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For anyone coordinating a team-building event, it always feels like the pressure is on to create something exciting and memorable. You want an activity that’s more than just a boring lunch meeting, right? The goal is to find something that truly connects people, sparks creativity, and maybe even uncovers hidden talents. That’s where interactive team-building programs using drumming as the medium really shine.

Interactive team-building programs using drumming as the medium go beyond trust falls and ice breakers. They tap into something primal, creating an experience that’s both energizing and unifying. Everyone, regardless of musical background, gets to participate, contributing to a shared rhythm. This is a thriller experience that many find contributes to a more effective team.

Why Choose Drumming for Team Building?

Beyond just being fun, drumming activities offer some serious perks for teams. They provide a unique avenue for teams to step away from the usual routine and bond over a shared, creative activity. Studies, such as those covered by Full Focus, have highlighted the significance of these shared experiences in fostering stronger team bonds.

Here’s how the rhythmic world of drumming translates into real benefits:

Enhanced Communication and Collaboration

Interactive team-building programs using drumming as the medium necessitate active listening and responding. Participants quickly learn that creating a harmonious rhythm requires paying close attention to their colleagues. This translates beautifully into better communication and collaboration back in the workplace, where listening and adapting are just as crucial.

In fact, team building through shared activities like drumming often leads to noticeable improvements in a team’s ability to collaborate effectively.

Boosted Creativity and Problem-Solving

Drumming brings out a playful, experimental energy, allowing people to tap into their creative side without judgment. It helps break down barriers in the workplace. When this translates to a work setting, teams find themselves thinking outside the box and tackling challenges with fresh perspectives.

Stronger Team Dynamics

Nothing says “we’re in this together” quite like finding a groove as one cohesive unit. Interactive team-building programs using drumming as the medium emphasize unity and break down barriers.

The act of creating something powerful together stays with people. A study from Northstar Meetings Group emphasized that shared experiences have a more significant impact on attendees than solo activities. It makes sense—when you’ve shared a drum circle experience, you’re connected through more than just job titles. You’ve tapped into a shared human experience, creating memories that last long after the last beat fades away. This creates a more powerful team.

Stress Relief and Fun

Let’s not forget the sheer enjoyment factor. Drumming is a physical, visceral experience. You’re literally beating stress and tension away while having a great time.

The playful nature of such activities can act as an effective corporate team-building activity and can result in enhanced workplace relationships. When you can laugh, learn, and jam with your teammates, you’re building a more positive and supportive work environment. And isn’t that the best kind of team building?

Types of Interactive Drumming Programs

No two teams are alike. That’s why interactive team-building programs using drumming as the medium come in different flavors, each with unique goals and approaches. Whether it’s the high energy of Samba or the primal connection of African drumming, there’s an approach to resonate with your team. These workshops will provide you and your team with an unforgettable drumming experience.

African Drumming

Connect with the ancient rhythms of West African culture in this dynamic form of team drumming. Each participant is given a djembe (a goblet-shaped drum) and learns traditional rhythms, calls, and responses. It’s a powerful way to explore themes of leadership, listening, and group cohesion. An expert team will guide you through all of the drumming techniques.

Samba Drumming

Think Rio de Janeiro Carnival— pulsating, infectious energy, and a kaleidoscope of vibrant sounds. Teams experience the joy of creating their own high-energy Samba band.

As everyone learns to play various percussion instruments, from the surdo (bass drum) to the tamborim (small, high-pitched drum), they discover the importance of each individual’s contribution to the whole. These sessions often include an ice-breaker session at the beginning, making it a truly interactive drumming experience.

Drum Circles

Drum circles create a space where participants can unwind and de-stress through a shared experience of rhythm and improvisation. Guided by a skilled facilitator, participants of all musical abilities (or none at all) get to experiment with percussion instruments, discovering their unique “voices” and contributing to the collective beat.

The beauty is there are no right or wrong answers in a drum circle; just the power of connection through rhythm. This helps smaller teams come together by making music as a group.

Customized Experiences

Want something truly unique? Look for interactive team-building programs using drumming as the medium tailored to specific themes. Whether you’d like to enhance communication, ignite innovation, or focus on stress management, there are programs to make drumming a unique experience. This is where Drum Cafe NORTH AMERICA comes in.

Choosing the Right Program

With so many amazing options available, how do you select the ideal interactive team-building program using drumming as the medium to match your team’s specific needs and objectives?

Factors to Consider

  • Group Size: Make sure the chosen program caters to the size of your group to guarantee an inclusive experience for every participant.
  • Desired Outcomes: Do you hope to focus on boosting collaboration, fostering creativity, or providing a stress-relieving break?
  • Budget: Drumming programs can range in price depending on the facilitator’s experience, duration, and program elements.
  • Location: Many drumming programs can adapt to different settings, so think about whether your event is best held at your workplace, an off-site venue, or even outdoors.

Talk to the Experts

Reach out to professional drumming facilitators like Drum Café North America. We are experts at creating engaging, impactful team-building programs and will help tailor a drumming experience to address your team’s needs, ensuring everyone leaves energized, connected, and inspired. You’ve got a room full of people; interactive team-building programs using drumming as the medium are your tools.

Remember, there’s something profoundly human about gathering in a circle, sharing rhythms, and creating something special together. Each participant actively listens and participates in creating fantastic samba music and beats. Let the delegates participate in their own musical journey while raising energy levels with this great time.

Conclusion

In the corporate team building world, interactive team-building programs using drumming as the medium stand out as engaging and transformative experiences. Not only do these programs tap into our innate desire for rhythm and connection but they also promote important skills that can benefit teams long after the last drumbeat fades.

If you are looking for a dynamic, impactful, and enjoyable way to unite your team, drumming is definitely worth exploring. Each participant will be creating a fantastic samba sound from a variety of percussion instruments while tapping into the power of music.


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In a job market where competition is intense, employers are reimagining their approach to attract and retain the best talent. Offering innovative employee benefits is at the forefront of this strategy. Employers are moving beyond traditional perks, introducing a range of creative benefits that cater to the diverse needs of their workforce. Drum Cafe North America explores perks that are setting new standards for employee satisfaction and loyalty.

Enhancing Employee Well-Being Through Wellness Programs

Employers are placing increased emphasis on wellness programs that foster both physical and mental health. These initiatives are no longer just about gym memberships; they involve comprehensive health screenings, mental health support, fitness challenges, and wellness workshops. Such programs demonstrate an employer’s commitment to the holistic well-being of their team, leading to a more engaged, healthier, and productive workforce.

Supporting Work-Life Balance With Generous Parental Leave

Recognizing the importance of family, more companies are offering extended parental leave. These policies go beyond the minimum legal requirements, providing ample time for new parents to bond with their children without the stress of work. Such policies reflect an organization’s commitment to its employees’ personal lives and well-being, which in turn fosters loyalty and job satisfaction.

Offer Education to Meet Employee Needs

Investing in employees’ education, particularly when it aligns with their job responsibilities, can lead to a more skilled and motivated workforce. For instance, healthcare workers who pursue a medical school online program can acquire knowledge and skills directly applicable to their roles within the organization. Online programs offer the flexibility needed for employees to effectively manage their work, family, and educational commitments simultaneously. By supporting employee education, companies demonstrate their commitment to professional development, which can boost job satisfaction and retention rates.

Embracing Pets in the Workplace

Many employers now recognize pets as an integral part of their employees’ lives and are introducing pet-friendly policies. This might include allowing pets in the office or offering pet health insurance. Such policies create a more relaxed and inclusive atmosphere in the workplace, acknowledging the role pets play in their owners’ emotional well-being.

Facilitating Remote Work With Home Office Support

With the rise of remote work, employers are assisting employees in setting up efficient home offices. If an employee needs a larger home with a dedicated office, companies are offering resources to find suitable accommodations. This support extends beyond just physical space, encompassing ergonomic furniture and tech support to ensure a productive remote working environment.

Alleviating Financial Stress With Student Loan Repayment

The burden of student loans can be a significant stressor for many employees. To address this, a growing number of employers are offering student loan repayment assistance programs. These programs not only provide financial relief but also demonstrate an employer’s investment in their employees’ financial well-being.

Investing in Career Growth With Tuition Assistance

Tuition assistance programs embody an employer’s dedication to fostering ongoing growth and development within their workforce. These programs, by financially supporting further education and skill enhancement, empower employees to elevate their careers and, in turn, make more significant contributions to their organization. Additionally, they highlight the employer’s investment in nurturing a knowledgeable and skilled team poised for future challenges and innovations.

Highlighting Benefits in Informative Brochures

Creating an informative brochure that outlines employee benefits is a crucial step in ensuring clear communication within an organization. This brochure should comprehensively detail the benefits available, along with the eligibility criteria and any pertinent restrictions or limitations. Rather than outsourcing to a professional designer, you can take a hands-on approach by using free online resources to help create your brochure. By using free templates, you can add personalized text, incorporate relevant images, and apply unique design elements to make the brochure both informative and visually appealing.

 

In today’s competitive job market, innovative employee benefits are key in attracting and retaining top talent. Employers are embracing a range of creative perks, from comprehensive wellness programs to supportive parental leave and tuition assistance, all aimed at meeting the diverse needs of their workforce. These initiatives not only enhance employee satisfaction and loyalty but also demonstrate a commitment to holistic well-being and professional development. This strategic approach in redefining workplace perks is setting new benchmarks in how companies invest in their employees’ futures.

Energize your team and break down barriers with Drum Cafe North America! Whether in-person or virtually, experience our unique, interactive drumming workshops that unite and inspire. Ready to transform your event? Contact us today and discover the power of rhythm.

Image via Pexels


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Image Source: Pexels

Timely and effective collaboration between employees is crucial for the success of any business. But, this is only possible through the creation of sound internal communication processes with the help of technology such as a CMS tool, messaging applications, and more. Additionally, managers need to develop strong relationships with employees as well to empower them to promote bottom-up communication and make everyone in the organization feel heard and valued.

In this article from Drum Cafe North America, we’ll explore a host of actionable tips business owners and leaders can utilize to foster communication and collaboration in their organizations.

  1. Create a Culture of Open Communication and Automation

Creating a culture of open communication doesn’t just mean encouraging employees to share their opinions, it also involves updating business processes based on their suggestions to make them feel valued. One of the best ways managers can instill a culture of open communication is to practice an open-door policy. Understandably, employees will be wary at the start to approach managers, hence initially, managers should take the lead by organizing regular team and one-on-one meetings to develop trust and rapport with team members.

Another way to foster open communication is to assign regular cross-team projects, providing employees the ability to interact with their co-workers, especially if your business is predominantly remote. Applications such as Slack or Microsoft teams are great mediums making it simple for employees to collaborate on projects and share files, opinions, and suggestions in real time.

You can also use an automation success platform and tools to automate your communication processes. Such a platform also improves workflows for optimal efficiency and productivity. This technology combines advanced process automation, data integration, and business intelligence to help organizations streamline operations, reduce costs, and improve overall business outcomes to meet the goals that have been set.

  1. Promote Team Building Activities

In today’s fast-paced business environment, where deadlines come thick and fast, employees solemnly get time during work hours to bond to discuss topics beyond the purview of work, as discussed by Enterprise League. Hence, management and experts in the human resources department need to organize regular team-building activities both within and beyond the office to bring employees closer and develop healthy work and personal relationships.

Planning a weekend retreat is a tried and tested way of fostering better work relationships. Allowing employees a relaxing and fun environment makes for a much better setting, allowing them to interact with each other beyond the confines of work projects or deadlines. Additionally, planning team activities such as hiking influence employees to work as a team and develop stronger personal bonds. Other relaxing activities to consider include periodic office lunches or happy hour events at local establishments.

  1. Invest in a CMS

A content management system (CMS) serves as a great addition to messaging tools mentioned at the start of the article. In addition to fostering real-time communication, these tools provide complete clarity regarding content generation, editing, and publishing down to the individual level and provide all employees a bird’s eye view of document iteration and status, as well as with different departments, especially in ones with whom they have dependencies.

For instance, if the marketing team needs content for a landing page for a new campaign, they don’t need to waste time setting up a call with the document owner or others. Rather, they can review the progress on the CMS and prepare for publication accordingly. Additionally, such CMS solutions can be used by managers to distribute tasks among team members, set individual deadlines, and track performance, all through a single dashboard.

  1. Embrace Diversity and Inclusion

Diversity and inclusion are popular themes in today’s work environment, and rightly so. According to research by Insight Global, diverse companies are 70% more likely to capture new markets and be successful compared to those who aren’t. The reason for this is simple, embracing diversity and inclusion can promote the creation and sharing of new ideas and perspectives. For instance, younger employees will be more open to undertaking risks and providing out-of-the-box ideas for challenging problems.

Moreover, creating a diverse workplace helps to make everyone feel welcome and valued, increasing their comfort level to share ideas, mingle with co-workers and develop a healthy and productive work environment.

By creating a culture of open communication, investing in a project management platform, encouraging team-building activities, and fostering a diverse work environment, business owners and leaders can improve collaboration among team members and drive business growth.

Drum Cafe North America presents a unique, hands-on approach to team building, learning and leadership development. Connect with us today to learn more! (858) 583-1960


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Photo Credit: Pavel Danilyuk via Pexels

Remote work is here to stay. It’s clear that many employees prefer working remotely, and it’s good for business too! Remote work leads to reductions in business expenses, greater access to top talent, increased employee productivity, and better disaster preparedness. Plus, your employees will be happier, meaning greater retention rates and fewer frustrating days spent looking for new hires.

But these benefits aren’t guaranteed. Keeping your remote workers happy and engaged is vital to the success of your remote team! Check out the following tips to ensure high employee satisfaction among your remote team.

1. Enforce Accountability With Performance Monitoring

Did you know that monitoring employee performance can improve job satisfaction? Monitoring your staff will motivate them to try their best. When your employees know that their work matters, they’re more likely to put in the effort. Make sure your employees feel accountable for their own performance.

Introduce your team members to a monitoring strategy and let them know which work-related activities you’ll be tracking. Task management and time tracking are two easy ways to do this. Incentivize your team with team goals to encourage everyone to do their part. This will help unify your remote workers as a cohesive team!

2. Use Technology to Keep Everyone Connected

Technology makes it easy for remote work teams to communicate and collaborate in real time. Make sure you use these tools! For example, project management tools like Trello and Asana will let your teams take ownership of their work while reducing the amount of micromanagement you need to do. Similarly, instant messaging apps like Slack are great for remote work teams who need to communicate throughout the day. Consider the communication challenges your team struggles with the most, then look for apps that aim to solve these issues.

3. Provide the Necessary Hardware

Your remote employees rely on hardware like laptops, tablets, and mobile phones to get their work done. While office employees may have access to high-quality equipment, your remote workers have to rely on their own devices. NoHQ suggests supporting their work by providing your team with all the equipment they need. Alternatively, you could offer discounts or compensation to help your employees purchase the tools they need to work efficiently.

Let your employees know that there are great free resources for troubleshooting their home equipment, including camera systems, that they may be using. Instead of having to bother your remote IT department and potentially lose valuable work time, they can go through some basic troubleshooting steps themselves before getting the professionals involved.

4. Encourage Interaction Between Team Members

Loneliness is one of the main drawbacks of remote work. If your team members feel like they’re working alone most of the time, set up opportunities for social interaction. Schedule social hours, video chats, and virtual team-building events. When you hire a new remote employee, assign them a mentor who can answer their questions and help them feel comfortable in the remote work environment. You could even plan some occasional company meet-ups so everyone can interact in person!

Consider opening virtual groups that support your team’s personal interests, like reading or sewing or cycling. Each group can figure out if they just want to share tips and stories or if they want to keep each other accountable. For instance, those who enjoy working out can set up a regular virtual workout session together.

5. Offer Additional Perks and Benefits

There are many kinds of benefits that employers are implementing for their teams. Many people don’t realize that paid holidays and vacation days aren’t required in many states. So adding these along with retirement plans and health insurance can go a long way in making employees feel valued.

Wellness programs are also great for showing your team that you appreciate all their hard work. Plus, promoting the health and wellness of your employees will reduce absenteeism and keep those productivity levels high. There are a number of ways to offer wellness programs to your remote workers. For example, you could offer free online yoga classes or meditation sessions, virtual counseling services, or online fitness programs.

Tuition reimbursement is another very popular option which has also been shown to increase employee retention, despite what you might think. Plus, there are many accredited universities that offer online programs, which means that your employees can build up their skills while staying on top of their work responsibilities. Check out the many business-related degrees your team could pursue, from accounting and finance to communications and marketing. 

Offering your employees employer-provided housing can be a valuable benefit that can help attract and retain talent. Before offering to pay for housing, view local apartment listings to determine potential costs.

Help Your Remote Teams Succeed

By keeping your remote workers happy, you can ensure they do their best, work hard for your business, and stick around for the long run. Use tried-and-true strategies to improve employee satisfaction among your remote work teams. Monitor performance to boost motivation, invest in helpful technology, provide solutions for work-from-home loneliness, and offer wellness programs to show your team you care!

Drum Cafe North America music and education programs are perfect for team building and leadership development. Learn more!


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Drum Cafe North America founder, Natalie Spiro, was recently featured in a Go Solo story by Subkit.

“We demonstrate the power of creating a global community through the concept of UBUNTU – I am who I am because of those around me. As human beings, we cannot live/work in isolation. We are all interconnected. And when we truly live in this spirit of ubuntu, we are open and affirming to all – not threatened by our diversity of thought and beingness.”

READ THE FULL INTERVIEW


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Some pandemic inspired research has turned up some fascinating data with very hopeful implications that we are excited to share with you.

A team of social neuroscience researchers from Bar-Ilan University in Israel and University of Chicago, took a look at what happens in the brain when we listen to music socially and were able to determine that music provides brain-to-brain social connections and underlines that music isn’t mere entertainment.

Inspired by the collective music-making while social distancing that transpired during the COVID-19 pandemic: singing in unison, balcony to balcony, group singing and live living room concerts via video conferencing software like Zoom.

Out of the research emerged a new model of the brain that sheds light on the social functions and brain mechanisms that underlie the musical adaptations used for human connection.

Using a fusion of the latest advances in social neuroscience and the field of music, including evolutionary theory, researchers were able to highlight five key functions and mechanisms of the brain that contribute to social connection through music.

  1. empathy circuits are improved through interpersonal musical coordination and help us tune into what others are thinking and feeling.
  2. oxytocin is secreted when people sing together, even when the singing is improvised. It contributes to our sense of feeling socially bonded with others.
  3. dopamine – a neurotransmitter that is pivotal for our sense of reward and motivation, produces a sense of pleasure and is released during musical anticipation and expectation.
  4. language structures were activated in back-and-forth musical dialogue also known as “call & response”.5) cortisol – the stress hormone is decreased when people make music or listen to music together in groups.

These findings demonstrate that through music we can connect and interact with others and signal that music-making in groups helps improve social bonding.

These are exciting implications for the application of group music making for the world at large, AND team environments.

Concerts, flash-mobs, kirtan, drum circles, choirs, sing-alongs, marching bands, karaoke.

How exciting to get scientific confirmation that fun and joy are the way to come together, reconnect our humanity after this collective trauma we all experienced.

The results of this new research have inspired us to put together an offering to help your team leverage this science for your benefit as well!

Most teams have been working remotely for more than a year. Thankfully Covid cases continue to decline in the US and restrictions have eased in many regions. Conditions are right and folks are ready to come together!

Drumming is an ideal activity to reinvigorate your team’s bond and when integrated into a team building session has the capacity to generate deep resonance through the connective power of music.

Our drumming events use call and response – for that language center activation – are suitable for any skill level, and we can confidently say that there is an extra decrease in cortisol that comes from beating on a drum. Relief from frustration + music making = great energy.

For the next four months – or while supplies last – a booking of a drumming-based team event* will come with the opportunity to purchase the drums at 50% off regular price.

Own your very own set of djembe drums to use in building and fostering connection anytime!

Human sociality is rooted in our biological makeup and while team environments are not always smooth sailing, music will always be a tool we can utilize to reconnect with each other – the brain science now confirms it.

A tool kit of drums for your team is both at the cutting edge of scientific discovery and rooted in millenia of human wisdom around connection.

And with the unprecedented time we’ve all just lived through there has never been a better time to invest in connection.

We hope you’ll take us up on this unique offer – we’ll only be able to offer it as long as supply lasts.

Reply to this email today to schedule a discovery call to craft an event uniquely tailored to the needs of your team.

*Events limited to Southern California, Las Vegas or Phoenix.

For areas outside this geography ask us about Team-Can-Jam-Cajon, another great drumming event where participants keep the drums.


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We’ve all been there, we’ve attended traditional conferences with traditional speakers who, you guessed it, give their presentations from a traditional PowerPoint. And all of this is fine! But it’s just that.

As companies we want our presentations to be life-changing and extraordinary and for the teams to take away tools to be more productive.

In this podcast, I chat with Angela Proffitt all about interactive team building, unity and engagement through use of rhythm and the value of offering an experience for your team.

People don’t always remember what you say but they will always remember how you make them feel.


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How exactly does a group event work when participants are separated by distance?

Drumming the Distance is not new to us – here’s how we did it in six remote sites simultaneously.

The Federal Reserve approached us because they wanted to do an all-hands meeting and that had 200 participants in the Atlanta Federal Reserve Office plus five other smaller offices in a variety of other places including Florida & North Carolina.

We began by coordinating drums to be sent to all locations and arranging AV connections between the six locations. A person in each location was in charge of the video conferencing equipment and was there to make sure that the AV ran smoothly, and the sound worked and the visuals worked.

We took all the 200 people who were in the Federal Reserve Building and we put them in the canteen. We had set up the canteen with a drum on every chair.

At the back of the room was a large video screen and on that video screen, there were five different blocks. Each block represented one of the other offices.

We started the event in Atlanta and all the other locations started at exactly the same time, so we had a rhythmic connected, real-time opening.

Each one of them heard me perfectly clearly, heard my team, and the music coming from the Atlanta office perfectly clearly.

I engaged with each one of those five offices by going into the audience and speaking directly to them via the screen because they could all see me and I could see them.

I would integrate each group with a drum roll welcome for each office, bringing them into the engagement so that they felt completely part of the engagement, as did those people who were sitting in Atlanta.


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Corporate social responsibility has been defined in numerous ways. Typically when people are searching for corporate responsibility programs they bump into words such as “Sustainability”; “Customer Relationship Management”; “Corporate Governance” and “Ethics”, to name a few.

Forbes has defined it as a type of international private business self-regulation that aims to contribute to societal goals of a philanthropic, activist, or charitable nature or by engage in or support volunteering or ethically-oriented practices.

Susan McPherson has said that a company’s approach to impact is a reflection of that company’s values — and the values of its customers, employees and (increasingly) investors. It’s a shift that has been accelerated by the current political climate, in which companies have had to publicly stand up — both individually and collaboratively — for values like inclusion, empathy and environmental preservation in the face of questionable policy decisions. The result? Responsibility, humanity and impact are now more entrenched than ever in the corporate sector — and I am confident that this is not a passing trend.

At Drum Café North America, soon to be re-branded “THE RHYTHM AGENDA”, we have created a program that helps companies GIVE BACK to communities in need of the ability to “Humanize through Harmony”. The Rhythm Agenda will be offering a range of such programs that fit directly with the companies core values.

Our First – Team-Can-Jam-Cajon, recently contracted in by the IT division at Dropbox was a HUGE success. See for yourselves.

Bring us into one of your company divisions and BE a PART of the SOLUTION.

Let’s humanize through harmony.