Music has a strange temporal permanence; as art decorates space, so does music decorate time. Does music itself help one to create? It’s a question worth asking, since music has increasingly become a part of the modern-day workplace. To better understand music and productivity, let’s look at the research
Music makes repetitive tasks more enjoyable
When a task is clearly defined and repetitive in nature, music is consistently helpful
- A series of experiments investigated the relationship between the playing of background music during the performance of repetitive work and efficiency in performing such a task
- Music with a dissonant tone had no impact to productivity, while music in the major mode, or key, had better results
Music for immersive tasks: what works
Most people have a wide range of tastes, so using a certain type of music just for work isn’t out of the question
Why it works
Ambient electronica fits our need for present but unobtrusive.
Why it works
Anything soft enough to not divert attention and focus is a possibility
Lyrics are too distracting
For low-immersion or physical tasks, music with lyrics can offer huge benefits
- But for intensive work, lyrics are especially destructive for focus
- Trying to engage in language-related tasks while listening to lyrics would be akin to holding a conversation while another person talks over you
No music (ambient noise)
For some people, total silence is off-putting. Two useful tools you can use to fix this: SimplyNoise and RainyMood
- Playing a low pitch white noise in the background can be a lifesaver if something in your environment is being uncontrollably loud.
Familiarity is best for focus
Listen to music you are familiar with if you need to intensely focus for a project
Why it works
Lacking in lyrics and often considered the finest form of the craft, classical music is a popular choice.
In a noisy workplace, music is an escape
Dr. Lesiuk’s research focuses on how music affects workplace performance
- People who listened to music completed their tasks more quickly and came up with better ideas than those who did not
- The music also improved their mood
Ambient noise is the creative sweet spot
An atmospheric presence seems to work best.
- A study in the Journal of Consumer Research has shown that a moderate noise level can get creative juices flowing, but the line is easily crossed
- Loud noises made it incredibly difficult to concentrate. Soft background noise is what you should aim for
Why it works
The music enhances the experience while not distracting the player
- Maxis designed the music to be enjoyable, but subdued enough that it wouldn’t zap focus away from the many things you needed to do to keep your city running
- One of the most popular suggestions of all time was the SimCity soundtrack
