How to boost creativity at work in the age of AI

What is creativity?

Creativity is the ability to generate new ideas, connect seemingly unrelated concepts, and approach problems in innovative ways. It’s not limited to artistic talent. Creativity shows up in everyday tasks, from streamlining a process to finding a new solution to a familiar challenge.

In the workplace, creativity involves thinking outside the box, adapting to change, and looking at tasks from different perspectives. It’s a mindset that encourages curiosity, experimentation, and continuous learning. Whether you’re in marketing, finance, tech, or HR, creative thinking can help you uncover better ways of working and drive meaningful outcomes.

Importantly, creativity isn't strictly an innate trait, it's a skill that can be developed and strengthened over time with the right strategies and support.

Why creativity is important in the workplace

Creativity in the workplace goes far beyond artistic expression - it involves applying imaginative thinking to enhance processes, develop innovative products or services, and solve problems in new ways. Whether you're streamlining operations or designing a better customer experience, creativity plays a key role in making work more effective, engaging and future-focused.

Creative professionals tend to ask different questions, challenge assumptions and bring fresh perspectives to the table. They’re often more adaptable, open to change, and willing to explore unconventional approaches – qualities that are especially valuable in fast-paced or evolving industries.

Creativity also strengthens collaboration. When teams feel encouraged to share bold ideas, it builds a culture of trust, openness and innovation.Encouraging creativity at work leads to continuous improvement and helps organisations stay competitive in a rapidly changing world. 

How to improve your creativity at work  

Creativity is a skill, and, like any skill, it can be developed with intention and practise. Whether or not you’re in a traditionally ‘creative’ role, finding new ways to approach your work can help you stay relevant, resourceful, and ready for whatever comes next.

Here are six practical strategies to boost your creativity at work and future-proof your career:

1. Embrace continuous learning

Creativity flourishes when you expose yourself to new ideas and experiences. An effective way to nurture this mindset is through continuous learning. Stay curious by attending professional development courses, reading widely, or joining industry events and workshops.  

Not only will this introduce you to different perspective, but it also builds the adaptability and innovative thinking that's essential for success in today’s evolving, AI-driven workplace.

2. Develop an open mindset

Being open to different viewpoints can lead to more creative solutions. Creative breakthroughs often come from working with others who think differently. Collaborate with colleagues from different backgrounds and departments to gain fresh insights and challenge your usual way of thinking.  

Step outside your usual network, ask questions, and remain curious. And don’t be afraid to experiment. Creativity thrives in environments where it’s safe to test new ideas, even if they don’t always lead to immediate success.

3. Dedicate time for brainstorming

Make space for regular, unstructured brainstorming sessions – both individually and with your team.  The best ideas often surface when you allow yourself to explore freely without judgement or constraints.

Regular brainstorming sessions help improve your creative problem-solving skills and spark fresh ideas that drive innovation in your work. 

4. Leverage technology as a creativity partner

Rather than viewing AI as a threat, treat it as a tool that can support your creativity. Use AI tools to automate repetitive tasks, giving you more time for strategic and creative thinking. AI can spark ideas, organise content, and offer data insights to support the creative process.

Alongside AI, make use of other creativity tools like mind mapping software, brainstorming platforms, and curated industry resources. These tools can help spark new ideas, structure your thinking, and give your creativity a practical boost.

5. Practise mindfulness and reflection 

Step back from the noise. Practising mindfulness and self-reflection helps you clear mental clutter and opens the door to fresh ideas. Even a few quiet minutes each day can make a big difference. It allows space for deeper thinking, better focus, and the kind of mental clarity that supports creative breakthroughs over time.

6. Seek feedback and embrace critique

Constructive criticism can provide new angles and improve your ideas. Create an environment where feedback is welcomed and used as a tool for creative development. Make a habit of asking for input and be open to critique—it’s often where the best improvements come from.

A feedback-friendly mindset not only helps you improve but also fosters a collaborative environment where creativity can thrive.

Professional examples of creativity in the workplace

Creativity takes many forms and can be demonstrated across every level and industry. From day-to-day problem-solving to large-scale innovation, here are some examples of how creative thinking can show up in your role:

Idea generation

Contributing original ideas can have a lasting impact on products, services, or internal systems. Whether it's suggesting a new feature, improving a workflow, or rethinking customer communication, idea generation helps push things forward. Even small tweaks can lead to meaningful change.

Innovative solutions

Challenges are inevitable in any workplace but approaching them with creativity often leads to better outcomes. This might involve finding a workaround for a tight deadline, designing a more efficient process, or reframing a problem to uncover a new solution.

Creative projects

Leading or participating in projects that call for originality is a clear sign of workplace creativity. This could mean designing a new campaign, revamping training materials, or reimagining a service delivery model. These projects benefit from fresh perspectives and a willingness to experiment.

Process improvements

Creativity doesn’t always mean radical change. It can be as simple as finding smarter ways to work. Whether it’s restructuring how meetings are run or creating tools to reduce errors, incremental improvements often stem from creative problem-solving.

Cross-functional collaboration

Working with colleagues from different teams or specialisations can spark fresh thinking. When diverse perspectives come together, they often generate creative ideas that no single person or department would reach alone.

Creativity as a career superpower

As AI continues to reshape the way we work, creativity remains a human strength that cannot be replaced. Whether you're starting your career or stepping into a leadership role, developing creativity as part of your professional skill set will position you to thrive in an AI-enhanced workplace where creativity and other soft skills are paramount.

Discover how to showcase your creativity and other soft skills during the hiring process with our free e-guide, mastering soft skills for a thriving career.