Music at Work: Distraction or Productivity Booster?

[Daria Kulikova_GitProtect_io]

Sometimes at work, we all hit that point where staying deeply focused feels almost impossible, especially if you’re in a noisy open space, working remotely with kids playing around, or just surrounded by constant distractions…

My quick fix? I put on headphones, turn on some classical or calm instrumental music, and suddenly concentration comes faster, and work flows smoother.

And some scientists back this up:

• Neuroscientists say classical music can be a secret weapon for tackling your to-do list.
• Background music boosts efficiency for repetitive tasks.
• Classical music can significantly improve working memory.
• Music helps reduce stress and supports better focus.
• A OnePoll survey found that students who studied with music were more likely to have a GPA above 3.2.
  
  

Among the top “focus boosters” scientists highlight are: classical music, instrumentals, soundtracks & music scores, lo-fi beats, and nature sounds.

But not all music helps. In fact, familiar vocal tracks can actually hurt concentration because your brain starts following the lyrics instead of focusing on your tasks.

Personally, I always go for classical or instrumental; it never fails me ☺️

So, let me ask:

Do you listen to music while working? If yes, what’s your go-to soundtrack for focus and productivity?

Or, if you prefer silence, what’s your secret trick to stay deeply concentrated?

[Huwen Arnone _Deiser_]

No debate here. Just like coffee, music can be a real productivity booster. It definitely influences mood and focus, which makes it easier to tackle tasks you might otherwise put off.

For me, the playlist depends entirely on my mood that day, it can be classical music, folk, punk rock, hiphop, latin music, metal, you name it. Since my range is pretty wide, it can go anywhere from chill to high-energy beats.

[Morgan Watts]

I don't think I can work without music. If I'm not wearing my headphones then something must be wrong. 

When not working, I typically listen to funk or hip-hop music, but thanks to work I now have a large collection of YouTube sets, and DJ mixes, that are great at helping me maintain a serene environment to stay focused. Some of my favorites are pasted below: 

Luca Sestak: LUCA SESTAK TRIO - FULL STUDIO LIVE SESSION - LITTLE BIG BEAT STUDIOS

Daisuke Kazaoka: Daisuke Kazaoka Live Session / REGGAE / DUB / JAPANESE FOLK / by MUSIC LOUNGE STRUT at Koenji

Fred Again..: Fred again.. - Rooftop Live (Arun’s Roof, London)

Toshiki Soejima: Toshiki Soejima : Summer Night Notes “Beat & Ambience” at BLUE NOTE PLACE / Neo-Soul Guitar

and when the work gets tough (I need to feel alive) I'll put on this banger of a set: 

Chase & Status: Chase & Status | Boiler Room: London

[Barbara Szczesniak]

I listen to music all the time while I work, and I can sing along as I write documentation. I have an eclectic mix of rock, country, pop, some metal, and a couple of soundtracks. I can't stand wearing headphones, though, so I generally only do this when I have my own office or work from home (or have an officemate that likes the same kind of music). 

[Sean Perry]

I listen to music most of the time whilst working, and in fact find it helps me and stops from getting distracted. I find a mix of Punk, New Wave and BritPop helps when I have a deadline to hit, a mix of Roxy Music, Bowie and Japan for mellower concentrating periods, and go into discovery mode when I am just working.

[Listening to: All Good Books - Paul Weller - Illumination (03:25)]