Various studies have tried to address the question of whether music in the workplace can be helpful.
The consensus seems to be that yes, it can, but it depends on the job… and the music.
In one study, machine operators at a clothes manufacturer became less productive when they listened to relaxing music – the researchers suggested trying music with a faster tempo instead.
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In another study, surgeons operating while listening to classical music were both faster and more accurate. In this case, the researchers advised against high tempo or loud music as it could be distracting.
Whether you’re stitching up hems or people’s hearts, some scientists claim that music with lyrics impacts negatively on attention to work tasks.
But if listening to lyric-less, classical tunes annoys you, you’re probably not going to be very productive – so it depends on your taste too.
Personality types have also been investigated, with a 2021 study suggesting that background music was more helpful to extroverts than introverts for improving productivity in tasks that involved fine motor skills.
One 2023 study makes a link between ‘emotional use’ of music at work and performance – essentially, if your mood improves, so does your work.
To some extent, then, you may be best off playing music that makes you happy. Interestingly, though, the same study, which surveyed 244 people who listened to music at work, found no benefit when music was used for cognitive effects (thinking) or just played in the background.
But if you’re just here for tracklist ideas, the top three songs most often included in work-related Spotify lists are: ‘Drops of Jupiter’ (Train), ‘Dreams’ (Fleetwood Mac) and ‘Don’t Stop Believin’ (Journey).
This article is an answer to the question (asked by Tammy Carr, Andover) 'What genre of music makes you most productive?'
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