The office is a noisy place. Your co-workers are chatting. Phones are ringing. As a result, you’re sometimes not getting much done. Often the best way to focus is to fight sound with sound—by donning your headphones to drown out the distracting noises. But are some forms of music more conducive to getting work done than others?
Scientists have long studied the effects of music on productivity. One study conducted by Teresa Lesiuk, called “The Effect of Music Listening on Work Performance,” concluded that individuals who listen to music at work are more positive and more productive. There’s actually a business case for it as well—MusicWorks conducted a survey of over 1,000 small- and medium-sized businesses, and about 77 percent said music in the workplace makes employees more productive, and 40 percent said they believe music can help increase sales.
That being said, what style of music is most effective varies based on what type of task you are trying to complete, as well as on personal preference. So, to help you find that perfect productive jam no matter what you’re doing, we combed through the research and compiled some advice for choosing the right sound to help sharpen your focus, relax the mind and overpower office distractions. We’re sure your terrifying to-do list will thank us.
Motivate Your Mornings With Memorable Melodies
Between finding a wrinkle-free outfit, navigating commuter traffic and just making time to eat a bowl of cereal, mornings have the potential to be extremely stressful. Spend a few minutes each morning listening to some familiar favorites to reduce that morning anxiety and get your creative juices flowing before you even take a seat at your desk.
Even the New York Times bestselling author of The Happiness Project, Gretchen Rubin, says that the simplest way to boost your mood is by throwing on one of your favorite songs. So, whether your go-to music is Kenny Chesney, Beyoncé or Metallica, spend a few minutes each morning listening to the songs you love. Your clients, co-workers and friends will appreciate your positivity each morning.
Adhere Your Attention With Acoustic Ambiance