Music licensing company PPL PRS has formed a choir of warehouse workers to raise awareness of mental health challenges affecting the sector – and how music can help.
The choir – named ‘The Pallet-Tones’ – is comprised of 14 employees from shower brand Mira Showers. They congregated at its warehouse in Worcester for a special LIVE performance and recording, led by enigmatic conductor Gina Baker from Music In Offices.
Their original tune – entitled ‘A Day In My Life’ – was penned by songwriter Dr Madeline Castrey.
Its emotive lyrics are based on first-hand experiences of hardship from hundreds of warehouse workers across the UK – Dr Madeline analysed comprehensive survey results.
She then layered The Pallet-Tones own reflections in a music therapy inspired session (led by music therapist for PPL PRS, Marianne Rizkallah) whereby each Mira Showers worker brought a meaningful song to discuss with their peers.
It comes as over half (53%) of warehouse workers say their job has negatively affected their mental health – rising to 60% in 25-35-year-olds – according to recent research by PPL PRS.
Amid over three-quarters (77%) of men experiencing conditions like anxiety, stress or depression – with 40% keeping it to themselves – there’s cause for concern towards the male-dominated warehouse sector (66%).
Encouragingly though, 54% of the warehouse workforce feel happier when MUSIC plays – and 49% more energised – PPL PRS further found.
Marianne Rizkallah, music therapist for PPL PRS, commented:
“Music can have a very positive effect on mental health at work – from reducing stress, to boosting productivity and evoking happiness.
“Music can also connect teams – whether that’s singing together or simply bonding with a colleague because you love the same artist. I saw this first-hand when facilitating a music therapy inspired session for The Pallet-Tones, then during their moving performance of ‘A Day In My Life’.
“Life in a warehouse can be repetitive, but music is an incredible motivator. Long hours can feel more manageable if you’re working to a good beat. Employees given the freedom to choose genres or playlists they love might be even more appreciative.”
The Pallet-Tones member Paul Baker, Logistics Manager at Mira Showers – who is also in a choir outside work – added:
“To experience the joy of singing with the team at work – and watch them grow in confidence – has been amazing.
“I would tell anyone who’s contemplating setting up a choir in the workplace to absolutely go for it. The thought might be daunting because it can take you out of your comfort zone, but the amount of satisfaction and achievement you (and your colleagues) will get – especially from singing when you work in a warehouse environment – is second-to-none.
“When we sing together, it takes our minds away from the stress of the warehouse and it reminds us that we’re more than just our jobs. We’re now starting to practise our Christmas carols!”
Dr Madeline Castrey, songwriter for PPL PRS, reflected:
“I was really moved by the insights shared by The Pallet-Tones, and warehouse sector overall, which inspired ‘A Day In My Life’.
“It’s evident that, despite the role feeling monotonous and even lonely sometimes, warehouse teams truly are a community in which everyone has a place – so it felt pertinent to write a song that was ultimately uplifting. But the choir’s harmonies, passion and pride take it to another level in a way I could never have imagined.
Greg Aiello, Managing Director for PPL PRS, concluded:
“I was blown away watching The Pallet-Tones perform. This marks the first stage in a multi-year initiative in partnership with Music In Offices to create choirs in warehouses across the UK as part of our ongoing commitment to increase workforce wellbeing through music.
“We’re also raising awareness of the fact that music can be incorporated into a business’ employee wellbeing strategy. It could seriously improve morale, output and ultimately the bottom line.”
Warehouse businesses with a music licence in the UK keen to start a choir with the support of PPL PRS and Music In Offices can learn more and apply at www.pplprs.co.uk/warehouse-choir.
