What type of reward (besides a bonus) would encourage employees to be more creative?

Answer 1

Chocolate.

Or whiskey.

A classy tub of facial moisturiser is always welcome;

As are vouchers for John Lewis stores.

Answer 2

Michael Porter, in 1980, agrued that a company can compete in the market on one of three things-low cost, High quality, or innovation.

In order to compete on innovation, an innovative culture must be created and this can be achieved in number of ways.

It was been argued by theorists that flat structures, emphasising team work, with broad job descriptions should help, as well as having broad training easily available. Also, not punishing failure, but perhaps even rewarding it if the risk was one well taken. That way, people will not be afraid to try somethingnew.

An open environment, with as little top down intererance as possible,but a strong recruitment and selection strategy, valuing originallity should help.

There is a lot of literiture in this area. You could start with Michael Porter, or Robert Schuler, or Kanter. If I were you though, I'd take a look at the DTI website and type in 'innovation', the blair/brownites want the uk to compete on innovation and so push it hard via the DTI with a lot of hints and tips, probably far more valuble than my wide ranging rantings!!

Snoochy-Boochy! x

Answer 3

Just asking employees to be more creative is not going to enable them to be more creative. Providing financial incentive is not enough.

To encourage creativity and innovation in a company, the company has to provide an environment that supports creativity and innovation. There is a great book by Doug Hall called Jump Start Your Brain that provides lots of different exercises to promote creative thought. Before going through these excercises, he suggests providing brain stimuli to stimulate brain activity. Examples might be playing 'fun' music..flipping through colorful magazines and picture books, watching kids TV shows that are creative, etc.. Another key factor in companies that want to promote innovation is to have senior management that supports risk-taking. Some of the ideas that are created are bound to fail. Don't punish employees if an endeavor fails because they will be less likely to go out of their way to come up with new ideas if they think that they are going to get their hand slapped. Another key process is coming up with a way to measure ideas and test them for their effectiveness before trying to implement them. This could help save the company money.

Answer 4

Creativity needs opportunity, not incentives. Not that there's anything wrong with rewards...but if you were to peek into the workplaces of some of the most creative people (employees of Apple, Microsoft, Yahoo, and art departments of advertising agencies or newspapers) you would see something that looked more like a playground than a workplace. When staff are given time and freedom to be playful without constraints, they become amazingly productive. It's true!

Answer 5

Profit sharing for those who present ideas and innovations that boost business.
Appreciation dinners at intervals which recognize creative efforts, even though every idea might not have been usable.
Personal notes of congratulation from the boss when creative efforts are put forth.
And then there is always the no-occasion day off in rotation for all employees.

Answer 6

What's the saying? Money talks, BS walks...

You could try doing like Microsoft and creating an environment conducive to creativity. Also developing a team spirit can be helpful. But these things take work on your part. It might be easier just to pay the bonuses.

Answer 7

If you want your staff to be more creative, you should look at making a creative culture, rather than just paying for good ideas. This will mean a more hands on approach, with public prase, sugestions, perhaps forming O groups etc. But if you want a creative culture, you must nurture it.

Answer 8

For most people, time is more valuable than money.

How about an extra week's holiday for the most creative employee?

Answer 9

The promise of adventure days out of the office: paintballing, canoeing, orienteering etc. This kind of thing really builds team spirit aswell!!

Answer 10

You cant beat good old praise and encouragement. People who feel valued and feel like they are being taking seriously will be more productive and thorough.....

mrben