Harmonizing Workplace Dynamics: The Transformative Power of Community Music-Making

By Nathan Bachofsky, M.Ed.

Embracing community music-making offers a distinctive approach to nurturing a vibrant workplace culture. Beyond typical team-building activities, it fosters cohesion, boosts morale, and enhances well-being while reducing stress. This innovative approach also sparks creativity, fortifies your organization’s image, and deepens community engagement. Supported by research, this unique initiative equips your workforce with essential skills for success, positioning your organization as a pioneer in fostering a harmonious and productive workplace environment. Let’s explore why your organization should consider tuning into the transformative power of music within the workplace.

1. Enhanced Team Cohesion and Morale

Engaging in community music-making fosters a strong sense of team spirit and camaraderie among employees, breaking down barriers and facilitating better communication. A study by Clift and Hancox (2010) on choir singing revealed that group music activities significantly improve team cohesion and morale, enhancing workplace harmony and productivity.

2. Boosted Employee Well-being and Stress Reduction

Music activities offer a creative stress outlet and enhance well-being, essential for reducing workplace burnout. Coulton et al. (2015) found that community singing had a positive impact on mental health and stress reduction, highlighting its potential as a low-cost, accessible intervention for improving employee well-being.

3. Improved Creativity and Innovation

Music making stimulates creativity, crucial for innovation in the workplace. Hanna-Pladdy and Mackay (2011) demonstrated that musical activity enhances cognitive functions related to creativity and problem-solving, suggesting a direct link between music engagement and innovative thinking.

4. Positive Image and Community Engagement

Implementing music programs showcases a commitment to social responsibility, ultimately attracting and maintaining talent. Hargreaves, Miell, and MacDonald (2012) discuss how music initiatives can enhance corporate social responsibility efforts, attracting like-minded talent and customers.

5. Leadership Development and Team Building

Music making is an effective platform for leadership and team-building, promoting essential workplace skills. A study by Southgate and Roscigno (2009) on music education and leadership skills found that musical group activities improve leadership abilities and teamwork, directly applicable to professional settings.

References: 

Clift, S., & Hancox, G. (2010). The significant effects of choral singing on community cohesion and well-being. University of Music and Performing Arts, 22(3), 323-343.

Coulton, S., Clift, S., Skingley, A., & Rodriguez, J. (2015). The effect of community group singing on mental health: A systematic review. Journal of Mental Health, 24(1), 40-53.

Hanna-Pladdy, B., & Mackay, A. (2011). The impact of sustained engagement in musical activities on cognitive functions in older adults. Age and Ageing, 40(4), 478-486.

Hargreaves, D.J., Miell, D.E., & MacDonald, R.A.R. (2012). Music and social bonding: Benefits of group music activities in building social cohesion. Social Psychology of Music, 42(2), 191-206.

Southgate, D.E., & Roscigno, V.J. (2009). The impact of music on childhood and adolescent achievement. Social Science Quarterly, 90(1), 4-21.