As an artist, workshop facilitator and certified mindfulness teacher, I know there are many benefits to creating art: to express ourselves, to develop our creative skills, to showcase our favourite ways of working, to ground us in the present moment… but creating art together is also beneficial for team building.
Here are six ways creating art can strengthen your team.
(If you’re convinced already, why not reach out and see how we could work together?)
1. Creating art together at work encourages collaboration
Creating art together gives teams the opportunity to come together and do something different from the usual workplace activity. Not only does this have many benefits for their wellbeing, it also encourages a collaborative environment.
When working on an art project, whether individually or collectively, participants share an experience where they combine their skills and ideas to create something wonderful. The team environment is perfect for lending itself to collaboration, encouragement and constructive feedback. It isn’t about competition or criticism of each other; it’s way more about doing something together which strengthens bonds, brings individuals together and creates a fun place to be!
Here is some lovely feedback I received after hosting some relaxed workshops for Lindt UK’s Summer conference:
“Eden hosted four mindfulness art sessions at our company conference and did a beautiful job of creating a calm and connective experience.
Our team members were encouraged to connect with each other, building a sense of community through crafting and art. No previous ability was needed and Eden instilled confidence in every person, even the most nervous, and demonstrated that art is for everyone and can be a powerful way to connect with others.” Lindt UK
2. Creative workshops are great for building trust within teams
With that sense of collaboration comes trust. Individuals are encouraged to trust their own instincts when it comes to creating, following what feels good for them and flexing their creative muscles. I love that this means there is also trust also being built within the team.
There is a vulnerability to sharing art and designing something together. To share in an experience such as a mindful art workshop, teams learn to trust each other in a different setting to usual. Plus, creating in the same space requires trust in other ideas and influences.
I love seeing people in my workshops come together and fully lean into trusting themselves and one another. The outcome is always much more than simply what’s been physically created! There is so much we can learn about ourselves and others from exploring creating!
3. Mindful art provides a safe space for expression
As well as building trust, creative activities provide a safe space for expressing ourselves. This can be a unique experience for those who have never been encouraged to make and express themselves without boundaries or pre-determined ideas.
Of course, there can already be established trust and excellent relationships between colleagues and within the workplace, and creating art in a safe and encouraging environment will only build on this. This not only benefits staff in the moment, but reduces communication barriers between teams, encouraging more open and fruitful team dynamics.
My aim within my workshops is to empower everybody to do what feels right for them; there is no ‘one size fits all’. This means I take a gentle approach, so although the workshop has a theme and some pointers, I use my empathy and skills as a mindfulness teacher to help you relax into the present moment and then allow plenty of space for slowing down, creating and playing!
“You really embraced the group and created a carefree environment. We need more people like you in the world." MyVision Oxfordshire
4. Mindful wellbeing sessions help foster creativity
Whether they’re a seasoned artist or haven’t picked up a pencil since school, artistic activities push everyone to think outside the box and come up with something expressive, exciting and/or beautiful. This is the perfect way to foster creativity, which is useful for developing skills such as innovation, problem solving and adaptability.
Although the thought of creating can be daunting for some, this is often due to the messages we’ve previously received about art, design and creativity - often from school, our societies and upbringing. My workshops offer a safe space for expression and exploration, regardless of artistic ability or experience. I often find people who may feel some resistance at first, find a freedom in the ‘letting go’, once they’ve realised it’s safe for them to do so.
The mindful components encourage participants to focus on the process rather than the outcome. This can help alleviate stress by focusing on the present moment, rather than feeling pressured by the final product – and that’s where the magic of creativity happens! This is not only positive for the outcomes of the workshop and how the individual feels, but is a transferable skill back to the workplace where the ability to think creatively in a non-pressured state is highly beneficial.
5. Creating art boosts engagement and motivation
Participating in fun and engaging activities, like creating art, can boost employees’ energy, as well as benefitting their emotional and mental health. In turn this helps with feeling more connected and positive about their workplace and team.
When team members feel invested, they become more motivated and workplace engagement grows. This leads to multiple benefits such as increased productivity, an enhanced workplace culture and healthier employees.
6. Making art together promotes positive team dynamics
Overall, creating art together promotes and encourages positive team dynamics. The relaxed atmosphere allows the opportunity for team members to bond without the pressure of work tasks.
One important aspect of this is fostering belonging for individuals in the team and to the wider workplace. A sense of belonging is linked to increased resilience in workplace challenges and reduced employee turnover. Research shows that leadership can intentionally encourage this by providing opportunities for connection, on both professional and personal levels. What’s more, these opportunities are far more effective when they are consistently scheduled and become part of the workplace culture (rather than a one-off or annual event, for example).
Each workshop is bespoke to the workplace
My workshops can provide an intentional opportunity for connection and time together as a team. As each workshop is bespoke to the environment and workplace, it is possible to tailor my delivery to regular intervals, for example, monthly sessions, increasing those connection opportunities.
Studies have also shown that teams felt more able to identify some of the root causes of dysfunction after attending an artistic workshop. This is really beneficial to building positive team dynamics as being able to address team dysfunction is key, but doing so in a non-confrontational, safe space is even better!
In my work, I look to encourage creativity, collaboration and fun; but I also understand the complexity of the workplace and look for ways to reduce stress and encourage cohesion as much as possible.
“The session strengthened us as a team in a gentle and relaxing way.” Cornerstone Arts Centre
If this list fills you with joy about all the benefits for team building that creating art can have, why not reach out and see how we could work together?
Send me a message here, or email me at hello@edenfay.co.uk