Daily routines can have a huge impact on our work motivation, from waking up early and embracing the day, to late-night hustling into the early hours. People vary as to the point in the day where they are likely to be the most creative in.
The concept of creativity is notoriously difficult to define. Approaching the issue for the ‘self-definition’ perspective rather than psychological science, a new survey still manages to extract some interesting observations.
This is evident from a survey conducted by Adobe Express. This inquiry has found that 1 in 10 never feel creative, whilst 29 percent only have creative bursts that last up to an hour. These findings are based on a poll of a sample of the UK population.
Adobe Express conducted a 1,500-person survey in the UK in November 2024, targeting those in employment.
To help employers, employees and people around the UK find motivation and the “Eureka” moment, Adobe’s research reveals:
• How long people are currently creative for
• Which parts of the day are the most inspiring for creativity
• What employers can do to help their staff be more creative
• Which daily factors can aid motivation
• An industry split that showcases the best way to find motivation and creativity in each working sector
For those who experience create sparks, 30 percent say it lasts up to an hour, 31 percent have an artistic flair for between one and three hours per day, whilst just 4 percent have it for over three hours.
The morning time seems to inspire the most, with 31 percent stating that it is their most productive part of the day. 19 percent said the afternoon, 17 percent said the evening and 13 percent prefer a late-night work schedule.
In terms of a more standard energy flow, 13 percent claim their creative energy is consistent throughout the day, whilst 21 percent say it comes in waves.
Employer strategies
Such findings lead some to suggest that employers can vary conditions in order to allow the ‘creative spark’ to ignite at opportune moments. This includes considering practices like:
- Flexible working hours
- Creating relaxed workplace environment (less pressure, more freedom)
- Encouraging regular breaks
- Having more collaborative spaces (open work areas, creative rooms)
- Taking time out for workshops or brainstorming sessions
- Providing access to creative tools or software
- Encouraging side projects or personal development
In terms of worker opinions, more than half of those surveyed (51 percent) prefer a quiet environment to help aid motivation and creativity, as well as positive feedback and recognition (34 percent), and regular breaks (32 percent).
Across differing industries, the survey found that varying activities can inspire motivation. The highest ranked attributes are listed for each below:
• Exercise: Accountancy, Banking and Finance (70%)
• Meditation or Mindfulness: Information Technology (46%)
• Listening to music or podcasts: Recruitment and HR (56%)
• Drawing or Doodling: Law Enforcement and Security (29%)
• Reading or Researching New Topics: Recruitment and HR (67%)
• Discussing Ideas With Others: Leisure, Tourism and Sport (38%)
• Engaging In Hobbies: Marketing, Advertising and PR (44%)
