U.S. Worker Creativity Not Being Used by Many Employers, According to Survey

It is well recognized that creativity and innovation are what is needed to bring the United States to the next level in business competitiveness; unfortunately, a new survey shows that many companies are not using the natural creative talents of their workforce. According to the Fairfax County Economic Development Authority (FCEDA), most Americans believe they are naturally creative, but their employers do not give them the chance to use their talents.

The poll was conducted during the last week of July and first week of August, 2007. FCEDA commissioned an independent organization, IPSOS Public Affairs, to perform the survey. IPSOS Pubic Affairs claims a less than 5% error rate and believes their results are 95% accurate. They incorporated the survey questions into their weekly telephone poll. The data used in the conclusions came from 584 adults working either full or part time.

According to FCEDA, the survey found that 88% of Americans felt they had natural tendencies to be creative, but only 61% believed the company they worked for used their talents to the fullest.

How well companies can use the creative and innovative talent available to them will judge how they will succeed in the future. Unless the corporate world today learns to recognize the talents of their employees and build from it, they will be left behind in the highly competitive marketplace. The United States has been surpassed as a leader in many markets, they need to tap into and exploit their employee's talents to build back their reputation.

The survey also concluded that Americans feel their creativity is an asset to their employer. According to FCEDA, 29% stated they would leave their present job to move to a company that would put better use to their creative talents. Additionally 21% said they are even willing to take a pay cut to change to a company where creativity and innovation were admired. "The U.S. economy has always been fueled by new ideas and innovation, and this survey underscores the value that American workers put on creativity at work," said Gerald L. Gordon, Ph.D., president and CEO of the FCEDA.