Music has increasingly become a part of the modern-day work session. You might even be rocking out while you read this, but what type should you use for different workday tasks?
As your neighbor in the next cubicle chatters away on the phone, your headphones become a very appealing therapeutic escape from the stresses of the day.
Music for Repetitive Tasks
Example: Responding to emails
Music Recommendations:
- Upbeat tunes
- Your favorite kind
Free Playlist: Good Morning, Better Day! Playlist on Spotify
How Does It Help? Clearly defined or repetitive tasks can often seem monotonous and cause people to disengage. Research suggests that it’s useful because it helps people focus or it lifts their mood during the task.
Creative Tasks
Example: Collateral creation
Recommendation:
- Ambient Electronica
- White Noise
Free Playlist: Ambient Electronica playlist on Spotify
How Does It Help? With the rising popularity of open office, some find the chatter too much to handle. In a noisy workplace, music may be an escape. Researchers have shown that a moderate noise level of ambient music or noise can get creative juices flowing. White noise like rain or ocean sounds are very popular.
Music for Concentration-Based Tasks
Example: Data analysis and reporting
Recommendation:
- Familiar Songs
- Low-Key Classical
- Video Game Music
Free Playlist: Focus. Classical and Electronic playlist on Spotify
How Does It Help? New music is surprising; since you don’t know what to expect, you are inclined to listen closely to see what comes next. With familiar music, you know what lies ahead and thus the sound doesn’t become your primary focus. Composers for games – and classical composers – understand and know how to create music that blends into the background.
Try different playlists to get ones that fit you and the unique moments in your life. And don’t be afraid to turn the music off. If a task is so demanding that your attention might falter so you should focus on creating a very quiet workplace. Give Office Soundscape on Spotify a try to create a focus-rich natural environment.
Do you enjoy what you have been reading?
by Suzy Greene