The Soundtrack of Our Office Lives – Creating the Best Office Playlist
Harness the power of music to boost mood and motivation in your office. That’s right, increasing productivity is as simple as curating the right playlist for the office. For maximum benefit, you need to pick the right music.
Use these tips to help you choose the best songs for your office setting.
Music Isn’t Always Helpful
Playing music in the office is not helpful to everyone. Those who are extroverted tend to find music helpful. These people crave mental stimulation, so playing music gives them the micro distraction they need to be more productive.
In contrast, introverts tend to find office background music too distracting. This can result in a decline in their productivity and work quality.
Before you create an office playlist, decide if it will improve or hinder your team’s productivity.
The Most Popular Songs
The most popular background music for offices is Top 40 pop songs. It is the music you hear on the radio with an uptempo beat and catchy lyrics.
Interestingly, the most popular songs for those working from home differ slightly. The songs tend to have a faster tempo and more passionate lyrics. This suggests that people working alone from home need more energetic music to boost productivity.
Music to Influence Mood
The music you listen to can impact your mental state. So, choosing the right music can directly impact building a positive work culture. For example, happy music can cause your brain to release dopamine and serotonin.
Repetition or Variety
Keep in mind that people grow tired of listening to the same thing over and over. Choosing office music is not a one-and-done task. Instead, create a plan for variety to avoid high repetition. You could create themed days throughout the week.
You could let a different employee pick the music each day. Sign up for a service that automatically curates a radio-style playlist for continued long-term listening.
Other Soundtrack Options
Classical music is a good compromise when you have extroverts and introverts working together. The instrumentals feature elegant melodies and complex harmonies that balance stimulation and calming.
If you want to skip music altogether, you could opt for natural sounds or white noise. This type of soundtrack is perfect for creating a calming and soothing environment. Try ocean waves, thunder sounds, a rainforest, or birds.
World music is another music for work option for influencing mood while reducing distraction. Choose music in another language that allows people to feel the energy without understanding the words. Just be sure you don’t accidentally pick something that isn’t work-appropriate.
Finally, consider holiday music for a change of pace. Many offices will play a seasonal office playlist during November and December. This is a great way to get people in the mood leading up to your office holiday party.
Make a Playlist for Work
The choice of background music should be a strategic decision aimed at fostering a positive work culture and enhancing productivity. It’s not merely about playing what’s popular; it’s about using music as a tool to influence mood and motivation. The best playlist for work will have a positive impact on your mood and productivity.
Create a workspace where employees want to be with the guidance of our experienced team.
