How to boost workplace morale
An attendee approached me after I led a corporate sound bath for his company, he said, “When the sound experience started, I had so much negative energy from the meeting before, work piling up and I was stressed, thinking, 'Now is not a good time for me.’ But, as the sound experience went on, I couldn’t believe the power and energy I felt. The tantalising sounds and movement put me to sleep upright in the chair and just moments before you came we had all been engaged in a high-powered meeting where there was discordance between us and now the last thing I want to do is argue with my colleagues. I am totally blown away. I have never achieved this level of relaxation ever, ever!”
In corporate environments, achieving success isn't just about individual performance – it's also about how well teams collaborate, stay in sync and find their collective rhythm. Imagine a workplace where every employee operates in perfect harmony, seamlessly aligned towards common goals. This vision isn't just aspirational; it's scientifically grounded in the principles of sound therapy, offering tangible benefits that transcend traditional approaches to employee wellbeing, This is not just a theoretical principle, I've seen this happen in many workplace sound bath meditations that I have led. Read on to learn more.
The power of being in sync
Central to the concept of workplace harmony is the idea of synchronisation – where individuals and teams operate in rhythm with each other. This synchronisation fosters a sense of unity, enhances collaboration, and boosts overall productivity. Scientifically, we see synchronisation in various natural phenomena, from the synchronisation of fireflies' flashes to the coordinated movement of flocks of birds, to the way a professional sports team moves in sync with one another. Applied to the workplace, synchronisation can significantly impact dynamics, leading to improved efficiency and innovation.
Frequency: The language of synchronisation
At the heart of sound therapy's efficacy lies the concept of frequency. Every sound carries a specific frequency, which can influence brainwave patterns and physiological states. Research by Thaut and others (2005) demonstrates how rhythmic auditory stimulation can facilitate motor coordination and cognitive function by entraining neural oscillations to external auditory rhythms. This entrainment effect synchronises brain activity, promoting a state conducive to focused work and creativity.
Entrainment and resonance: Aligning employee engagement
Entrainment and resonance are two key principles that form the foundation of sound therapy. Entrainment refers to the synchronisation of biological rhythms to an external stimulus, such as sound. In a corporate context, this means aligning employees' mental states and energy levels through carefully curated soundscapes. Resonance complements entrainment by creating an emotional connection – a resonance with the sounds that evoke positive emotions and reduce stress levels. Studies like those conducted by Chang et al. (2017) highlight how resonant frequencies can modulate emotional responses, fostering a conducive atmosphere for productivity.
The role of the vagus nerve: A pathway to relaxation and focus
Sound therapy does more than just sound good – it taps into the vagus nerve. This nerve, part of the parasympathetic nervous system, triggers a relaxation response that reduces stress and boosts emotional resilience. According to Porges (2011), stimulating the vagus nerve through sound can regulate emotional responses, improve social interactions, and decision-making, creating a conducive environment for effective teamwork and decision-making.
Benefits of incorporating sound baths into your workplace wellbeing strategy
Integrating sound baths into corporate wellbeing strategies offers multifaceted benefits. Sound baths, characterised by immersive sound experiences, promote deep relaxation and mental clarity. Research by Chanda and Levitin (2013) suggests that sound baths can reduce cortisol levels, alleviate anxiety, and enhance mood states. These benefits translate directly into improved employee wellbeing, lower absenteeism rates, and heightened job satisfaction – a trifecta for organisational success.
How to incorporate sound baths into your wellbeing strategy
Implementing sound baths requires thoughtful planning and integration into existing corporate wellness programs:
1. Educate employees: Ask your sound bath facilitator to offer a brief introduction about sound baths, what to expect, how to get the best out of the session and provide a mini-demo before beginning. Common misconceptions that sound baths are "woo woo" or time-consuming can be dispelled by showcasing how they integrate seamlessly into existing wellness programs and by emphasising their efficiency in promoting relaxation and mental clarity.
2. Create dedicated spaces: Designate quiet rooms or re-allocate existing spaces for sound baths. These areas should be optimised to enhance the immersive experience. This may involve investing in comfortable seating, soundproofing materials and mood lighting.
3. Schedule regular sessions: Introduce a consistent schedule of regular sound bath sessions that align with work schedules, timing them with breaks or as part of mindfulness programs. Consistency is key to reaping long-term benefits.
4. Integrate with other wellbeing initiatives: Sound baths can be integrated with other wellbeing programs, such as mindfulness training, yoga classes or after wellness talks, to create a comprehensive approach to employee wellbeing. This can further enhance the overall effectiveness of the program.
5. Set outcome based goals that align with your wellbeing strategy: Sound baths can be customised based on your company’s needs, your wellbeing strategy and your corporate strategic goals. Reflective exercises, visualisation, intention setting exercises and partner work can be incorporated into your bespoke sound bath to align with your specific goals.
6. Measure impact: Implement feedback mechanisms and performance metrics to assess the impact of sound therapy on employee engagement and productivity. Adjust as needed to fine-tune your strategy.
Integrating sound therapy into your corporate wellness strategy isn't just about embracing a trendy practice – it’s about leveraging scientifically validated techniques to enhance workplace dynamics and drive organisational success. By fostering synchronisation, enhancing emotional resilience through vagal stimulation, and promoting relaxation and focus, sound therapy offers a holistic approach to improving employee wellbeing and productivity.
In addition, incorporating sound therapy into your workplace wellbeing program positions your company as a leader in progressive employee care and sets you apart from competitors, enhancing your appeal as an employer of choice.
In the words of business visionary Peter Drucker, "The best way to predict the future is to create it." Start creating a future of synchronised success today with the strategic integration of sound therapy into your corporate culture.
References:
- Chang, M., et al. (2017). Emotional response synchronization to music in groups and individuals: A physiological and behavioral study. Frontiers in Psychology, 8, 1683.
- Chanda, M. L., & Levitin, D. J. (2013). The neurochemistry of music. Trends in Cognitive Sciences, 17(4), 179-193.
- Porges, S. W. (2011). The polyvagal theory: Neurophysiological foundations of emotions, attachment, communication, and self-regulation. Norton Series on Interpersonal Neurobiology.
- Thaut, M. H., et al. (2005). Rhythmic auditory stimulation in gait training for Parkinson's disease patients. Movement Disorders, 20(11), 1509-1518.
This article is authored by Nicole Sultana, who holds a Post Graduate Degree in Spiritual Care, a Post Graduate Certificate in Business (Marketing), and a Bachelor of Applied Science in Sports Science/Human Movement. In addition, she is a Certified Therapeutic Sound Practitioner and a Death Doula. Nicole is the founder of Sound Consciousness, a company that offers wellbeing strategies and therapeutic sound practices to help individuals achieve peak performance in their professional lives, relationships, and personal aspirations.
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