We’ve all been there: late in the office whilst the cleaner vacuums the corridor outside. The noise isn’t helping with the huge pile of paperwork, but wouldn’t it be better avoid this situation all together? It’s probably no surprise that that an upbeat tune can put a spring in your step, or that a power ballad can bring some people to tears – but just how much can music affect your office life? Before you get the urge to turn the volume up on the number 1 radio station in the hope that the music will do the magic, transforming your co-workers into relaxed and creative geniuses, think about:
Consistent Noise
It doesn’t take a genius to know that spontaneous or loud inconsistent noises create distraction: the phone ringing in the distance, the road works stopping and starting outside or someone talking loudly will distract us from our work. Background music helps all of these sounds stream into one to create a constant calm flow of sound.
Productivity
At the gym, the beat of music sets a pace and reduces the risk of you becoming distracted from the monotonous task on the treadmill. In the same way, listening to music in the office improves your pace and keeps you motivated. Specialists, like Dr Theresa Lesiuk of the University of Windsor in Canada, have done more and more research into the area over the past decade. In one study she found that the speed of completing tasks improved with subjects who listened to music. But this was only the case with moderately skilled workers: experts saw little or no improvement (I’m assuming this is because they’re already amazing).
The Genre
Different people respond to different types of music in different ways. Just catching one employee with the wrong tune can send them into a fit of anger that can send shockwaves through the rest of the office. Whilst classical music makes some relax whilst working and soothes away any stress that’s building up on the inside, it can make others slip into an unproductive slump which I’m sure won’t help you hit your targets. Also, music with no lyrics is better as the language won’t distract you.
Variation
The same 20 tracks on a loop will drive your colleagues insane. Make sure that there is a wide selection, but with a constant upbeat tempo so that the mood of the office doesn’t vary drastically.
Personal Headphones
It isn’t always appropriate for employees to use personal headphones, but with music affecting each individual differently, they are without a doubt the best option. If you do resort to a communal sound system, make sure that everyone has a choice of what songs or radio station is played and at what volume.
Laura Reddington for FlexiOffices
Originally posted on May 3, 2013 @ 9:23 am