(Photo: PA MEDIA)
Music is striking a chord with Britain’s warehouse workers — thanks to a new choir formed to showcase how singing together can boost wellbeing across one of the UK’s most pressured sectors.
Music licensing company PPL PRS has launched The Pallet-Tones, a choir made up of 14 employees from Mira Showers in Worcester, to raise awareness of the mental health challenges faced by warehouse staff — and the power of music to help.
The choir performed an original song, A Day in My Life, written by Dr Madeline Castrey, and inspired by the experiences of hundreds of warehouse workers nationwide. The lyrics draw on personal stories and reflections gathered during a music therapy session led by Marianne Rizkallah, music therapist for PPL PRS.
“Music can have a very positive effect on mental health at work – from reducing stress, to boosting productivity and evoking happiness,” said Rizkallah. “Music can also connect teams – whether that’s singing together or simply bonding with a colleague because you love the same artist.”
Over half (53%) of warehouse employees say their job has negatively affected their mental health, rising to 60% among those aged 25 to 35, according to PPL PRS research. The findings also show that 54% of workers feel happier and 49% more energised when music is played at work.
Rizkallah said initiatives like The Pallet-Tones show how music can transform morale and connection in demanding environments. “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,” she added.
Choir member Paul Baker, logistics manager at Mira Showers, said the experience has changed the way colleagues see themselves and their work.
“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,” he said. “The amount of satisfaction and achievement you get – especially from singing when you work in a warehouse environment – is second to none.”
Songwriter Dr Madeline Castrey said A Day in My Life was shaped by real voices from the warehouse sector.
“I was really moved by the insights shared by The Pallet-Tones and the warehouse community,” she said. “Despite the role feeling monotonous and even lonely sometimes, warehouse teams truly are a community in which everyone has a place.”
The project, conducted by Gina Baker from Music In Offices, marks the start of a multi-year partnership between PPL PRS and the organisation.
Greg Aiello, managing director of PPL PRS, said the aim is to give warehouse teams across the UK the same opportunity.
“This marks the first stage in a multi-year initiative in partnership with Music In Offices to create choirs in warehouses across the UK,” he said. “We’re raising awareness that music can be incorporated into a business’ employee wellbeing strategy. It could seriously improve morale, output and ultimately the bottom line.”
As part of the initiative, other warehouse teams can now apply for support to form their own workplace choirs, with expert help from Music In Offices. Applications are open via pplprs.co.uk/warehouse-choir.
With The Pallet-Tones already rehearsing for their Christmas performances, Baker said the project has given staff something to look forward to. “To experience the joy of singing with the team at work – and watch them grow in confidence – has been amazing,” he said.
For an industry where over half of workers say their job takes a toll on their wellbeing, it seems the key to a happier workforce might just be a song.