Why every employer seems to require creativity & innovation

Creativity and innovation are possibly the most misunderstood corporate buzzwords in use today. 

So much that they’ve been added to job titles, and required as part of certain job roles.

Confirming that they are essential soft skills that employers in many industries increasingly demand, not nice-to-have extras.

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What creativity and innovation mean to employers

To start with, when an employer mentions creativity, they ideally mean a mindset to come up with something new. For example, a new approach to doing things.

Creativity isn't just about artistic pursuits, it's about approaching problems from new angles and connecting disparate concepts.

Innovation normally comes after the creative process. It is the actualisation of creative ideas.

Or put a different way, translating new ideas into a product or service that generates value.

Together, these skills enable workers to identify opportunities, overcome obstacles, and drive growth.

How creativity, innovation help companies adapt

1. Staying competitive in a tech revolution

In an increasingly competitive global marketplace, businesses must constantly innovate to stay ahead. 

Employees who can generate fresh ideas and approaches give their organisations a crucial edge. This applies across sectors, from tech startups to traditional industries undergoing digital transformation.

2. Increasing job satisfaction

Employers also recognise that creativity and innovation foster a more dynamic and engaging work environment. 

Teams that encourage creative thinking tend to be more collaborative, adaptable, and resilient in the face of setbacks. 

This contributes to higher job satisfaction and employee retention.

3. It’s a unique human ability

Furthermore, as artificial intelligence and machine learning become more prevalent, uniquely human traits like creativity will be increasingly prized. 

While AI can process vast amounts of data and perform complex calculations, it cannot replicate the imaginative leaps and intuitive insights that creative humans

READ: Top skills employers require in creative industry roles, how to get them

Developing these skills isn't just beneficial for employers, it's crucial for individual career growth as well. 

Workers who can consistently generate innovative ideas and solutions are more likely to advance in their careers and remain relevant in a changing job landscape.

It's important to note that creativity and innovation don't exist in a vacuum. They work best when combined with other soft skills like critical thinking, communication, and collaboration. 

The most valuable employees are those who can not only come up with great ideas but also effectively share them and work with others to bring them to fruition.

For job seekers and current employees alike, cultivating these skills should be a top priority. 

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