The modern research about creativity is enormous. Social scientists from a variety of disciplines have been writing about the subject for more than fifty years. What does this research tell us? One of the richest veins provides a long list of factors that enable creativity within the workplace. They can be grouped into the ten categories discussed below.

Enablers of Creativity

1. Intellectual Diversity. The workforce contains an adequate mix of people from different occupations, interests, skills, backgrounds, experiences and personalities.
   
   
2. Vibrant, Wide-reaching Interaction. Expansive channels of communication expose people to new influences.
   
   
3. Employee Engagement. People’s personal and professional interests are aligned and complementary systems of reward and recognition are in place.
   
   
4. A Sphere of Autonomy. Well-understood boundaries separate necessary controls from the latitude required for a person to seize the initiative.
   
   
5. A Safe Space and Trust. The environment is such that people feel free to express themselves openly and authentically without fear.
   
   
6. Intellectual Growth Opportunities. Active investments are made to develop the knowledge and skills of the workforce.
   
   
7. Supportive Managers. Empathetic managers act as catalysts and role models.
   
   
8. Discretionary Time and Energy. Opportunities are provided to pause and reflect on work and to think of new ideas.
   
   
9. Organizational Supports. Access to appropriate funding, technology, expertise and other aids is provided.
   
   
10. Organizational Dynamism. In a changing environment, people are encouraged to continually look for ways to improve.