MUSIC WHILE YOU WORK

Do you listen to music while you work? A new study reveals the types of background music that can enhance both mood and performance. Researchers from various American universities tested how different types of background audio affected people’s ability to concentrate and perform well on a task that requires a lot of attention. Researchers tested four types of audio during a cognitive task: “work flow” music, “deep focus” music, pop hits, and office noise.
– Only the “work flow” music – characterized by a moderately fast tempo with clear, steady beats that didn’t overwhelm the listener, with simple melodies and in major keys, avoiding complex variations that might demand attention – improved both mood and performance. 76% of participants listening to work flow music showed improved mood and got progressively faster at the task while maintaining accuracy.
– Pop hits, despite their popularity, showed no significant benefits for either mood or performance.
– “Deep focus” music is described as more minimalist, with slower tempos and less defined rhythms.
– Basic office noise also showed no notable effects on job performance.
* So playing the kind of office noise you hear while working is no better than working while you hear office noise. Weird.
* If you’re at the dentist right now, and our station is playing in the speakers… well, good luck to you.
* If I read this right, the best kind of music for the office is EDM.
* They also found the worst music to play at work is polka music, which made people stop working and go home.
* So today, go to your boss and tell them you need to listen to “work flow” music because, “Dammit, boss, I want to work faster and better!”