Just how valuable is creativity at work? Creativity is, by definition, the act of turning new and imaginative ideas into reality. As more and more companies desire associates who think and work differently, the more important creativity at work is becoming. Organizations that are open to creative thinking are ahead of the curve. In fact, unlocking creative potential is the key to economic and societal growth. We've interviewed several of our own creative associates (here and here) to find out how expressing personal creativity makes a difference in their lives. Read about three more of our creative team members!

A 2018 study from FMI Corporation entitled “New Day, New Mindset: Rethinking Offsite Construction” shows just how dramatically things have changed for prefab construction in the past three years. In fact, 61% of survey respondents think that today’s offsite construction environment (which includes prefab construction) is different than in 2014. The top reasons for this change are the skilled labor shortage on the job site and increasing pressure on both project costs and project schedules.

The mission at YWCA Columbus is to eliminate racism, empower women, and promote peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all. It's an organization that focuses on breaking down barriers and creating opportunities for women and families – not just in critical moments, but every single day. The historic Griswold building in downtown Columbus, Ohio houses the YWCA Columbus Center for Women, which provides permanent supportive housing for women struggling with disabilities and chronic homeless-ness. It’s also where an administrative staff of 60 provides services 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year for residents. As a 90-year-old building in constant use, the time had come to make some much-needed updates to the space. Through a year-long renovation project we helped to bring this LEED-certified building into the 21^st century, while maintaining the integrity of this special structure from the early 1900s.

The University of Toledo had a very long hallway in their College of Engineering, with very blank walls. Not only was the hall used by current students for studying and socializing, but it was a primary avenue for prospective students visiting the school. The school wanted to use branding as a recruitment tool, and allow students to learn about the different concentrations available to study at the college.

It pays to invest in creativity at work. Three in four people believe there’s an increasing pressure to be productive rather than creative at work. Yet, more than half say there’s an increasing expectation to think creatively at work. The most successful and innovative companies are the ones that generate better ideas faster. When companies encourage and support creative thinking and creative work, the results are powerful. We recently interviewed three more of our freakishly creative associates to find out how expressing personal creativity makes a difference in their lives.

We recently brought together some of our designers along with a member of our human resources team. We wanted to know how the two disciplines can work together to tackle the rising problem of associate attraction and retention. How does design play a role in the associate experience? What are some examples of design elements that help to attract, and keep, talent? Does the environment affect culture? If so, how? It was these probing questions that led to a thoughtful discussion on a timely topic that continues to challenge.

Maryhaven has helped people and families dealing with addiction and mental illness find a path to recovery since 1953. With a modest budget, they wanted to bring life to their healing space through branding by creating a donor wall as well as incorporating inspirational images and quotes throughout their space. This not only made it more welcoming and impactful, but created a positive experience for patients.

A patient’s perception of the overall healthcare experience is closely tied to the quality of care received, cleanliness, safety, and communication. The physical environment is becoming more and more important to this overall experience. The delivery of facilities services must evolve to keep pace with patients’ expectations. It’s especially important since people often have a choice of where they go for their healthcare.

Creativity is, by definition, the act of turning new and imaginative ideas into reality. As more and more companies desire associates who think and work differently, the more important creativity at work is becoming. Organizations that are open to new ideas and new ways of thinking are ahead of the curve. In fact, unlocking creative potential is key to economic and societal growth. A global “State of Create” study conducted by Adobe reports that 70% of global respondents across North America, Europe, and Asia feel that being creative is valuable to society. Regardless of industry or geography, creativity is at the forefront of today's successful countries, cities, and workplaces.

Studies show that investing in creativity at work isn't just important, it's imperative. It goes beyond work too, as 70% of respondents in a global "State of Create" study conducted by Adobe feel that being creative is valuable to society. Associates at Continental Office do a lot of creative things at the workplace, but we know there's a lot of creativity within our walls that has nothing to do with what we do at work. We recently interviewed three of our freakishly creative associates to find out more about their unique talents.