What will be the greatest on-the-job challenges for in-house creative teams in the next few years? Learn about 12 workplace trends to keep on your radar. Information is based on research for Creative Team of the Future, a joint project from The Creative Group and AIGA.

1. © 2016 The Creative Group. An Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/Disability/Veterans.

2. The Creative Team of the Future
is a joint program between The Creative Group
and AIGA that explores trends affecting
creative teams and professionals.
© 2016 The Creative Group. An Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/Disability/Veterans.

3. As part of the research, we surveyed more than
800 in-house creative professionals to get their take on
the state of the industry and where it’s headed.
Here are 12 key findings…
© 2016 The Creative Group. An Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/Disability/Veterans.

4. of in-house creative professionals
said they have fewer than 10
members on their team
Operating Lean
1
55%
How many team members are on your team?
Source: The Creative Group survey of more than 800 in-house creative professionals
© 2016 The Creative Group. An Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/Disability/Veterans.

5. of in-house creatives think that, in
the next two years, they will always
be tapped for input at the initial
stages of a project
Earning a Seat at the Table
2
31%
Regardless of team size,
Source: The Creative Group survey of more than 800 in-house creative professionals
expect to be included at
least sometimes
59%
© 2016 The Creative Group. An Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/Disability/Veterans.

6. Collaborating Across Departments
3 In the next 12 months, do you expect to collaborate more or less frequently with each of
the following departments to execute creative campaigns?
Source: The Creative Group survey of more than 800 in-house creative professionals
Why Your Creative Team
Should Join Forces with IT
© 2016 The Creative Group. An Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/Disability/Veterans.

7. of in-house creatives anticipate relying
more often on freelancers and consultants
to help execute creative campaigns
Bringing in Reinforcements
4
43%
In the next 12 months,
Source: The Creative Group survey of more than 800 in-house creative professionals
The main reasons?
4 Tips for Managing Outside Talent
© 2016 The Creative Group. An Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/Disability/Veterans.

8. Top obstacles to creativity in a
corporate environment, according
to in-house creative professionals:
Facing Creative Blocks
5
31%
Source: The Creative Group survey of more than 800 in-house creative professionals
Tight deadlines
30%
Unwillingness of
company to take
creative risks
14%Lack of project
diversity
© 2016 The Creative Group. An Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/Disability/Veterans.

9. of in-house creatives said they
get discouraged and fall into a
creative slump
Facing Creative Blocks
6
37%
When encountering resistance to new ideas on the job,
Source: The Creative Group survey of more than 800 in-house creative professionals
it motivates them to work
harder and they often come
up with better ideas
30%
But for
© 2016 The Creative Group. An Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/Disability/Veterans.

10. Top ways in-house creative professionals stay inspired:
Overcoming Creative Blocks
7
Source: The Creative Group survey of more than 800 in-house creative professionals
Participate in outside
interests/hobbies
80% Pursue skills
development/training
65% Attend industry
conferences/events
61%
10 Fresh Ways to Find Design Inspiration
© 2016 The Creative Group. An Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/Disability/Veterans.

11. of in-house creative professionals
said they are concerned about
keeping their skills up to date and
marketable as they advance in
their career
Fretting About the Future
8
91%
Source: The Creative Group survey of more than 800 in-house creative professionals
© 2016 The Creative Group. An Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/Disability/Veterans.

12. Generalizing or Specializing
9
Source: The Creative Group survey of more than 800 in-house creative professionals
of in-house creatives feel it will be more
advantageous in the next two years to
have a range of skills rather than be very
talented at one thing
48%
© 2016 The Creative Group. An Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/Disability/Veterans.

13. Pursuing New Skills
10
Source: The Creative Group survey of more than 800 in-house creative professionals
Top technical skills in-house creatives would like to develop:
Top non-technical skills in-house creatives would like to develop:
© 2016 The Creative Group. An Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/Disability/Veterans.

14. Top ways companies could better support professional development, according
to in-house creative professionals:
Longing for a Little Help
11
Source: The Creative Group survey of more than 800 in-house creative professionals
Subsidize external
training
39% Allow employees to attend
training during business hours
18% Offer a formal
mentoring program
14%
3 Ways to Grow Your Team’s Skills
© 2016 The Creative Group. An Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/Disability/Veterans.

15. Considering Hurdles Ahead
12
Source: The Creative Group survey of more than 800 in-house creative professionals
What do you think will pose the greatest challenge for
your in-house team in the next 12 months?
Innovation is the top challenge for nearly one-third
(32%) of in-house creative professionals
Innovation in the House: Creativity Lessons From
Five Top In-House Creative Teams
© 2016 The Creative Group. An Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/Disability/Veterans.

16. Find additional information about
Creative Team of the Future at
creativegroup.com/ctf
© 2016 The Creative Group. An Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/Disability/Veterans.