If you walk into any urban contemporary office you will see at least half of the office plugged into earphones. The technological revolution has made music so accessible that people now listen to music anywhere & anytime. Always known to be an emotional enhancer, listening to music is no longer just for recreational purpose. In fact farmers, tea pickers and other primitive work cultures used to sing together while working. So if you think about it, music at work is not new especially in primitive Indian culture but everything changed with industrialisation where machines dominated the soundscape and people’s work life was always a race against time.
But now an old culture has come back in a new form.
Music is one of the greatest uplifters in offices and not just any kind of music, but specific music that helps in specific kind of work. Like for eg, upbeat music helps during repetitive tasks, ambient music works for memory based work and so on.
Different kind of music has a different effect on the human mind. Classical music like Hindustani and western classic are said to enhance spatial IQ and that’s why are also referred to as an intellectual choice of music. In fact there have been several research papers & books that explore the effects of classical music on the mind & body.
For eg, Don Campbell’s book, ‘The Mozart Effect: Tapping the Power of Music to Heal the Body, Strengthen the Mind, and Unlock the Creative Spirit’ explores the immense healing powers of classical music, with respect to Mozart’s music.
So here’s how music can boost productivity at work:
- Music reduces boredom and induces a feel-good factor: Boredom is one the most common causes of lacklustre performances and lack of creativity. Boredom sets in quite easily especially when the job, only rarely involves any application of the mind. Repetition and lack of motivation can easily cause dullness and distraction. Music reduces boredom to a great extent. Studies show that pop and dance music improves the speed of work, without compromising on accuracy. Creativity is greatly enhanced as every new song replenishes your mind and takes you through a new and unpredictable journey; this stimulates you to think out-of-the-box and hence keeps you digging for original and creative ideas.
- Increases Speed & Accuracy: Music helps in increasing attention and focus, so there are fewer errors and even if there are the mind is alert enough to correct them. Experts recommend classical music especially for scientists/mathematicians or even writers; any profession that requires attention to detail can benefit from classical music. In such jobs, lyrics can be distracting and so familiar tunes which will keep the mind active and focussed. Generally played on soft volumes, many offices choose classical music to avoid distractions of any kind.
- Happy & Upbeat Music Sustains Positive Vibes & Attitudes: A stressed mind can make things worse. Upbeat music will generate a positive attitude and also boost confidence and a good calm, making employees more open to challenges and solution-driven rather than stressed, worked up and whiny. Such music will unwind people in a stressful environment and also get people to bond with each other; employees can talk about the music playing or share personal music interests with each other, etc.
- Helps Improve Memory: Memory-based work requires constant focus, so of course, classical music is best suited for such jobs. But within classical music too, there is a difference. Like for eg, in Campbells’ Mozart Effect, a study said that Mozart’s “L’allegro con spirito,” improved memory and cognition but Beethoven’s Fur Elise (also classical music) didn’t have the same impact. So yes music within the same genre can impact differently.
Music no doubt has a profound ability to boost productivity but similarly can adversely affect productivity too, if not used effectively. Companies must keep in mind that while earphones may isolate employees, music played out loud may not be comfortable for everyone. Also, employees who are musicians might get distracted with music as they, (knowing more about music) may get carried with the details in the instruments etc. Complex group meetings which involve ideating or brainstorming should not use music as it could distract. A set playlist is much better than radio; at least the kind of music to be played is in your control.
So, music is increasingly becoming important in work environments buts also should be used with great responsibility.
