Creativity may seem like an ephemeral concept: Different people feel sparked by different things. However, as this article shows, there are concrete methods you can use to boost workplace creativity.

Allow Employees to Try New Things

Though it may sound risky at times, one way to increase workplace creativity is to allow employees to try new things, according to Forbes.com. That can come in the form of letting someone take on new responsibilities or try a new approach to solving a problem. If an idea seems absolutely destined to fail or will break the budget, then say no, but in general, saying yes to employees will help their creativity grow.

Avoid Micromanagement

Micromanagement can be a killer of workplace creativity. If you are a manager, avoid the temptation to constantly hover around employees and interfere with their work. If you are even higher in the company, let managers below you know that micromanagement should be avoided. Periodic check-ins and observation are important, of course, but they shouldn’t be overwhelming or too frequent.

Install Inspiring Spaces

If your office has the room for it, collaborative spaces can be another way to spark creativity. These can include social areas, break rooms with atypical furniture like couches, and rooms meant specifically for focusing on ideas. Try incorporating your company’s brand and values into how these areas look.

At the same time, don’t take this idea too far: Completely open, collaborative office spaces can be distracting for some employees, especially those who work better while focusing alone.

Provide Direction—To a Point

Managers and higher-level executives should be clear about what they want from their employees. That means setting clear goals and letting employees know how their efforts to meet those goals will be evaluated. However, once you’ve set your employees in a specific direction, give them as much freedom as possible to decide how they will reach their destination.

Want more tips on how to build a strong business? Check out Elevation Financial’s other blog posts.