You might enjoy listening to music while you cook, drive, clean, exercise, and relax.
But did you know that listening to music while working can actually boost productivity and focus?
Here’s what you need to know.
Does Music Boost Productivity?
Music has been shown to have brain-boosting benefits that support your concentration, focus, and mindset. Extensive research backs this up:
- Classical music was shown to significantly increase working memory performance compared to a no-music environment.
- Music therapy has a medium-to-large positive effect on stress management.
- Emotions evoked through music were shown to enhance the perception of satisfaction with work, which supports the accomplishment of work tasks.
- Background music was shown to increase the efficiency of repetitive tasks.
And while these studies are promising, it’s also important to note that the type of music can significantly impact its productivity. For example, one study found that listening to “familiar vocal music” (i.e., songs you know the words to) decreased professional performance.
So, with that all in mind, what are the right kinds of music to throw on while you work?
Your Music Mood: 5 Genres and 15 Productivity Playlists to Try
First and foremost, let’s preface by saying that everyone’s different, and you should listen to whatever you enjoy most.
But with that being said, if you’re interested in exploring the impact of various types of music on your workday, we’ve pulled together 15 playlists spanning five genres that you can experiment with.
1. Classical Music
Classical music has been well-researched to determine its effectiveness on productivity and focus. The absence of lyrics makes it easier to focus and helps support sustained attention.
Create your playlist: Look for famous and popular composers like Ludwig van Beethoven, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Antonio Vivaldi, Frédéric Chopin, Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Johann Sebastian Bach, or Claude Debussy.
Productivity music playlists: Classical Study Focus Music, Best Classical Music, or Calming Classical.
2. Instrumentals
Similar to classical music, instrumental doesn’t have any lyrics to potentially distract you while listening. This category is more broad, however, and includes many current interpretations of popular songs.
Create your playlist: Search for instrumental versions of your favorite music. This could include a category (i.e., “instrumental indie music”) or an artist (i.e., “instrumental Taylor Swift”).
Productivity music playlists: Calming Instrumental Covers, Chill Instrumental Beats, or Instrumental Reading.
3. Film scores and soundtracks
Many films have amazing music scores, especially those in the fantasy, sci-fi, or epic genres. This music is arranged to be motivational, with large swells and peaks that keep you engaged in your task.
Create your playlist: Some popular music scores include Lord of the Rings, The Lion King, Star Wars, Harry Potter, Game of Thrones, and Rocky. There are endless options, though!
Productivity music playlists: Soundtracks for Studying, Film Score Mix, or Iconic Soundtracks.
4. Lo-fi beats
Short for “low-fidelity,” low-fi music mimics the idea of white noise by using steady beats and few lyrics, if any. It’s a music production quality where elements that are usually regarded as imperfections are used to create an enjoyable sound. Lo-fi music often mixes tracks, repeats sections of a song, or incorporates other effects.
Create your playlist: Search your favorite music platform for lo-fi tracks and include the ones you like in a playlist.
Productivity music playlists: Lo-Fi Focus Beats 2023, LoFi Coffee Shop, or Lo-Fi Beats.
5. Nature sounds
If you really want to explore something new, try listening to nature sounds instead of music. This acts as background “white” noise that allows you to focus more deeply on your work. The natural world has a very calming influence, which extends to the sounds you listen to.
Create your playlist: Search for calming nature sounds like birds chirping, ocean waves, a crackling fire, rain on the roof, or the wind blowing through trees.
Productivity music playlists: Nature Sounds, Forest Bathing, or Nature Sounds for Focus.
Tips and Best Practices for Listening to Music at Work
If you don’t already listen to music while you work, it may take some time to figure out what really works for you. Remember, music with lyrics you know may be more distracting than helpful. This also goes for very intense or complex music.
Music with a steady beat may be best for repetitive tasks, whereas instrumental or classical music can bring around deep concentration. Your personality type is also a factor in this equation as you may simply not be able to concentrate at all with music playing.
So, there’s some trial and error to the process. Start with the playlists provided here and evaluate how they impact your focus and productivity in the workday.
If you’re working in an office or a coworking space, keep in mind common etiquette to use headphones or keep the volume in check so others aren’t distracted.
At a coworking space like Launch, you can also make use of your private office, a phone booth, or common lounges to enjoy your music without disturbing others.
Music has the potential to support your productivity and focus throughout the workday. However, the type of music you choose can determine what works and what doesn’t. Have some fun experimenting with music playlists and see what works!
If you’re in search of a flexible workspace that supports your productivity and focus on a daily basis, contact us today and book a tour of your nearest Launch Workplaces.
