According to new research, British businesses aren’t actively supporting innovative employees whom believe that their companies would excel from new ideas and fresh ways of working.

In a study which concentrated on 1,000 workplaces, it was unveiled that approximately 81% of workplaces have failed to create an environment in which new ideas can be experimented and voiced. This study was conducted by RADA in Business (the commercial subsidiary of the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art which provides communication skills training for corporate individuals), and focussed on staff retention and feedback.

According to the study, many employers have come to terms with the fact that their businesses are suffering as a result. Just below a quarter (24%) have stated that their workplace is in desperate need of new ideas and fresh thinking to progress with upcoming projects and satisfy both staff and clients.
As well as the above, the report concluded that there are numerous factors which are to blame for the suppressing of original thinking and fresh ideas.

With regards to having ideas heard and considered in the workplace, just over 1 in 5 employees (21%) stated that they didn’t believe anyone wanted to hear their suggestions. Similarly, 18% of those that had gone ahead and proposed their ideas were rarely heard or had their suggestions implemented.

The study found that as many as 16% of workers think that their new ideas would be treated with criticism rather than welcomed. Meanwhile, approximately 15% of people think that their employers avoid integrating innovation into the workplace.

Commenting on the findings, Kevin Chapman, Director of RADA in Business, said: “It’s concerning to see how many people feel that creativity and innovation aren’t encouraged in their role – especially when there are simple techniques available to help companies to support and tap into the power of imagination for solving problems or developing new ways of working as a team.

In the same way that a theatre director works with their cast of actors to experiment with different ways to tell a story, business leaders can benefit from improvising with their teams, which is a key element to unlocking greater creativity.

Rather than promoting individualism and ‘showing off’, improvisation is a surprisingly effective tool to create better team bonds and understanding.

We encourage businesses to give space to play with new ideas without being overly critical. Adopting an attitude of enthusiastic curiosity towards every idea that you come up with defies your critical voice and may lead the way to new innovations.’’

The report unveiled that both government and local government workplaces are the settings where people find it the most difficult to think creatively (21%). Meanwhile, people who work in IT (29%) and financial services (26%) find it the most difficult to have their ideas heard and considered. They stated that this is due to their industry often being dominated by ‘loud voices’.

However, those that are working in the teaching or trades sectors are four times less likely to struggle with innovation.

Are you looking to inject some creativity into your workforce? Here at Recruitment Solutions Wales, we can dedicate time and resources to scouting, engaging, contacting, hiring, and on-boarding top talent, helping your business move forward. Specialising in the Logistics, Industrial, Professional Services, Manufacturing, Engineering, Commercial and Warehousing sectors, we are proud to work with some of the greatest companies and candidates in Wales.

For more details on how we can help you, get in touch today.