Office music for the workplace?
Marketers know it, and so do kids: all our senses count. So consider the effects of the titles you play as background office music — or the impact of dead silence and ambient sounds. It's not right for all scenarios, but our eclectic office music has inspired us and helped to keep our heads on straight during many projects. The right choices create an office ambience and are good for morale; they might even boost productivity. (See our personal, growing list of workplace and office music suggestions below.)
Soothe the savage beast...
"Just about all offices have some type of music playing in the background. Music can affect emotional well-being, physical health, social functioning, communication abilities, and cognitive skills. Music in the workplace, [emphasis added] either from piped-in music or from a radio, is sometimes used to mask sounds. Music can provide mental stimulation while performing monotonous tasks, which can help to reduce stress levels in the office. Some people, however, find music in the office intensely annoying, especially if it is too loud or inappropriate." —Dr. Loretta Lanphier (source)
"Studies have shown that different types of music can have different types of effects on listeners....to heighten psychological arousal or to relax. Now couple those two effects with the different demands placed upon workers.... Some jobs require steady concentration and a stress-free environment. Other jobs are monotonous and repetitive and may benefit from toe-tapping rhythms and a variety of musical textures.... Researchers have discovered that novelty and repetition increase the liking of songs regardless of style. [emphasis added] However, there is also a "burnout" factor as well, say when you hear a song played 16 times during a given week." —the Workplace Doctor
Choose your format: CD or MP3
We update this background office music list as we add tunes to the ranks of our favorites. Use them to create playlists perfect for your workplace music!
Not your average background office music…
Please use the links at www.externaldesign.com to order from our most-current selection of background office music.
We now recommend CDs by these artists: Israel Kamakawiwo'ole ("IZ"), Susie Suh, Vika and Linda, and Joni Mitchell. Check the web page noted above for music we have tried for its effect on morale, mood and productivity.
Click an artist's name for a description:
Israel Kamakawiwo'ole • Susie Suh • Vika and Linda • Joni Mitchell
Israel Kamakawiwo'ole — order above — presents traditional Hawaiian and island-inspired modern pieces. His medley "Over the Rainbow/What a Wonderful World" isn't to be missed! We wish "Bruddah' IZ" could have lived to see the acceptance his music and his message is receiving on the mainland. Put favorite tracks on your office music playlist and enjoy watching the effects on mood, morale and productivity.
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