The benefits of music in a workplace

Music can make repetitive tasks easier by creating an immersive environment. Tasks like reading and returning emails, writing, coding, etc. There have been plenty of studies to support the notion that playing background music (the right background music) can be beneficial to your work productivity.

No matter where you work, in an office, a coffee shop, your house, etc., distractions exist. Whether its loud-talking coworkers, telephone rings, a micro-managing boss, or even your own lack of self discipline that results in unknowingly browsing Facebook for hours on end. Playing music can place you in your own little world and help you focus on the task at hand.

Even now, as I write this post, I have on headphones to keep myself focused on writing. The Hatch office can get a little hectic, especially on Tuesdays (today is Tuesday) when members of our 1000 Four program come into Hatch and work on their companies in a collaborative environment. That means dozens of conversations happening simultaneously. Imagine your middle school cafeteria during lunch time, except with entrepreneurs. But listening to music keeps me focused.

But what music is the right music?

Lyrics are often too distracting to be fully immersed into your work. Especially if that work includes tasks using words, like, writing emails, writing social media posts, copywriting, etc. So here are a few suggestions of songs to listen to without lyrics.

Ambient Electronica: i.e. Tycho – A Walk

Ambient Electronica music can keep the brain engaged without being too overly distracting. There’s something about the musical structure of this music that can help unlock the creative parts of your brain and get juices flowing. Tycho is a prime example of an artist whose music can create another world for you to get lost in while doing work.

Post Rock: i.e. Explosions in the Sky – Your Hand In Mine

Explosions in the Sky has an uncanny ability to write stories with their music. I often refer to the above song “Your Hand In Mine” as a love song without lyrics. There is so much emotion and spirituality in their music that creates a similar environment as the ambient electronica music mentioned before. It sets the mood for you to lose track of time and allow yourself to be immersed in your work.

Classical: i.e. Mozart – Symphony No. 40 in G Minor

There have been countless studies on the affect classical music has on the brain. Whether during pregnancy, or in a work environment, there is an overwhelming conclusion that classical music has positive effects on your brain. The Mozart Effect claims that listening to Mozart can increase your IQ 8-10 points, and improve your spatial reasoning skills. The key here again is setting the right mood for your brain to get into a groove.

Movie Scores: i.e. The Lord of the Rings Soundtrack

Movie scores are designed to be interruptive, but captivating nonetheless. This type of music creates a landscape for your mind to fall into while still encouraging creativity and focus. For some people, classical music is too monotonous and is liable to make you fall asleep while trying to work. Movie scores have just the right amount of “epicness” to keep your mind engaged.

The MVP: M83 – Outro

If this song doesn’t make you want to take over the world, I’d question your sense of being. While this song DOES include lyrics, there are only 4 lines and the majority of the song is an instrumental. In my opinion this song is the perfect blend of all of the above categories. M83 is a master of creating epic soundscapes, our generation’s Pink Floyd. Goosebumps, commence.

Music can help create an immersive world for you to hone in on some work. Choosing the right soundtrack can set the mood that turns your brain into a creative productivity machine!

Had you heard of any of these songs before?

What are your go to songs or artists when you have to get work done?