Employee engagement is one of the biggest challenges companies face today. Gallup’s data consistently shows that engaged employees are more productive, creative, and committed to their organizations, yet many companies struggle to keep engagement levels high. While traditional methods of engagement—such as incentives, training, and team-building exercises—have their place, there is a more creative and emotional approach that’s gaining traction: spoken word poetry.
Incorporating spoken word into the workplace can be a game-changer for employee engagement. At the forefront of this movement is Sekou Andrews, a spoken word artist who has taken the corporate world by storm with his powerful performances that blend motivational speaking with poetry. Sekou’s unique approach, called Poetic Voice, delivers more than just entertainment—it taps into the emotional core of employees, helping them reconnect with their work, their team, and their company’s mission.
Spoken word poetry, by nature, is dynamic. It engages people on an emotional level, making them feel seen, heard, and understood. In a workplace environment, this can be incredibly powerful. Employees who may feel disconnected from their work or undervalued by their organization can find a renewed sense of purpose when they hear their experiences and challenges reflected in a poetic performance. Sekou’s Poetic Voice bridges the gap between corporate goals and personal motivation, using language and rhythm to foster a sense of belonging and engagement.
One of the reasons spoken word is so effective at boosting engagement is that it encourages active participation. In many corporate settings, communication is passive—employees are recipients of information rather than active participants in a dialogue. Spoken word, however, invites employees to engage with the message on a deeper level, sparking reflection, discussion, and even creativity. Whether it’s through a live performance, an interactive workshop, or a poetic keynote, spoken word poetry encourages employees to think critically, feel deeply, and engage actively.Furthermore, spoken word can help companies address important issues such as diversity, inclusion, and workplace culture in a way that feels authentic and impactful. Sekou Andrews often uses poetry to explore themes of equity, collaboration, and innovation, prompting employees to think differently about how they engage with each other and their work environment. By incorporating spoken word into employee engagement strategies, companies can foster a more inclusive, emotionally connected, and motivated workforce. Poetry at work? It’s not just a nice-to-have—it’s a business necessity for boosting engagement in today’s dynamic workplace.
