The idea of listening to music in the workplace has been around for centuries. While some believe that music can help increase productivity, others are skeptical. So does music really help us work better?
The answer is: it depends. Some research suggests that listening to certain types of music can help improve our cognitive performance, while other research suggests that music can help us feel more relaxed and increase our arousal levels. In addition, there is evidence that listening to music can help us focus and stay on task. However, it is important to note that it all depends on the type of music and the task at hand. For example, complex tasks may require more focus and concentration, so it may be better to listen to music with no lyrics. Conversely, for more repetitive tasks, music with lyrics can be beneficial as the lyrics can act as a distraction from the task and help break up the monotony. So I guess you could say that the key to success is finding the right tune for the job.
In addition, it is important to take into account the individual’s preferences. Different people have different preferences when it comes to music, and it’s important to respect that. If you are in an office setting, it may be a good idea to have a communal music system that everyone can agree on, or provide options for people to use their own headphones. However, some people prefer to work in silence. In this case, it would be helpful to work in a quiet setting or to use noise-cancelling headphones. A study found that 61% of employees listen to music at work to boost happiness and productivity, and that it works for 90% of workers.
The decision to listen to music while working is ultimately a personal one. Consider the task at hand, the individual’s preferences, and the environment. It’s best to experiment and see what works for you since there is no one-size-fits-all solution. Victor Hugo, the French novelist, put it very well: “Music expresses that which cannot be put into words and that which cannot remain silent”.
You can find productivity music for working on streaming services such as Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube. Many of these services have dedicated playlists specifically designed to help with productivity, so you can easily find the type of music that best suits your needs. Additionally, there are many apps available that provide tailor-made playlists for focus and concentration. For example, the app “Brain.fm” is designed to provide scientifically tailored music to help you focus, relax, and even sleep better. But if all else fails, you can always just blast “Baby Shark” to get any task done in record time!
When searching for productivity music, some key words you can use are “focus music”, “instrumental music”, “background music”, “ambient music”, “lo-fi beats”, and “sounds of nature”. You can also search by genre, such as “classical music” or “jazz”, or by artist or composer. Keywords such as “calming music”, “motivational music”, “study music”, “concentration music”, “instrumental beats”, and “relaxing music” can also be used to narrow down your search.
Sources:
- https://www.bbc.com/worklife/article/20200317-does-music-help-us-work-it-depends
- https://zapier.com/blog/music-and-productivity/
- https://www.wix.com/blog/creative/2020/04/productivity-music-for-working/
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Do you use music to boost your productivity? Let us know in the comments what types of music you find most helpful for staying focused and on task. And if you haven’t yet tried incorporating music into your work routine, give it a shot and see if it makes a difference for you. Share your experience and the music you listen to for boosting productivity with others.
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