There has been low Business productivity for team A of XYZ company.

What could be happening? Where did we go wrong? These were the questions Jane asked as she spoke with an expert at MarbleClear Limited.

Her team had been doing well and even emerged as the best team in the previous year but all of a sudden, there seems to be little or no result for their input.

Jane was worried about the current performance of her team and was in dire need of a solution.

Expert: Jane, teams become less creative from time to time for a variety of reasons, which might reduce organizational productivity. It feels as though teams are constantly exposed to the same data, dealing with the same people, having the same conversation and performing the same tasks.

Jane: Hmmmmn…

Expert: You may wonder, why creativity matters or why I decided to go this route. In today’s fast-paced business climate, being creative is essential. In business, the ability to generate fresh and inventive ideas can be used to develop effective solutions and this brings about productivity and market advantage.

A creative rut occurs when an individual is unable to generate new ideas. It is a state of mind in which a person believes they are not being stretched or challenged sufficiently and they are not creating anything new. When your employees begin to show signs of burnout, they often fall into a creative rut. For example, employees may feel like they are “going through the motions.” This would affect how they handle their tasks which may be a valid reason for unproductivity.

Jane: Yes, that’s true, I think this may be the issue with my team members. It often seems like they’re putting on an act and there’s no excitement or enthusiasm.

Expert: Now that we have an idea of what the issue might be. Let’s try the following strategies as an observation.

• Schedule a work retreat for both refuelling and brainstorming: Organise a hangout for bonding and have your team discuss and identify the cause of exhaustion so that you can come up with solutions or arrange for assistance. It is highly advised that you and your team have brainstorming sessions. It allows you to investigate any concepts that are floating in the void and also encourages everyone to be more inventive. Most departments can benefit from collaborating and resolving difficulties as a group.

• Encourage a change in routine: A shift can help to stimulate creativity. For example, you can introduce a fresh way of getting tasks delivered that can help drive employees’ interest. Also, finding additional activities that do not interfere with the company’s efficient operation can be quite beneficial. E.g… you can order a lunch snack for your team members or go bowling for bonding.

• Teach your members coping strategies when their creativity fuel is low: Creativity is a valuable asset in every organization, but it is not always dependable. As a result, it is beneficial, that you teach your staff how to function when they aren’t feeling creative. For example, they can listen to a podcast or play soft music to help lift the ambience of the work area.

• Encourage conscious content consumption: Consuming content on purpose can help your staff rediscover their creative juices. Your team’s creativity can be rekindled by purposefully absorbing content, allowing your team members to observe and report on someone else’s idea for something they’re working on.

• Switch daily tasks: Switch daily tasks among team members. Working on a single project for an extended period and having the same set of tasks every day becomes monotonous. Trying new things regularly might help to stimulate creative potential and thoughts.

• Maintain a healthy work-life balance: Your team’s current creative slump could be a sign of burnout. Allowing them time off allows them to be more creative. Ensure you maintain a healthy work-life balance.

It is typical for a team to experience a creative rut from time to time for a variety of reasons. Managers or team heads should offer support and mentor their employees to ensure they do not burn out and perform their tasks efficiently and effectively to ensure productivity. Do you have any questions, Jane?

Jane: Thank you for this, I will apply the strategies and let you know the feedback.

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