The Relationship Between Music Use at Work and Performance
The Relationship Between Music Use at Work and Performance
For many people, music is an integral part of daily life. It’s a source of entertainment, relaxation, and even motivation that has the power to evoke emotions and enhance overall mood. With the rise of streaming services and the accessibility of music at our fingertips, it's no surprise that many people choose to listen to music while working. But does music use at work actually impact our performance? Keep reading to learn more as KCM Technical uses articles from studies regarding this question to explore the relationship between music use at work and performance.
Can Music Affect Our Brains?
The effects of music on the brain have long been studied and documented. Research has shown that music can have a direct impact on our emotions, cognitive abilities, and behavior. When it comes to the workplace, these effects can potentially have both positive and negative outcomes on our performance.
Positive Effects
One of the main advantages of listening to music at work is its ability to boost our mood and reduce stress. According to a study from the National Library of Medicine, listening to music can affect emotions and mood in a positive way, which can be particularly beneficial in a work environment where stress levels can be high. By listening to music, employees can utilize the emotional regulation effects of their music to a more positive and relaxed atmosphere for themselves. This positive emotional response can also lead to increased productivity and job satisfaction.
Diminishing Distractions
Another benefit of music in the workplace is that it can help to improve focus and concentration. Certain types of music, such as classical and instrumental music, can act as white noise and block out distracting background noise. This can be particularly useful in open office environments, coffee shops, or even in noisy home environments, where noise levels can be a deterrent to productivity. According to an article from Ascend, some studies have found that listening to music can even help workers who prefer working in silence when confronted with distracting, loud, or stressful environments.
The Type of Music Matters
It is important to note that the type of music being listened to at work can have a significant impact on performance for different workers. The right kind of music may improve morale and increase energy for physical, mindless, and fast-paced tasks while other types of music can be more beneficial for tasks that require focus and attention to detail. However, according to the Ascend article, the specific style of music, i.e. rock vs. classical, can have different effects on each person, and a worker’s personality and neural capabilities can impact how well background music will actually help.
Are There Downsides to Music at Work?
Despite the potential benefits of music use at work, there are also some potential downsides to consider. One of the main concerns is the distraction caused by music. While some individuals may find music helpful in blocking out distractions, others may find it difficult to focus on their work while listening to music. Additionally, music can also be a source of isolation in the workplace, as listening to music is often achieved with headphones, effectively cutting workers off from one another as ambient noise and communication are drowned out. Moreover, music can also be seen as a personal choice and may not be suitable for all workplaces, which is referenced in this study - because music is not allowed in every workplace, or because it may be inappropriate for certain settings, listening to music, even in the background, can be considered counterproductive in some industries or environments.
The relationship between music use at work and performance is complex and multifaceted. Music has the potential to improve mood and increase focus and concentration, ultimately leading to better performance for some workers and settings. However, it's important to consider individual preferences and the type of work being done, as well as the need for open communication that may be impacted by music use at work. Ultimately, certain workers in appropriate settings may be likely to benefit from using music to focus, find more job satisfaction, and become more productive. Learn more about this and other work-related topics from KCM Technical online by checking out our blog!