Why we need Singing in our workplaces

Fiona Howe
May 2
5 min read

Why Singing belongs in the Workplace

Our workplaces aren’t exempt from the effects of the mental health crisis, the loneliness epidemic and general levels of stress & anxiety. We rely on screen based interactions and it’s easy to lose the human element of connection. But what if there were a simple, joyful, and surprisingly powerful way to build stronger teams, spark creativity, and support mental health?

Yes - singing!

Bringing singing to the workplace may seem a little surprising at first, but it’s an extremely effective, accessible and cost effective part of the workplace wellness landscape. Group singing is a tool for building trust & connection, lowering stress and enhancing well-being. Get your team singing and transform your workplace!

Singing Builds Connection—Fast

One of the most useful benefits of singing is how quickly it brings people together. It’s the ultimate ice breaker. And there’s science to prove it.

A study by Oxford University found that people who sang together in a group bonded faster than those who took part in other group activities. The researchers called this the "ice-breaker effect." (Read more here).

Why does this happen? Singing together releases a cocktail of feel-good chemicals in the brain:

Endorphins (which create pleasure),
Oxytocin (the “trust” hormone that fosters social bonds), and
Dopamine (which supports motivation and reward).

Singing together literally wires us for connection. We evolved singing together. In workplaces where many people feel isolated or disconnected—whether they're working from home or in a big team—this kind of social glue is invaluable.

It’s Not About Performance—It’s About Participation

One of the biggest hurdles for people is the belief that “I can’t sing.” But workplace singing isn’t about sounding like Adele or hitting every note. It’s about participation, not performance. There’s not a KPI in sight when it comes to singing sessions in the workplace.

It’s important to be sure that singing sessions are facilitated thoughtfully with the focus on creating a safe, supportive environment where everyone is encouraged to join in. No one is expected to sing solo. No one’s being judged. It’s about sharing sound, rhythm, and laughter with the people around you.

Many people think they “can’t sing” but the physical mechanisms in our body are the same for speech & singing. If you can talk, you can sing. The “I can’t” is all about mindset and usually comes about because of unhelpful comments during childhood. But these can be overcome with a fun & gentle re-introduction to singing the way humans have done through history - simple songs, learnt by ear in a group free of performance expectations.

Reconnecting with your voice in this way often has unexpected flow-on effects:

Greater confidence in speaking up in discussions
More willingness to express yourself creatively
A sense of personal empowerment and joy that ripples beyond the workplace

Once someone rediscovers their singing voice, it becomes a tool they use in their personal life too—whether humming while cooking or singing with their kids. It’s a skill and a source of joy that lasts long after the session has finished.

Singing Switches Your Brain On

Need a productivity boost? Singing can help there, too.

Studies have shown that musical activities (including singing) can enhance brain function, particularly in areas related to memory, attention, and executive functioning. Engaging in singing wakes up the brain and primes it for creative, focused work.

It’s like a neural reset button. After a singing session, people often return to their tasks refreshed, energised, and ready to think in new ways.

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And a special shout out to Fiona Maria for a regenerative and surprisingly unscary(!) singing circle in the afternoon...It was a great place to restore the brain after a hectic but rewarding ideas fest across the day!"

Kate Kutty, Community Engagement Manager, Wayside Chapel.

Feedback from the Social Enterprise Festival at University of Technology Sydney

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A Simple, Accessible Tool for Mental Health

Singing is a powerful tool for mental health support—and it’s one of the most accessible wellbeing practices out there.

It doesn’t require equipment.
It doesn’t cost a thing.
It’s inclusive across age, gender, culture, and background.
It’s portable—you can do it in a meeting room, at a desk, in the car, or on a walk.

Group singing in particular has been shown to reduce levels of cortisol (the stress hormone), lift mood, and improve symptoms of depression and anxiety. (Sing Up Foundation)

And when people learn to use singing as a personal wellness tool, they carry it with them for life and can share it with their families and communities. It’s a mental health support tool available 24/7, not only during working hours.

We’ve Done This Before: A Rich History of Singing at Work

The idea of singing at work might feel radical today—but it’s actually a return to something humans have done for centuries.

Throughout history, singing has been used in work settings to coordinate tasks, boost morale, and foster a sense of unity:

Sea Shanties were sung by sailors to synchronise movement while raising sails, hauling ropes, and enduring long journeys. These rhythmic songs kept everyone moving together and helped lighten the load.
Agricultural labourers helped structure the workday and provided an outlet for emotional expression under harsh conditions.
Waulking Songs were sung by women working wool to coordinate their rhythm and build community.
Railway Crews and Logging Camps used songs to pass time and keep spirits high while doing repetitive, physically demanding work.

Far from being a distraction, singing was a tool—a way to energise the body, coordinate & connect with others, and make hard work more bearable. We’ve just forgotten how powerful it can.

And Yes—It’s Backed by Workplace Law

In Australia, employers have a legal responsibility to support not just the physical safety of their employees, but their mental health too.

According to the Work Health and Safety Act 2011, employers must ensure, as far as is reasonably practicable, the health and safety (including psychological health) of their workers. That means creating mentally healthy workplaces isn’t optional—it’s required.

Incorporating singing into the workplace can be an easy step toward fulfilling this responsibility in a simple way that genuinely engages people.

Bringing Singing Back: How to Start

Ready to give it a go? Here are a few ideas:

Host a facilitated workplace singing session as part of a wellness or team-building day.
Start a casual lunchtime singalong or workplace choir (even once a month).
Allow and encourage spontaneous singing or humming around the workplace—it creates a relaxed, human vibe.

No pressure, no performances—just shared sound, shared breath, and a shared moment.

Remember…

Singing in the workplace might sound a little unusual at first—but it's deeply human. It's fun, free, and powerfully effective. Whether you're looking to boost team connection, support mental health, spark creativity, or meet your obligations as an employer, a little singing could go a long way.

So why not start with a note or two?

You’ll be surprised how much difference it makes.

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References:

Singing’s secret power: The Ice-breaker Effect (Oxford University)

Study: Singing and social bonding: changes in connectivity and pain threshold as a function of group musical interaction Published by: University of Oxfordhttps://www.ox.ac.uk/news/2015-10-28-singing%E2%80%99s-secret-power-ice-breaker-effect-1

Singing supports mental health and reduces stress

Source: Sing Up Foundation – Singing and Mental Healthhttps://www.singupfoundation.org/about-singing-for-mental-health/understanding-singing-for-mental-health/singing-health

Singing activates and improves brain function

Article: Playing an instrument, singing may help preserve brain health Published by: Medical News Today (reviewing research from University of Helsinki)https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/playing-an-instrument-singing-may-help-preserve-brain-health