"Without music, life would be a mistake" said Friedrich Nietzsche [
Tweet this!]. And without a job, you would probably be quite poor. But what if you could have both? While all offices are different, and the ability to listen to music unhindered depends on the specific sector of work, we explore the idea of music whilst at work and the subsequent benefits, especially for those working in the creative industry.
Why is it beneficial?
Music makes you happier
"Music washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life." - Berthold Auerbach [Tweet this!]
It's no myth that music puts people in a good mood (well, music that they enjoy) so the option to listen to their own music during working hours surely means that the workforce will be happier. As well as lifted spirits, music can increase motivation to be productive, just like you might put on your favourite Stevie Wonder album whilst cleaning the kitchen.
Focus can be increased
During times of easy distraction, but under a looming deadline, zoning in with some familiar music will work wonders to your focus. While new music can keep you guessing and mean you listen harder (paying less attention to your work), familiar songs will give you both the auditory pleasure to keep you cheery, as well as a subtle soundtrack to the work ahead.
It's better to listen to music than suffer in a loud office
Perhaps an office full of head-phoned workers might look unprofessional, but surely it's better than an office full of off-topic chatter? Not to mention that people on the phone, the whirring of the photocopier or the gentle tip-tap of keyboards can be annoying and easy to get distracted by. Especially when you want to focus and work hard, opt for music over office noise.
Energy levels will improve
Just like your university days (well, all-nighters) when fist-pumping songs got you through those horrible assignments, so can music in the office. And if you can work out harder in the gym with headphones in, surely that energy boost applies for when you're sat on your bum and answering endless emails. Go for feel good and up-lifting songs to help you power through the day.
Writers can write faster and more creatively
For those who spend a great deal of time writing, typing or just generally face palming their keyboard, music can help. During those times when everything feels a little bit tedious, music can give your work a nice cherry on top and help you complete tasks at a quicker pace. This leaves you more time to check through your work, as well as feeling far more creative with your writing.
So what should I be listening to?
While familiar and taste-applicable music is preferable, there are a few specific genres that offer less musical distraction, but with all those lovely benefits mentioned above. These are: classical and electronic music. As they both lack, or aren't dominated by lyrics, there is less need for your brain to spend time processing the music. Plus, the simplicity and somewhat monotony leaves your mind to focus on working, but to a melodic background. Within Classical,
research suggests that the best subgenre is Baroque. While chill-out or ambient electronica is opted for within the latter genre.
We'll leave you with something that Plato apparently said: "
Music is a moral law. It gives soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination, and charm and gaiety to life and to everything." Aww.
So what do you think? Can you persuade your manager to let you listen to music after seeing these benefits? Or do you think you might let your employees get their Bach on every now and again? Let us know by commenting below...
