Can Playing Music at Work Boost Morale and Productivity? Share Your Thoughts!

Hello Everyone!

We are a technology company, and we value our people. Since most of our employees spend around 50% of their waking hours in the company, it's only fair to make it a lively place. Music soothes me, and I feel energetic, so I thought my colleagues might like it too.

Therefore, we decided to try this on an experimental basis. The response I received was positive - "Yes, why not?" On the positive side, it will improve morale, productivity, make people happier, and more energetic. Our company could certainly benefit from this.

Is it a good idea for us to allow people in the offices to listen to music? What is your take on this? I am awaiting all your responses.

Regards,
Shyamali

Hi,

It's best because I had personally experienced this. I was previously working in a firm where in our department, we were all bachelors within the age range of 25-30. One day, we attached speakers to the computer with prior permission. Surprisingly, the head concerned appreciated the working and improved efficiency of our department, and now there is a central music system established for the entire office.

Employees also feel less stressed working more than office hours as the environment automatically becomes free, comfortable, and relaxing.

Keep it up, it works.

Regards,
Yashswa

Hi!

Does anyone have a policy or a set of guidelines on this? It's okay on an ad hoc basis, but I need to know all the positives and the negatives to understand how it will work out in the long run.

Regards,
Shyamali

Hi,

I am requesting senior members like Sanjeev, Rajat, Leo, Bala, Dr. Mahanta, and Sid (CHR-cite moderator) to share their views on this. It amazes me that none of them has expressed an opinion on this issue yet. No one has highlighted the red flags that I should be watching out for.

I want to extend a special thanks to my friend Yashswa.

Regards, Shyamali

Shyamali,

I think it is a useful motivational tool. I WOULD SUGGEST THE FOLLOWING:

- Conduct a survey, initially every month, to get listeners' choice.
- Play at an acceptable low volume.
- Play a blend of instrumental plus others.
- Watch people's actions/reactions, etc.

BEST OF LUCK.

Regards,
Leo Lingham

Hi Shyamali,

I would like to add one thing. Please make a policy on the kind of music that can be played. It should be light and soft.

Maybe one person can work while music is playing in the background, but at the same time, another person may not like it. It may disrupt their work.

So, have a poll before implementing it. 😊

Regards,
Sujata

Hi Shyamali,

Though uninvited, I would appreciate your effort. 😉 This is a really good initiative that you can take in your company. Observation is very important; you have to notice people's reactions timely.

I read a survey report some time back, so I don't remember where I read it. It was mentioned in the report that listening to music while working really improves productivity and helps reduce stress at work. Music has a positive effect on our hearts, so we feel relaxed.

There is a Yoga Centre (which does research also) in Haridwar, headed by a Pharmacologist. They are researching how the Gayatri Mantra can be a cure for heart problems. If they prove that listening to the Gayatri Mantra can make even a 2 percent difference, they will do wonders.

Good initiative, all the best.

Archna

Hi,

Just a small input on this that came to mind... Not only do humans work better with music, but there was a research study some years ago that found even cows give more milk if they listen to music... 😊🐄🎵

Regards,
Devjit

Music is really a good therapy. As we have seen so many times, whenever we are stressed or tired, music is sometimes the only tool that gives us real pleasure and makes us feel comfortable in tough situations.

As human beings, we depend on the effective working of our minds and hearts. Sometimes, it has been observed that our minds think in a different direction from what our hearts allow. This type of situation often creates problems for everyone. However, when we listen to music, it comforts our minds, provides stability, and allows us to work positively and make decisions.

It would be beneficial to allow employees to listen to music. However, it is important to ensure that one employee's entertainment does not disturb others.

Regards,
Mradul

And in my opinion, if there is soft melodious music at noon, especially after a heavy lunch, there are chances that workers or employers may feel sleepy. Therefore, we need to consider the situation from another perspective. If a person feels sleepy, they may lack the motivation to work.

Hello Everyone! 😄😄😄😄

All of you are invited to respond. But some of you have views on everything. Each of these people wears different hats. That's why I wanted them to respond. It is especially hard for me to wear the red hat (meaning I only see the sunny side of things). It's hard for me to see negatives. I've been trying hard to see the negatives as well. Maybe it will come with experience.

Thanks for all your efforts and contributions.

Regards, Shyamali 😄😄😄😄

Earlier where I worked we also had a survey and then decided to go on with soft music because even the most tensed customers we face would be less tensed by this and the employees will also have a smooth flow. And soft English music could be heard thru out the day where it relaxes all human (& animals………….especially cows!!!! :D )
But currently where I work I observe a conflict when it comes to issues as music because of the language preferences. Since all employees are equipped with their own sound systems from one department you can here 1 or 2 songs playing at the same time with different languages. So far no conflicts has aroused since they do not play it loud.
Has anybody got any solutions for this???????

Shyamali,

Just take one precaution that it does not affect others' morale or disturb others in the locality. Probably you can think of a common music channel - like the World Space Radio kind.

Ram Ram
HR Trainer/Consultant

Hi Ashra and Ram!

Thanks for your inputs. I did not think of different departments playing different music systems. It could create conflict. I sincerely appreciate all your efforts.

Thanks and regards,
Shyamali

Hi Shyamali,

Can anyone enlighten me with the pros and cons of playing light music in the office? I believe that it can raise productivity and morale, but some of my seniors differ in their opinions, and I don't know why.

Please give me your take on this.

Regards,
Shyamali

I'm just doing it, and probably, it's doubled my productivity. It keeps things lively and me fresh.

Hi,

For how long have you practiced it? Do you have any data to support your practice? What's the cost of initializing such a practice? What are the things that you watch out for?

Regards,
Shyamali