The Exploration Workshop

An Exploration of Emotions and Colors through Jazz Music (“Exploration”) is a half or full-day workshop designed with Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) objectives. It utilizes a multidisciplinary approach to support team building, collaboration, innovation, adaptability, and self-discovery.

This innovative arts-based, social-emotional learning program stands apart with its unique fusion of research-backed mindfulness practices, a proprietary improvisational jazz experience, and small group discussion to promote adult self-awareness and connectedness.

Watch the Exploration promo below.

About

Exploration is a comprehensive workshop centered around arts-based activities. It's available in half-day or full-day formats and crafted with Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) goals, focusing on areas like self-awarenessadaptability, emotional regulation, and self-discovery. The aim is to bolster emotional capacity within teams, fostering stronger cohesion and providing them with practical tools to tackle challenges effectively.

Under the expert guidance of our certified art therapists, Exploration takes participants through a series of research-backed practices and unique creative processes to help individuals reduce stress, build resilience, and connect more authentically with their team members. 

With Exploration, adaptability is key! We tailor our program to meet your organization's unique needs and priorities. Whether you're tackling specific challenges or aligning content with organizational goals, our program ensures maximum relevance and impact.

Exploration represents an innovative paradigm in professional development. It leverages the transformative power of the arts to drive organizational success and elevate customer service standards.

The American Institute of Stress reports that job stress costs U.S. businesses over $300 billion annually in absenteeism, turnover, and diminished productivity.

Workplace Burnout: Insights from Data

  • The American Institute of Stress reports that job stress costs U.S. businesses over $300 billion annually in absenteeism, turnover, diminished productivity, and medical, legal, and insurance costs.

  • Disgruntled employees cost US companies an estimated $1.9 trillion in lost productivity last year, according to research from Gallup that puts a price tag on workplace unhappiness.

  • Gallup's 2023 report highlights record-high stress levels, with 44% of respondents experiencing significant stress.

  • Google searches of 'signs of burnout' increase by over 200%

  • Certain industries have higher rates of burnout. For example, a survey by Deloitte found that 84% of millennials working in the healthcare industry reported feeling burned out.

  • 77% of workers have experienced burnout, citing a lack of support and recognition from leadership as the top driver- Deloitte

“Prioritizing the emotional wellness of employees is not just an act of compassion —
It's a
strategic investment in the heart of your business. When individuals feel valued, supported, and understood, they thrive. And in turn, they become the driving force behind productivity, innovation, and ultimately, the organization's bottom line success.”

- Stephanie Matthews | Executive Director | A Tribe for Jazz

A study published in the Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine found that employees who participated in resilience training programs demonstrated improvements in job performance, including increased productivity and job satisfaction. Strengthening resilience skills can enhance individual performance in the workplace. (Ruotsalainen et al., 2015)

Exploration Cultivates Resilience for Individual and Organizational Success

Exploration's core lies in enhancing emotional capacity, which is essential for strengthening resilience. By equipping individuals with the tools and mindset needed to navigate adversity, they are better equipped to thrive in the face of uncertainty.

This involves developing key skills such as:

  • self-awareness, self-regulation, empathy, effective communication, relationship-building, adaptability,, mindfulness, continuous learning, and cultural competence.

When these skills are reinforced, professionals become adept at managing their emotions, forging stronger connections within their team, and fostering an environment conducive to innovation and creativity.

This enhancement in emotional intelligence and interpersonal dynamics directly contributes to organizational success as teams collaborate more effectively, problem-solve with agility, and deliver exceptional customer experiences.

By embracing the diverse dimensions of emotional capacity, you’re investing in your team’s well-being and contributing to the overall pro’ overall prosperity of the community.

Exploration is an indispensable asset for forward-thinking organizations.

Exploration Translates to Dynamic Workplace Outcomes

Enhanced Self Awareness

Exploration’s focus on self-understanding can help professionals become more attuned to their own emotions, stressors, and coping mechanisms. This self-awareness is essential for preventing burnout and ensuring one’s emotional well-being.

Mindfulness Techniques to Reduce Stress

Exploration incorporates research-backed mindfulness techniques that can equip employees with practical tools to manage stress and stay present in challenging situations. These techniques can enhance their ability to respond effectively to crises and clearly focus on serving others.

Long Term Resilience

Exploration can contribute to long-term resilience in a demanding and emotionally charged field by equipping professionals with social-emotional learning (SEL) skills.

Empathy and Connection

Through the creative activities and team-building experiences, participants can develop a deeper sense of empathy and connection with others. This skill is crucial for establishing meaningful relationships with clients and providing more compassionate care.

Transformational Team Building & Team Cohesion

Exploration’s emphasis on team-building can foster a sense of camaraderie. This supportive network can create a workplace environment where teams begin to openly discuss workplace challenges, share insights, and collectively develop strategies for support.

Adaptability

Exploration cultivates adaptability by exposing participants to new experiences and challenges in a supportive setting. This builds resilience and flexibility, enabling individuals to navigate unexpected obstacles and find solutions even in uncertain circumstances.

From the “Exploration” documentary film

The following excerpt features Jenny Braunginn, a licensed social worker, discussing her participation in the program. To watch the 16-minute documentary, please click here to request a private link.

What People Are Saying

"Silent collaboration is a new level in many ways...it reminded me there is a unification in the human experience."

"As a group, we made it explicitly clear to one another that we were not judging what the others were doing. We felt open to create together, including when we swapped seats. We were just interested in seeing what arose while we had a conversation."

“Being open to instructions without feeling like I needed to get things "right" since it feels like often getting things right is the most important thing.”

"The experience helped remind me of the need to check in with where I am and where I want to be on my personal & professional paths."

"Listening to others input was great. The different viewpoints and emotions that others shared was powerful and enlightening and refreshing.”

“I felt like I was actively listening to others in this space more than I ever have (very dramatic phrase, but that is how it felt, reflecting on it now). I also felt very comfortable responding in this space, like my voice was heard and welcome."

Contact
Stephanie Matthews
Executive Director, A Tribe for Jazz
Exploration Program Manager

(917) 858-9453
SMatthews@atribeforjazz.org

Capability Statement
To download the A Tribe for Jazz/Exploration Capability Statement Click Here.

NAICS Codes
541611, 541612,  611430, 611710, 541720, 621399, 921190, 923140

Small Business Status

Small Disadvantaged Business, Women-Owned, Small Business, Women-Owned Business, Black American-Owned, Minority-Owned Business