Effects of singing groups on staff well-being: a feasibility study

To determine the feasibility of recruiting and retaining staff 'singing for well-being' groups over three months and the acceptability of the proposed intervention and data collection methods, and to explore the potential effects of singing groups on staff well-being.

This was a feasibility study that used a two-group wait-list crossover design. Standardised measures of well-being, engagement, burnout and organisational commitment were used, alongside participant feedback. Questionnaires were given to participants at baseline, three months and six months, with the mean group scores for the measures used calculated at each point.

Participant recruitment did not meet the target set, and only half of the participants returned pre-intervention and post-intervention questionnaires. Acceptability of the programme was high and, despite limited data, positive effects emerged in relation to emotional and work-related well-being. Participant comments about the singing programme and facilitator were universally favourable.

This feasibility study suggests there may be several benefits of staff singing groups, in terms of improving the well-being of participants. However, proceeding to a full research trial would require additional time and resources to maximise recruitment.