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We all have those moments when we try really hard to concentrate, but still cannot seem to make it happen. When you have an important task reaching its deadline and all you can hear around the office is mumbling and background noise, it’s time to put on your headphones and press PLAY to your favorite Music playlist.

Yes, music does make us become more productive, especially when we work in noisy open-space offices. That’s why a good pair of headphones always save the day!

The link between music and productivity has been intensively studied. According to one study findings:

• 36% of workers find that music helps to get them through the day;
• 20% of workers find that listening to music is a welcome distraction from their “boring” jobs;
• 16% admitted that they listen to music to drown out colleagues;
• One in ten (10%) revealed that they have judged a colleague based on their choice of music.

Same study shows that 2 in 3 people (61%) listen to music while working and, the best part, this habit leads to happier employees and can boost office creativity and morale.

So what music should we listen to if we wish to optimize work productivity?

1. No Lyrics, Just Good Vibes

According to a survey carried out by Cambridge Sound Management on over 600 employees from 11 different companies, speech is disturbing: 48% of participants reported speech as the most disturbing source of noise.

Indeed, words are distracting, especially when you are trying harder to make sense of song lyrics than fulfilling your assigned task.

Therefore, whenever you wish to be really creative and productive, go for a lyric-less music playlist that will help you stay focused on what’s really important.

For example, when I need to be focused and completely immersed in my writing work, I choose to listen to relaxing ambient music. Relaxing sounds of nature help the brain relax and thoughts seem to easily flow. My second option comes in the form of electronic beats, again with no lyrics, as they seem to offer a higher dose of energy with zero distraction because of the repetitive beats.

2. Classical Music

Feeling the deadline pressure? Stressed and agitated? Then classical music is your answer.

This study proves that classical tunes work wonders on mood, concentration, productivity and work satisfaction. The positive impact of classical songs is subject to music tempo. Any music that matched the baroque music tempo is a good choice to start with. And if you don’t know what ‘baroque’ means, don’t worry. Search for ‘baroque music for concentration’ online and you’ll find plenty of free music streams to start with.

Obviously, classical music is not such a popular choice and not many of us feel like listening to classical tunes while being in the office. Still, you can give it a shot to see how it works on your focus and attention levels.

3. Music That You Like, But You Don’t Really Love

You know that song that you play on repeat because you’re currently obsessed with it?

Yes, that song is not your go-to option if you’re in desperate need for focus and concentration. Neither is that latest band album you are now streaming and can’t wait to listen to. The explanation is quite easy: our fondness of certain music affects our concentration. Same goes for the moments when we listen to music we completely dislike.

The effects of background music on work productivity have been studied in a focus group applied to 89 workers and carried out by researchers from Fu Jen Catholic University in Xinzhuang City, Taiwan. The study concludes: the influence has more to do with the listener’s fondness for the music than the type of music.

Therefore, leave your favorite music playlist aside and play neutral beats. Don’t ‘handpick’ your favorite songs, but opt for a radio that streams your favorite genre. You’ll never have to worry what song comes next!

4. Video-Game Music

I’m not much of a gamer myself, but I do remember playing Sims when I was younger and never having to turn off the game music (which I usually do in all games). It was something about that continuous, repetitive music that kept me engaged in the game for hours.

Turns out that the SimCity game soundtrack is one of the most popular suggestions for music that helps with concentration, according to Reddit users.

No wonder: background music in games is treated with outmost attention by game creators. Game soundtracks have to reach the perfect balance: enhance the player’s game experience but, at the same time, avoid distracting him.

The best thing: you can listen to video-game music online, at work, without actually opening the game. Game music is available for free on many radio streams.

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Finding that perfect tune to accompany your daily tasks is never easy. So whenever you find a playlist that matches your personality and productivity work flow, hold it tight.

And press PLAY.

This article was originally published on LinkedIn.  

About the Author:

Passionate about turning simple ideas into creative stories. Truly in love with storytelling, Ramona Costea has been active in the media writing and publishing business for over 8 years. She is now a Copywriter for Oracle’s Global Recruiting department, where she continues to experiment with social media and improve content strategy. Her specialties include content writing, online marketing, employer branding and social media. 

Connect with her on LinkedIn and Twitter. 

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