Social media and internal communications can be the spark that leads to more creativity in your workplace. When you encourage horizontal lines of conversation instead of top-down edicts, you may see more engagement among everyone involved in a project. Workers might feel that their opinions and ideas are heard using these tools to communicate, particularly in project work.
Online forums, networks and blogs all can contribute to a more dynamic workplace. These tools have evolved as ways for companies to spur ideas and serve as ongoing centers for brainstorming developments. Some workers may be more comfortable communicating through the written word and in online comments rather than in-person meetings.
Some companies have customized Intranet sites that replicate Facebook so that the format is intuitive for users. The conversations on these sites can go across the leadership spectrum without segmentation or barriers. All workers, from management to the newest employee, can take part in conversations that could be led by team members or other office staff.
Using and Intranet that is set up more like Facebook could make conversations and information come alive and adapt quickly to change. Workers in the field can give real-time updates to what is happening on their end. Managers can watch the entire process and weigh in with their thoughts as the work unfolds. People are no longer limited by location when communicating.
Commenting on a company blog post can help develop ideas for ongoing projects as more people become engaged with the process. When team members read about a current project, others may weigh in with thoughts or suggestions, particularly if the post is written as questions or in a way that seeks more input. This type of conversation could make it easier for some of the more introspective members of the office to speak out and offer ideas.
Videos either uploaded as projects or downloaded for information can be another way for teams to show their creative side. Human resources can make use of online video tutorials to inform employees about different programs or insurance updates in a timely fashion during enrollment periods. Teams could produce job training tutorials or demonstrations of products in development to educate others in house or to share with clients.
Meetings no longer have to be on site. You can have access to all project team members through online meetings with video. Google Hangouts or Skype are easy tools you can add to your meeting formula. Doing so can allow workers to stay in the field if necessary when they check in for an update without having to come to the office.
Social media and internal communications can be a strong combination to fuel creativity among your office workers. Think about the ways these strategies could be adapted to fit your own workplace realities and ongoing projects. You may see a spark of innovation light up once conversations begin, ideas are shared and people take more interest and pride in their work and their contributions to the company.
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