Collaboration vs networking

by Tabitha Beavan

Most workplaces say they want more collaboration. We hear they want people to connect across different departments, and have fewer silos.

But which workplaces have practical solutions that help this happen in a way that feels organic and energising? In a way that also 'uplifts' and 'de-stresses' employees?

For many people, traditional "networking" (imagine the air quotes) feels awkward. Walking into a room of strangers and having the same conversation over and over.

• Where do you work?

• What do you do?

• How long have you worked for xxx

(Often forgetting the far more important question, 'What's your name?')

Bringing people together to sing at work creates connection differently. It creates a level playing field. If you're in the room, there's already a shared reason for being there. There's no pressure to perform socially, to be especially interesting or extroverted. But everyone is taking part in something together: breathing, bistening, laughing. Gradually through shared creation of music, relationships begin to form - naturally.

(Although we'll admit... we definitely have choir members who don't know all the names of their fellow choir singers, but still feel a lovely affinity towards them!)

“By joining the choir I’ve met and made friends with people from other departments I would not normally be in contact with.” – Patricia Asare, Baker McKenzie

“Integrating musical creativity into the office day makes both wellness and business sense. It uplifts and de-stresses, and creates a network that cuts across traditional silos” - Terry Donovan, Former Senior Partner DLA Piper

Sometimes the strongest culture-building activities don't feel like 'culture initiatives' at all.

We're here for the harmony. Get in touch.