An Invention That Triggered Revolution in Workplace

Sometimes, simple inventions change the world, and sometimes, inventions change the way we work. The invention of Scotch Tape is an example of both. Developed by 3M, one of the most innovative companies of the 20th century, Scotch Tape's journey from the lab to every home and office is a classic example of a simple invention transforming everyday life.

Richard Drew, who was working at 3M, had dropped out of college after just 18 months in an engineering degree. His job involved delivering samples of sandpaper to auto manufacturers. During these visits, Richard noticed the mechanics' struggle with painting parts of cars; they had to mask off other areas using glue that was hard to remove. He took it upon himself to solve this problem and began using some of his time to test different solutions.

At the time, the company was not very receptive, and he soon received a message from an executive instructing him to refocus on his regular job. Despite the warning, Richard continued working on his particular project on the side. After years of experimentation, he found the winning formula: crepe paper backed with cabinetmaker’s glue mixed with glycerin. Drew obtained a patent in 1930, and Scotch Tape would become a multimillion-dollar business for 3M as the company realized its uses could extend far beyond automotive painting.

The executive who had told Richard to stop working on the project, William Knight, eventually realized his mistake. When William became chairman of the board, he developed a policy known as the 15 percent rule, which allows engineers to spend 15 percent of their work hours on passion projects. This was a significant shift in how employers viewed their employees and would influence ideas on some of the companies that followed, like Google's 20% project.

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