Research shows value of sleeping on it

Edited by the Engineeringtalk editorial team May 5, 2003

Sleep plays a huge part in the creative thinking of British engineers, according to a new study.

Nearly two thirds of engineers taking part in national research by Vauxhall on how creative and innovative British business sectors are say sleeping on a problem is the best way to come up with an innovative solution.

But 43% also insist that their cars are becoming think tanks on wheels.

The "Great Minds" research into creativity and innovation within UK businesses was conducted to help Vauxhall gain insight into the way people live, work and use their cars, prior to launching its innovative new car, the Signum.

The study reveals that over half (58%) of the British workforce believes the tough business conditions are causing us to innovate and think more creatively - but many feel restricted, or even positively discouraged, from voicing their bright ideas.

But workers in the media industry which relies on creative thinking is being hindered by slogging away for increasingly long hours and having to take work home.

The Vauxhall Signum Great Minds research, quizzed workers in a number of sectors nationwide about innovation and where it comes from.

The findings show that companies get the majority of their best ideas from staff, followed by customer feedback, a dedicated internal team, outside consultants or competitor developments.

When it comes to driving, 60% of engineers identified driving to and from work as a prime time for coming up with new ideas, 47% say listening to music - and more than a quarter (28%) claim creativity is often sparked when stuck in a traffic jam.

The Vauxhall Signum Great Minds survey also reveals: the afternoon is the worst time for feeling creative - 57% of engineers think so; nearly half of engineers quizzed (45%) think financial rewards are the best way to get them thinking "outside the box"; a similar number (43%) would also like their firm to provide creative thinking spaces complete with bean bags; being alone is the best way to get the creative juices flowing say 77% of engineering staff, followed by a brainstorming session with colleagues (64%); walking in a park or the countryside (47%), or working out in the gym (26%) were also named; and the majority of workplaces have never had a suggestion box - two thirds of engineers quizzed say there has never been one at their work, 4% say they had one once but it was taken away Dean Barrett, Marketing Director of Vauxhall, said: "It's heartening to see that difficult economic conditions have had a positive side effect for British businesses and that innovative and creative thinking is alive and well - but it's disappointing to see that companies aren't encouraging staff to voice new ideas".

"This is something that we at Vauxhall have worked at, and staff suggestions are reaping us real benefits, helping us to make and save millions of pounds every year".

"Our research also reflects how the boundaries between work and home are becoming blurred.

People work at home and enjoy life at work".

"They spend a lot of time in their cars which need to be more flexible and less conventional.

It's not surprising they are using them for much more than driving from a to b - over two thirds of people we spoke to told us they use the car as a mobile think tank.

In Signum, we've used our own innovative thinking to design a car that suits people's redefined needs".