When To Play Music in the Workplace

If your workplace is full of music enthusiasts like ours, you may agree that a great playlist can be a major mood-booster and make the workday feel like it’s flying by. With that in mind, it’s no secret that jamming out to your favorite songs at work can affect your ability to listen, learn, and work productively. There's also the question of whether it's polite or appropriate to listen to music in your current situation.

But fear not audio lovers, you don’t have to cut out all noise when you’re on the clock. Well, at least not completely. Just keep these pointers in mind the next time you’re reaching for the play button on your headphones.

Situation #1: You’re reading or listening to instructions, but AfterShokz just released their Monthly Mixtape on Spotify.

Science suggests: Press pause. 

Here's why: When you’re taking in new information while listening to music, your brain has to process auditory data on top of processing important information, which can lead to mistakes.

Our take: Can’t argue with science, better press pause!

Situation #2: You’re completing your list of daily tasks and would like some background music.

Science suggests: Press play. 

Here's why: Research shows that, in general, “people who listened to music while they worked on repetitive tasks performed faster and made fewer errors”. AfterShokz headphones are perfect for these situations, as your ears are free to communicate with your coworkers, while still listening to your audio.

Our take: Increase productivity by listening to music while you’re crossing off your to-do list.

Situation #3: You have a serious case of the Mondays.  

Science suggests: Press play.

Here's why: Studies show that listening to music you enjoy triggers the release of feel-good neurotransmitters such as dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine. The result? A happier, more relaxed, and focused version of you.

Our take: Wear your AfterShokz bone conduction headphones for this one! You'll want to listen to your guilty pleasure playlist to reduce stress, and your coworkers can only listen to Justin Bieber so many times.

Situation #4: You’re collaborating with co-workers.  

Science suggests: Press play.

Here's why: Music can also positively impact the way you interact with your coworkers. When you’re in a good mood, you also tend to be more respectful, patient and cooperative, leading to better teamwork.

Our take: This is a situation where it's suitable to play your music out loud! Find a playlist that everyone enjoys and let the creative juices flow! Need a playlist? Check out our #MonthlyMixtape on Spotify!

Sources: Do You Listen to Music While Working? Here's What It Does to Your Brain (and It's Pretty Awesome)