows one’s innovation, problem-solving, and adaptability to change. In today’s dynamic and competitive work environment, organisations and employees often face challenges that require solutions that are out-of-the-box. And creative thinking allows one to approach new-age problems from new perspectives, generating new solutions.
Additionally, creative thinking also increases employees’ engagement and satisfaction at work. It gives them more opportunities for autonomy, self-expression, and personal growth. It is noted that when employees feel empowered to contribute their ideas at the workplace, they become more motivated and invested in the company’s success.
Moreover, it shows that AI cannot replace or completely replicate human intelligence. It is a skill that is unique to humans and thus honing it can help secure your career.
Ways to enhance creative thinking
For employees: Be curious and open to new ideas and thoughts. Take up new projects or upgrade your skills to stay relevant at the workplace. Also, developing a reading habit has many benefits. Reading opens your worldview and helps you grow as a person. And being adaptable to new challenges also helps you enhance your problem-solving and creative thinking skills.
For organisations: Provide new opportunities, workshops, and training to your employees, to help them grow in their careers. Promote collaboration between teams and employees– this can help bring diverse perspectives and skill sets together. Also, instead of micro-managing, empower employees to take more ownership of their work and pursue creative solutions independently.
