For several years, there has been a lot of talk about business innovation.  At some point in the fairly recent past, business owners really started to realize that there was money to be made from the ideas of inspired employees.  Thus, a movement was started that was aimed entirely at fostering thought sharing and innovation in the workplace.  Open concept offices, inspired employee lounges, and incentive programs are great examples of just how far business owners are willing to go in order to reap the benefits of forward thinking workers.  However, along the way, there has been one major problem that has commonly plagued those companies so desiring employee input – employee resistance.

 It didn’t really seem to matter what sector the companies were operating in.  It was the same for all of them – ifood & beverages, pet health, human health, & technology.  The reports were eerily similar.  The vast majority of employees simply did not want to embrace the change in environment, the brainstorming sessions, or the new inter-office competitions. 

People are notoriously hesitant regarding change.  Despite the fact that we now live in a world that includes the idriverless car, augmented reality, and the idrone, people still shy away from great change.  So, what can you do to encourage innovation in the workplace?

Reward Differently Instead of giving a monetary bonus for great ideas, give employees the opportunity to go on meaningful trips for the company – to the iFestival to learn more about how other companies are thinking innovatively, for instance.  Experiences tend to be remembered, whereas money is forgotten as soon as it is spent.

Expand your Knowledge Pool Avoid hiring employees who are overly shy and unwilling to contribute their thoughts in meetings and brainstorming sessions.  Look to customers to provide insight when employees won’t.  And, network.  Attention an invention seminar.  Bring a few of your workers along to an invention exhibition.  It may prove very inspiring.

Acknowledge and Accept Failed Ideas Not all invention proves successful.  Accept when an idea just wasn’t as great as you thought, and be honest about it with employees.  This can result in less fear of failure among your staff, which could ultimately mean that they become more open to offering up new ideas.