Encouraging Innovation Through Unstructured Time

Understanding the significance of unstructured time is key to fostering innovation. Pioneered by firms like Google and Atlassian, initiatives such as “FedEx Days” and “20 Percent Time” have allowed employees to dedicate time to projects they are passionate about, stimulating creativity and breakthrough ideas.

“FedEx Days” give employees 24 hours to work on any project of their choice, requiring them to "deliver" results the next day. This concept nurtures quick, innovative thinking. Similarly, “20 Percent Time,” originally popularized by Google, allocates 20% of an employee’s workweek to pursue personal projects. This approach not only sparks innovation but also enhances employee engagement and job satisfaction.

To maximize the potential of unstructured time, it's vital to create an environment that proactively supports innovation. Start by setting aside regular time for employees to work on personal projects, such as dedicating Friday afternoons to this purpose. Emphasize the importance of this initiative by encouraging participation and expressing the value you place on innovative ideas.

• Jake: Nova, I want to start dedicating Friday afternoons for everyone to work on personal projects. How do you feel about that?
• Nova: That sounds great! I'd love to spend time developing some new ideas.
• Jake: Fantastic. I encourage you to use this time to explore your ideas and bring fresh solutions. What resources do you think you'll need?
• Nova: I'll probably need access to some design software and maybe a bit more guidance on aligning my ideas with our goals.

Providing the necessary resources, whether these are tools, materials, or collaborative spaces, also fosters a supportive atmosphere where innovation can thrive.

While encouraging free-form innovation, it's crucial to align these efforts with broader organizational objectives. Set clear parameters that guide innovation in directions beneficial to the company, such as focusing on revenue growth or customer experience improvements. Regularly communicate these objectives to ensure everyone understands how their projects can contribute to the company's mission.

Finally, regularly review and integrate viable projects into the company operations, providing constructive feedback to refine ideas and demonstrating that the organization takes employee innovation seriously.

In the upcoming role-play session, you'll practice encouraging innovative projects, aligning them with company goals, and providing essential resources and feedback. This experience will help you effectively implement unstructured time initiatives within your team.