Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs might have been onto something. The idea of ‘singing at work’ is now making serious noise in the corporate world, not just for fun, but as a smart business move.
Increasingly, companies are discovering that singing at work offers far more benefits than merely a ‘feel-good’ wellbeing activity; from breaking down silos and enhancing communication, to supporting talent retention and boosting internal and external brand engagement.
The rise in workplace choirs has been influenced by many factors, including a growing interest in building inclusive, creative cultures and the popularity of Gareth Malone’s ‘The Choir’ series, particularly ‘Sing While You Work’.
Far from being a distraction, singing together can enhance focus, foster cross-functional collaboration and help people bring their whole selves to work – something today’s best employers are actively encouraging.
Harmonising the workplace
Leading the way in workplace harmony is Channel 4, whose choir, 4Tunes (pictured), has become a valued part of organisational life since 2009. They join the ranks of companies like Aviva, Macquarie and law firm Baker McKenzie, all of whom partner with Music in Offices (MIO), which provides workplace music programmes.
Collaboration & cohesion
Office choirs like 4Tunes are inclusive spaces, everyone from the post room to the boardroom is equal. Job titles are left at the door.
“In every choir rehearsal, new relationships are made,” says MIO founder Tessa Marchington. “The hierarchy of the office is broken down and you are standing shoulder to shoulder as human beings instead of as computers.”
“4Tunes brings together a diverse group of individuals – different ages, different backgrounds, different cultures – that would never otherwise cross paths,” says a choir member.
As trust builds, so does cohesion, something every team and company strives for.
Singing for something bigger
With growing expectations around ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance), workplace choirs offer a powerful tool to contribute to the ‘Social’ component through community engagement and brand reputation.
4Tunes perform regularly at company events, including a recent ‘All Staff’ session, with meaningful repertoire, like True Colours. For International Women’s Day, they joined forces with 4Womxn to sing a set of powerful female anthems.
They’ve also collaborated with school choirs, recorded a Christmas single in aid of Crisis and annually brave the winter cold to sing carols for local charities, showing how singing provides a channel for outreach and impact.
These moments are more than just performances – they’re brand expressions; uplifting, authentic, human.
Calm & creativity
Participation in workplace choirs has been linked to tangible mental health benefits. A 2019 University of Leicester study found that 96% of employees felt less stressed, and 86% experienced reduced loneliness after joining a choir. In an era where mental wellbeing and connection matter more than ever, singing is an easily accessible tool.
Particularly in high pressure, high performance environments, choir rehearsals and performances provide a welcome pause and creativity break.
“Whenever you sing within a group, you feel something incredibly powerful,” says one Channel 4 team member. “It helps reset me. I often get very stressed at work and with life, and that hour just singing – being creative with other people—is a great way to vent. I go back to my desk and think – Yeah cool, I’ve got a new vision for the afternoon and more energy as well.”
Another adds: “It’s a great way to break up the day and have an hour of ‘you’ time.”
In a world where the lines between work and home have blurred, this kind of structured, restorative activity helps people reconnect – not just with others, but with themselves.
Company connection
The pandemic may have changed the workplace forever, but a workplace choir offers a reason to come in – a reason that’s emotional, not transactional.
“I love working for a company that isn’t just about being a Business Analyst,” says Naomi Davies, Lead Business Analyst and 4Tunes Chair.
Another member shares “The rise and rise of social media means we’re all connected but disconnected at the same time as our interactions are through screens – but literally standing side by side with someone else, you’re in it together.”
Singing is not background noise
In the current challenge for talent, musical opportunities can help companies stand out.
Offering a workplace choir could be smart business: singing boosts individual wellbeing, sparks creativity, builds loyalty and supports culture in a way that feels natural and joyful. Initiatives like 4Tunes show that music has a rightful place in modern work life – not just as background noise, but as a powerful driver of connection, wellbeing, and culture.
About the author
Tessa Marchington founded ‘Music in Offices’ (MIO) to bring the joy of music making into every day life of the City. She’s a pianist & entrepreneur, graduating from the Royal Academy of Music, combining teaching and performing the piano with her business.
Music in Offices (MIO) has been at the forefront of bringing music into the workplace for almost twenty years. Through tailored choir programmes, instrumental tuition, creative development workshops and event production, MIO helps companies unlock the business benefits of music.
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