Do you find yourself reaching for the headphones when you’re looking to get stuff done? Whether it be working on a project at your desk or grinding away at the gym, music has become one of our go-to solutions for boosting productivity. But is listening to music actually beneficial or does it distract us from getting tasks done? In this blog post, we’ll explore how different types of music can help (or hinder) your efficiency and overall performance – so buckle up, and let’s dive in!
In this Article:
Does music make workers more productive?
The answer is a resounding yes! Studies have shown that music can help increase productivity and focus, improve creativity, and reduce stress. Music has the power to fuel our motivation and provide a sense of purpose when tackling seemingly mundane tasks.
The most important thing is to find the type of music that works for you. Whether it’s classical, jazz, rock, or pop music, listening to music can help you stay motivated and productive.
Instrumental music is often the best choice when it comes to productivity since it doesn’t require as much attention as vocal songs. It also helps reduce stress and increase focus. Classical music is particularly effective in helping people stay productive.
How does music affect productivity?
music and productivity are closely linked. Music has long been known to invoke certain emotions in listeners, and recent studies have shown that it can also help relieve stress and anxiety. Music is a powerful emotional regulation tool, and a recent meta-analysis found that music therapy is an effective way to reduce feelings of stress and anxiety. So if you’re feeling overwhelmed at work or home, try putting on some classical tunes – it just might help boost productivity.
1. Music can help you focus
If you’re trying to focus on creative tasks, music can help you stay on track. In a study published in the journal PLOS One, participants who listened to music while working on a task that required attention and focus were able to complete the task more quickly and with fewer errors than those who worked in silence.
2. Music can improve your mood
Music can improve your productivity by putting you in a better mood. Scientific research published in Trends in Cognitive Science found that music does better at combating stress and anxiety than actual anti-anxiety medication. Patients in the study who were about to undergo surgery were either given an anti-anxiety medication or told to listen to music. At the end of the study, those participants who had listened to music had lower tracked levels of cortisol (a hormone which is induced by stress), indicating they had been less stressed for the duration of the study – even when compared against patients taking active measures through medicine.
3. Music can increase motivation
If you’re struggling to get started on a task, music can give you the motivation you need to get going. In a study published in the journal Applied Psychology: An International Review, participants who listened to music while working on an unskilled task showed increased motivation and performance compared to those who worked in silence.
4. Music can reduce stress
In this fast-paced world, stress and anxiety can be difficult to manage. Music is a great tool for reducing stress and anxiety, as it has the power to soothe the mind and body. Research shows that music therapy can reduce levels of cortisol (a hormone that is associated with stress), lower the heart rate, and even relax muscle tension. Listening to relaxing music can help you relax, improve your focus, and help you achieve a greater sense of calm.
5. Music can increase creativity
If you’re working on a creative task, music may help you come up with new ideas and solutions. In a study published in the journal Thinking & Reasoning, participants who listened to music while working on a creative problem-solving task performed better than those who worked in silence.
6. Lyrics reduce mental performance
It is important to note that while music can help you focus and improve your performance, it also has the potential to do the opposite. Lyrics in particular can be very distracting, as they require more cognitive effort than instrumental-only music. Lyrics may also evoke emotions that could further distract you from the task at hand. When using music as a tool for focus and motivation, it is often better to stick to instrumental-only music.
7. Music improves memory
Using music to help you remember something is a classic study technique. music affects productivity and can help to improve how well you remember information by creating associations with the words or phrases you are trying to learn. The rhythm, melodies, and lyrics of a song can form strong connections in your brain that will be easier for you to recall later on.
8. Music makes repetitive tasks more bearable
In another study done by the JAMA Network, it was found that surgeons who often had to do repetitive tasks in a lab environment (outside of surgery) showed better performance when music was playing in the background. The researchers concluded that the improved work ethic came from easing some of the boredom associated with these types of tasks.
Choosing the right tunes for productivity
Now that you know the many benefits of background music, the next question is what type of music should you listen to? Different types of music affect people in different ways.
Classical and instrumental pieces tend to be best for focusing on a task, while upbeat tunes can help increase motivation. Music without lyrics may be best when working on anything that requires creativity. For example, when you’re feeling happy, you will likely pick upbeat music. For efficiency, follow the following tips;
Keep an eye on the volume
There is much science about loud music playing that affects your work performance. Even if you’re playing some distracting music, you can still be protected against more distractions. One report from the University of Illinois also found that listening to music in quiet mode may help focused work, but raising the volume can boost creative ideas.
Choose music that won’t distract you
Scientists say musical activities can be productive boosters or distractions. It’s important to choose the right music that won’t be a distraction, as it can help you stay focused and motivated. In other words, if you need to focus on reading something deeply, it’s better to listen to classical or ambient music instead of complex music such as Rock or Pop music. To avoid distractions, find the right playlist without lyrics or catchy choruses, as they may take up cognitive resources. Additionally, choosing genres with familiar melodies and beats can also help to keep distractions at bay.
If you need to concentrate, stick to music during breaks
If music is performed significantly worse, it may be because it’s being used at the wrong times. Listening to music while performing a task that requires focus and concentration can lead to slower performance, as your cognitive resources are directed away from the task at hand. If you have to work very hard, avoid music. Rather listen in breaks and during the few moments of relaxation when you can make the most out of its beneficial effects.
Your personality determines whether and how much you enjoy background music while you work
Beyond providing background noise, music can also enhance your mood. Different people may respond differently to different kinds of music. Studies suggest that listening to music you enjoy can boost feelings of happiness and wellbeing, while others may find it distracting or even agitating. Ultimately, you have to experiment and decide if music helps or hinders your productivity. If it is something that works for you, use it in moderation and make sure the volume isn’t too loud to harm your focus. When used correctly, music can be a powerful tool to make your workday more productive and enjoyable.
Listen to music that’s super familiar to you
Not all music is equal. Listen to familiar vocal music. This can help keep your focus on the task at hand and avoid getting distracted by something new. It also helps create a more pleasant work environment as familiarity often brings positive feelings.
Ultimately, the type of music that works best for you is up to personal preference. Choose a genre or artist that helps you feel productive and motivated and use it to your advantage. And don’t be afraid to mix things up — listening to different types of music can help keep your focus sharp and give you a boost of creativity.
Conclusion
Although there are still some skeptics, the vast majority of research indicates that listening to music has positive benefits in the workplace. playing music can increase worker productivity and creativity, as well as reduce stress levels. When choosing what type of music to listen to while working, it’s important to consider your personal preferences and how those might affect your work output. Have you ever listened to music while working? What type of music do you like best?
