In an era marked by unpredictable risks and rapid technological change, creativity and innovation, especially at work, are increasingly vital. 

A 2024 survey by Forbes found “approximately 73% … of employers say creative thinking is [the] most in-demand skill … if you want your career to thrive, or your organization to survive,” characterizing it as “an absolute necessity [for] an aspiring leader.”

However, not many individuals are creative or innovative at work. According to research from the University of Pennsylvania published in July, the reason out-of-the-box thinking is less common than many believe is “creativity can feel mysterious or even magical. It’s often described as a spark or a burst of imagination.”

In reality, the research paper argues, creativity is akin to learning a new skill: While natural talent is helpful, ongoing learning and practice can compensate for any lack of innate ability. The challenge is “there are numerous ways to boost creativity, but it can be difficult to know where to start,” it says.

Boosting creativity

At its core, being creative or innovative means a person can discover unexpected (hidden) connections between unrelated factors to develop a new solution to a real-world problem. This is called “divergent thinking.” It contrasts with “convergent thinking,” which most people use to find traditional solutions to common issues.   

The University of Pennsylvania paper says, “Divergent thinking may seem to deliver a sudden burst of ideas.” However, it argues, “there is no need to wait for creative insights to arrive at random or all on their own … Daily habits can encourage creativity.”

One habit would be “mindfulness and meditation to enhance cognitive flow.” Its absence is most evident when someone gets “writer’s block.” To avoid impediments to creativity, the research says, “meditation can be especially useful when you’re feeling stuck or frustrated.” It recommends integrating it into daily routines, especially before work. “This is the optimal time to focus on your breath and give your inner critic a much-needed break.”

Second is physical exercise. “This gets your blood flowing and may even allow more oxygen to reach the brain,” essential for optimal focus. “A few minutes of aerobic activity can lead to creative breakthroughs. This could be as simple as taking the dog for a walk or climbing a few flights of stairs.”

Finally, “a good night’s sleep is a must,” the research paper stresses. “Sleep deprivation can stand in the way of creativity, as well as how certain types (or durations) of sleep are more likely to produce creative insights.” Examples of sleep a creative thinker needs include quick naps throughout the day, “intentionally waking … after dozing off,” a “consistent sleep schedule,” and strong sleep hygiene.

Boosting innovation

The research paper differentiates between “creativity” and “innovation.” The former yields results “over time,” while the latter generates “immediate” outcomes, but no guarantee the person will come up with an innovative solution in the future.

To boost innovative thinking, the research paper stresses the importance of “brainstorming and mind mapping methods,” as “collaboration often inspires creative thinking.”

Brainstorming involves a group of people discussing each other’s random, innovative ideas for developing a single effective solution. Mind mapping “is similar, but requires a more structured approach,” the paper says. It “uses visual elements, including, most importantly, a series of themes and branches that reflect how the brain processes information.”

The second way to boost innovation is through “constraint-based thinking.” It contrasts with brainstorming and mind mapping, which rely on “creative freedom.” Instead, constraint-based thinking encourages overcoming restrictions. It “promises a more efficient form of creativity, making limitations seem less like barriers and more like opportunities,” the research explains.

The third tactic to foster innovation is “reframing problems to inspire new perspectives.” That approach “purposefully shifts our perceptions to overcome cognitive distortions.” Lastly, “practicing analogical and lateral thinking,” the report notes, “leverages the simple concept of the analogy to reveal noteworthy patterns and, eventually, foster creative breakthroughs.”

Right environment

For employees to nurture their creativity and innovation, they need “environmental and lifestyle factors that encourage such thinking,” the paper says. “Don’t underestimate the value of your environment or lifestyle for boosting creativity. Where and how you spend your time matters.”

The first step is “designing creative workspaces that spark imagination,” the paper says. However, “there is no ‘right’ way to accomplish this, but ideally, spaces will be comfortable and visually pleasing — with distractions kept to a minimum. This effort begins with addressing practicalities such as ergonomics and lighting before moving on to decor.”

Creative thinkers also need to have new experiences and diverse perspectives. “One of the most effective ways to boost creative thinking is to make new and different memories,” the research paper says.

Finally, “reducing stress to free up mental bandwidth for innovation” is essential, the research stresses. This can be achieved through “stress-busting strategies” such as exercise and meditation, or by “tackling the source of the stress.”

Creativity, innovation inhibitors

The University of Pennsylvania research also highlights “mistakes that inhibit creative growth.”

First is “fear of failure and over-criticism,” which “can be downright debilitating.” The paper says these fears usually “stem from a powerful inner critic,” adding that “meditation can help, but it’s also important to welcome or even embrace imperfection.”

Another barrier to creativity and innovation is “relying too heavily on routine and familiarity,” the report says. “Unstructured time is essential [as it] uncovers … creative power.” Abolishing routine can include moving to “new settings and experiences, [which] can provide creative inspiration.”

Lastly, the biggest inhibitor to creativity and innovation is “multitasking and digital distractions,” the report says. “While creative insights can emerge at unexpected times or in unexpected places, focus remains a central part of the creative process. This can be difficult to achieve in our modern digital landscape, where constant notifications make it difficult to pay attention to even the most captivating topics.”

Creativity-first tools

One solution to digital distractions is to create “distraction-free environments,” where one “sets the phone on silent and commits fully to creative practices, even if just for a few short minutes.”

Throughout the rest of the day, the research paper advises downloading “creativity-focused apps [that] bring added convenience to brainstorming, journaling, and other creative practices.”

Another category of apps that can promote creativity and innovative thinking is brain-training apps, which “help you practice cognitive reframing and other therapeutic techniques so you feel more capable of challenging your assumptions.”

Also on the smartphone, those seeking to develop creative thinking can play games that sharpen problem-solving skills. “One of the easiest and most enjoyable options includes the ‘What If …’ game, which you can play anywhere and at any time. Simply ask, ‘what if?’ but tie this question to various situations or scenarios,” the research says. “Escape room [games] force you to think creatively.” There also are more traditional games, such as puzzles, chess and Sudoku.

Regardless of the approach people adopt to stimulate creative and innovative thinking, they need to do it with others in a “community,” whether virtually or in person, the research paper says.

These “communities” can be “creative writing groups, art collectives, or even public speaking,” the research says. Their defining characteristics are they are “close-knit communities that use their creativity to complete projects or engage in fascinating discussions [and] offer accountability while also bringing a more collaborative approach to creative thinking.