Music in the Office? Benefits of Playing Your Favorite Playlist

Music is a fundamental part of everyday life. In this newsletter, we will explore the benefits of listening to music and why it should not be left out of your work environment.

The Music in Mood Regulation scale classifies how people regulate their moods through music. Study participants use music to calm negative feelings or better manage stress. And, like this, various studies have shown that music improves physical and mental health.

In the workplace, music can play a fundamental role in employee well-being; enhancing concentration and productivity, according to psychology researchers like Dr. Anneli Haake, a musicologist who conducted her thesis at the University of Sheffield, United Kingdom, on the effects of listening to music in the office:

"Music seems to serve several important functions for employees, including stress relief and improved concentration... The most common reasons for listening to music at work are mood enhancement and relaxation. Music can also help employees engage more in tasks by blocking out distracting office noises."

However, she emphasizes that musical choice and control play a crucial role: "If music is imposed, it can be irritating and annoying. And, from our research, we know that office noise can have serious negative effects on employee health, well-being, and productivity."

Different Beats for Different Folks

For this reason, it's important to be aware of different music genres, from Taylor Swift to Bad Bunny, from classical music to rock, and to recognize the different effects of each on motivation, concentration, and productivity. Taking the time to explore the musical variety available will allow you to take steps to not impose your musical preferences on your coworkers and make it a pleasant experience for everyone in the workplace.

Listening to music with a lot of lyrics and irregular rhythms may not be ideal for improving productivity in reflective tasks. However, you can create a customized playlist that alternates some of those songs with more soothing music that suits your preferences while enhancing your concentration and performance. Some recommended genres include:

• Classical music for improving precision in tasks (it's said that mathematicians are 12% more precise when listening to it).
• Lo-fi music for concentration and learning, which you can find on popular YouTube or Spotify channels.
• Dance, pop, or rock music to work faster, with a 20% increase in work speed according to studies.
• Ambient music to stay alert during repetitive tasks, improving data entry accuracy by 92%.

Suggestions for Implementation:

• Create Theme Playlists: Create specific playlists for different times of the day or types of tasks.
• Share with Your Team: If your team agrees, consider sharing music in the office to create a positive atmosphere. Just make sure not to disturb anyone with excessively loud volume and respect your company's music policies.

If the dynamics don't please everyone together, using headphones is an option, as long as you use them at the right time and place.

Benefits of Playing Music While Working

1. 1. 1. 1. Motivation, Energy, and Stress Reduction
            When you listen to your favorite songs, you're more likely to feel enthusiastic and energized to tackle your daily tasks. Listening to songs you enjoy releases endorphins, making you feel more relaxed and less anxious at work.
            
            
         2. Concentration and Focus
            For many people, music acts as a distraction filter. By immersing yourself in your favorite music, you can block out unwanted noises and enhance your concentration. This is especially useful in open or noisy office environments.
            
            
         3. Fosters Creativity
            Music can trigger creativity. If you're working on creative projects or need fresh ideas, your favorite playlist can be the source of inspiration you've been looking for.
            
            
         4. Improves Productivity
            When you're motivated, focused, and stress-free, your productivity naturally increases. This means you can complete your tasks faster and more efficiently.

At Gebesa, we understand the importance of creating a work environment that caters to the needs and preferences of employees. We believe that music can be an essential part of your workday, and we can help you have a well-designed and comfortable office space to enjoy your music while carrying out your tasks.