15 Hit Teamwork Songs that Strike the Right Chord for Team Success and Morale

1. How Does Music Help with Teamwork?

1.1. Enhances Team Collaboration

People choose to contribute more to a group when they are listening to happy music, thanks to the positive impact of the melodies on mood.

1.2. Fosters a Sense of Unity 

Research has shown that getting musically in sync with other people helps develop stronger social bonds. Individuals who share enjoyment of teamwork songs are more likely to build a rapport.

1.3. Improves Employee Morale

One of the most tangible benefits of teamwork songs is that they raise staff spirits. In fact, a survey conducted in the retail industry found that 81% of businesses said music improved worker morale.

1.4. Reduces Stress and Anxiety

Music is seen in psychological circles as a potentially healing tool for people suffering from anxiety disorders or depression. This has been linked to the production of dopamine associated with enjoying a tune.

1.5. Boosts Creativity

Listening to upbeat music has been shown to improve divergent thinking, facilitating creative problem solving.

2. 15 Best Teamwork Songs to Listen in the Workplace

2.1. Unity and Togetherness

Many of the best teamwork songs are about the importance of unity, no matter the situation. If your department needs a bit of a bonding session, try these tracks on for size.

1. Count On Me – Bruno Mars

A dreamy acoustic ballad, ‘Count on Me’ contains a soulful message about supporting others. As a bonus, it also teaches the basics of counting.

2. I’ll Be There for You – the Rembrandts

Popularized by the TV show Friends, “I’ll Be There for You” drives the clouds away by reminding everyone that there’s someone who’s got their back, even when the rain (metaphorical or otherwise) starts to pour.Standout team lyric: “When it hasn't been your day, your week, your month, or even your year, I'll be there for you.”

3. We Are Family – Sister Sledge

An upbeat melody with a very singable chorus, this classic from Sister Sledge has a notable feminist message that underlines the importance of unity.Standout team lyric: “We are family, I got all my sisters with me.”

2.2. Motivation and Empowerment

If what you really need is a banger to get you re-energized, this trio of teamwork songs are top-shelf tunes. Each one is from a different musical genre, but all of them are sure to light a fire under your employees.

1. Don’t Stop Believin’ – Journey

This ‘80s hit is a high-octane belter of a song that encourages you just to keep on chasing your goals, no matter how difficult the road may seem. Standout team lyric: “Don't stop believin', hold on to that feelin'.”

2. Team – Lorde

Songs with team in the lyrics don’t come much more anthemic than this track from Lorde, which sings about falling back on your posse in the face of shattered dreams. Standout team lyric: “And you know, we're on each other's team.”

3. Better Together – Jack Johnson

Exuding mellow Hawaiian vibes, ‘Better Together’ works for work relationships, friendships, or even romances – the overarching point is that people are empowered by the bonds that link them together. Standout team lyric: “Mmm, it's always better when we're together. Yeah, we'll look at the stars when we're together.”

2.3. Overcoming Challenges

Not everything at work is plain sailing, which is why it’s good to be reminded every now and then that challenges are there to be overcome. Especially if the road ahead seems rocky, a pep song can be as good as a pep talk.

1. Stronger – Kelly Clarkson

If you really want to bond with your work colleagues, just put on this defiant dance-pop beast and encourage everyone to scream-sing the chorus.Standout team lyric: “What doesn't kill you makes you stronger, stand a little taller.”

2. Whatever It Takes – Imagine Dragons

Mixing elements of pop, dance, rock, and rap,’ ‘Whatever It Takes’ is one of the best teamwork songs for when you need that little bit of extra fuel to get over the hill.Standout team lyric: “Yeah, take me to the top, I'm ready for whatever it takes.”

3. That’s What Friends Are For – Dionne Warwick, Elton John, Stevie Wonder, Gladys Knight

Sung by a quartet of greats, this soulful tune illuminates the power of teamwork to overcome struggles, no matter how tough.Standout team lyric: “Keep smilin', keep shinin', knowing you can always count on me for sure.”

2.4. Collaboration & Cooperation

Songs about collaboration are one of the major categories of teamwork songs, elucidating how a little cooperation can bring out the best in all of us.

1. Let’s Work Together – Canned Heat

Released at the very beginning of the ‘70s, you won’t find many songs about being stronger together that hit the nail so directly on the head. The Canned Heat hit even begins with the stirring lines: “Together we'll stand, divided we'll fall.”Standout team lyric: “Come on now people, let's get on the ball and work together.”

2. We Can Work It Out – The Beatles

The Beatles were an iconic foursome who managed to create some wonderful music as a team, despite not always seeing eye to eye. This song is all about trying to reach a compromise through cooperation.Standout team lyric: “Life is very short, and there's no time for fussing and fighting my friend.”

3. With a Little Help from My Friends – The Beatles

Another Beatles track, this one a bit more cheerful, ‘With a Little Help from My Friends’ espouses the belief that, with a bit of support from those around you, you can pretty much manage to survive anything.Standout team lyric: “I’m gonna try with a little help from my friends.”

2.5. Achieving Goals

A little musical boost is often just the thing to inject some fresh enthusiasm into your work, enabling you to attack your goals with increased vigor.

1. We Are the Champions – Queen

One of the most iconic anthems of all time, ‘We Are the Champions’ reminds us that things won’t always go our way, but ultimately, we can come out on top together.Standout team lyric: “We are the champions, my friends, and we'll keep on fighting till the end.”

2. Teamwork – Bob Hope and Bing Crosby

This golden oldie from two greats of the silver screen is a jokey, light-hearted number that employs workplace puns to emphasize the importance of working together to fulfill one’s (or, indeed, the company’s) aims.Standout team lyric: “What does it take to make any business climb? You'll find it takes teamwork every time.”

3. Eye of the Tiger – Survivor

Made iconic through its use in the film Rocky III, ‘Eye of the Tiger’ is the ultimate call to action, a rousing rock song that tells you to keep punching through till you achieve your goals.Standout team lyric: “Rising up straight to the top, had the guts, got the glory.”

3. FAQs

3.1. What music to play at work?

There are scores of work appropriate songs you can play to inject a little energy into the office. Just make sure that everyone is happy to have the tunes blasting before you get your Spotify open.

3.2. Is music good for doing work?

Songs about teams can be a fun way to build rapport between staff. Research has also shown that individuals find listening to music both increases productivity and acts as a lever for relaxation.

3.3. What is an example of a work song?

Arguably the most famous work song of all time is Dolly Parton’s ‘9 to 5,’ though Disney fans might be more partial to a few bars of ‘Heigh-Ho’ from ‘Snow White and the Seven Dwarves.’ For something a bit more rock and roll, Bachman Turner Overdrive’s ‘Takin' Care of Business’ is a jaunty piece that makes work sound rather fun.