Employee engagement is more than just a buzzword in today’s corporate landscape; it’s a critical factor that directly impacts productivity, morale, and ultimately, the success of any organization. However, many companies struggle to effectively engage their employees, leading to disengagement, high attrition / turnover rates, and diminished performance. In this blog, I’ll delve into practical strategies and ideas to improve employee engagement, emphasizing the importance of genuine efforts and innovative approaches to positively influencing this important resource: Our workforce. I will also explore the usage and efficacy of art- (read: rhythm) based interventions in this field. How can corporate drumming events or drum circles (that are already being sold using the “team building” jargon) actually deliver this objective?

Why is Employee Engagement Important?

Before delving into strategies, let’s address the elephant in the room: why does employee engagement matter? People make an organization. It’s simple. Engaged employees are not just satisfied with their jobs; they’re emotionally invested in the company’s goals and values. They go above and beyond their job descriptions, contribute innovative ideas, and are more likely to stay loyal to the organization. High employee engagement leads to increased productivity, reduced absenteeism, improved customer satisfaction, and ultimately, higher profitability. I cannot emphasize the importance of caring for one’s employees’ well-being enough. And just saying that you care is not enough any more. To actually make a difference we’ll need to quantify our intent and action. 

How to Measure Employee Engagement

To improve employee engagement, you first need to measure it accurately. Surveys, feedback sessions, and performance metrics are common methods to gauge engagement levels. Look for indicators such as job satisfaction, willingness to recommend the company to others, and alignment with organizational values. Regular pulse surveys can provide real-time insights into employee sentiment and help identify areas for improvement. It is of utmost importance to maintain anonymity so that employees are confident to come up and share their views without the fear of being judged for the same. Here are some strategies to help with this…

Employee Engagement Strategies

  • Open Communication Channels: Foster a culture of transparency and open communication where employees feel valued and heard. Regularly solicit feedback, address concerns promptly, and involve employees in decision-making processes. This is a perfect place to insert a group drumming activity or a team building drum circle. Use of any experiential activity or arts-based intervention will help everyone have fun, break the ice and elicit genuine response. Being able to do this in todays’ work culture using existing dry methods is rare.
  • Recognition and Rewards: Recognize and appreciate employees’ efforts and achievements publicly. Implement reward programs, bonuses, and incentives to motivate and acknowledge their contributions. This is an old method but an effective one. We all like to be appreciated by our peers
  • Professional & Health Development: Invest in employees’ growth and development by providing opportunities for training, mentorship, and career advancement. Encourage continuous learning and skill-building. The health of your employees will reflect in the health of your organization. Throwing money at your problems will help but only to a certain extent. Beyond that, to actually stand the test of time, one will have to be involved in the health and wellness of one’s workforce. This is another direct application of dance movement sessions, ongoing weekly group drumming sessions, one on one counseling sessions ( on a voluntary basis), expressive arts sessions to help facilitate open and creative expression.  
  • Work-Life Balance: Promote work-life balance by offering flexible work arrangements, remote work options, and wellness programs. Respect employees’ personal time and encourage them to recharge and rejuvenate. We spoke a lot about this during covid and as “normal” life has resumed, we seemed to have gone back on many of the promises we made with respect to not calling after work hours, not using the words “urgent” frivolously and so on… 
  • Team Building Activities: Engage employees through team building activities that promote collaboration, trust, and camaraderie. Consider unconventional activities like corporate drumming team building drum circles, which encourage teamwork, creativity, and stress relief.

Drumming and Employee Engagement

This is a no-brainer, really. Drum circles are gaining popularity as team building activities in workplaces due to their ability to foster unity, communication, and creativity. Drumming sessions promote active listening, coordination, and synchronization among team members, breaking down barriers and promoting a sense of belonging. Moreover, the rhythmic nature of drumming induces relaxation and reduces stress, enhancing overall well-being and morale. Know that when you do a one-off drum circle session, it will help to have an amazing experience and experience the high-energy created by a drum circle. The longer lasting goals take time to be seen in a group and so anyone selling you drum circles as a magic one-time pill doesn’t know what they’re talking about… All good things take time, energy and consistent effort. 

Conclusion

Improving employee engagement requires a multifaceted approach that prioritizes communication, recognition, and employee well-being. By implementing strategies like open communication channels, recognition programs, and team building activities such as drum circles, organizations can cultivate a culture of engagement where employees feel valued, motivated, and committed to achieving common goals. Remember, genuine efforts and innovative approaches are key to fostering long-term employee engagement and organizational success. So, when will we drum with you next?

Come. Drum. Be One. 
Varun Venkit
Team Taal Inc.