There’s no doubt that music is an influential tool, played pretty much everywhere we go with the power to curate the mood of any room in an instant – but is there any science behind the effect of music on recruitment agency output?
But when it comes to businesses allowing employees to plug into that controversial pair of earphones, we really have to ask: what value can melody add to our workflow?
To understand the true effect of music on workplace productivity, particularly in light of the diverse and varied workday of a recruiter, there are a few factors to think about.
Music, or No Music – That is the Question
The ongoing argument of whether to play music in the workplace or not has been a source of contention in the corporate world for decades. However, recent research has shed light on the impact that music can have on productivity, particularly for recruitment agencies.
Whilst some recruiters thrive on the hustle and bustle of an open office, the point remains that for many, a constantly noisy office can be a threat to productivity and while that’s true, many companies see the presence of headphones as more of an unproductive sight than that of an open-plan office.
In this article, we will delve into the effects of music on recruitment productivity and examine the key factors that recruiters should consider when incorporating music into their daily routines.
Boosting Productivity through Music
Music has the ability to make even the most tedious tasks seem more manageable but its impact on productivity seemingly depends on the type of work at hand.
According to a study by Applied Ergonomics, music can be beneficial in improving the output of repetitive and simple tasks. The study concluded that music can effectively enhance efficiency, even in the presence of machine noise, leading to significant economic benefits.
A further study by QZ also found that listening to music that one enjoys can stimulate the release of dopamine, reducing stress and anxiety, leading to an improved mood and heightened motivation to complete tasks.
Overcoming Distractions in the Office
Working in an office environment can bring its own set of distractions, from coworkers and office chatter to ringing phones and the lure of social media. However, music can play a role in mitigating these distractions and creating a more productive atmosphere.
A study by Dr. Teresa Leisiuk discovered that listening to music can result in an elevated mood, heightened creativity, and accelerated task completion, making it particularly beneficial for introverted recruiters who prefer a distraction-free work environment.
Different Music, Different Results
It’s important to note, however, that not all music is created equal, and different genres can have varying effects on productivity.
When it comes to enhancing productivity, it is essential to choose the right type of music. According to studies conducted by the Journal of Consumer Research and the Acoustical Society of America , researchers have found that the volume and type of sound are critical in determining its impact on productivity.
Moderate noise levels and ‘natural’ sounds are reported to considerably improve cognitive function and worker satisfaction, while excessive noise can lead to a lack of focus.
The Influence of Lyrics
While instrumental music can have a positive impact on productivity, songs with lyrics can be more of a mixed bag.
A study by the University of Turku found that 48% of participants listed speaking or singing as the most distracting noise but noted, for creative tasks, lyrics can indeed have a beneficial effect, increasing output.
Choosing Music That Works for You
When selecting music to enhance productivity, recruiters should choose tracks that they are familiar with, as this will enable them to focus on the task at hand rather than the sounds.
But beyond that, it’s important to think about what tasks make up your day to work out if music is actually beneficial.
For a recruiter, the day is generally made up of searching for candidates and leads, as well as engaging with candidates and hiring managers.
While familiar music with lyrics may be okay during searching and formatting CVs, music without lyrics would be significantly better while writing emails or engaging in any intensive tasks.
Although music may not be the most popular solution in the race for better productivity, studies have generally all given a big thumbs up to the effect of classical music, with one particular study by the American Roentgen Ray Society citing finding Baroque-period songs to have a great effect on productivity (no surprises there).
Music as a Productivity Tool
While music may not be the preferred solution for boosting productivity for everyone, the majority of research has shown its positive effects.
By understanding the impact of different types of music, recruiters can make informed decisions on how to incorporate music into their daily routines and achieve their goals.
So what’re you waiting for? Find the sounds that work for your team(s) and maximise productivity now!
TL;DR Key Takeaways
- Recent research has shed light on the impact that music can have on productivity, particularly for recruitment agencies.
- Music can be beneficial in improving the output of repetitive and simple tasks, even in the presence of machine noise, leading to significant economic benefits.
- Listening to music that one enjoys can stimulate the release of dopamine, reducing stress and anxiety, leading to an improved mood and heightened motivation to complete tasks.
- Music can play a role in mitigating distractions in the office and creating a more productive atmosphere.
- Different genres of music can have varying effects on productivity, and it is essential to choose the right type of music.
- Songs with lyrics can be more of a mixed bag, but for creative tasks, they can have a beneficial effect, increasing output.
- Recruiters should choose tracks that they are familiar with and consider what tasks make up their day to work out if music is actually beneficial.
- Classical music, particularly Baroque-period songs, have been found to have a great effect on productivity.
- By understanding the impact of different types of music, recruiters can make informed decisions on how to incorporate music into their daily routines and achieve their goals.
