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Tune into productivity

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Managers, take note. You’ll get more out of your workers if you turn up the tunes, according to a survey of 500 Aussies.

The report, commissioned by Spotify, found 20 per cent of workplaces ban music in the office despite most employees crediting harmonious background noise for improved performance on the job, including a jump in creativity, better moods and blocking out annoying colleagues.

Not convinced? Read on:


84% of employees use music to relieve stress and anxiety

“At times of high pressure and stress – such as before a presentation – songs close to the 60 beats per minute mark are ideal. Studies have shown that breathing in time to such music, at a controlled pace, helps lower blood pressure, in turn combatting anxiety,” says Clare Mann, Fellow of The Australian Human Recourses Institute.

Suggested track: Better Together by Jack Johnson


67% agree music boosts productivity

“Studies have shown that classical or easy listening music – with continuous rhythm of around 50 – 60 beats per minute, can dramatically improve cognitive performance and information retention. Pop and rock with a tempo between 60 and 97 beats per minute can have similar productivity gains, just keep it simple – not too loud or familiar and avoid music with lyrics as they can distract from the task at hand,” says Mann.

Suggested track: Gymnepedie No. 1 by Eric Satie

Tip: Plug in – using headphones helps to block our distractions and up productivity.


62% reckon music helps with concentration and focus

“Upbeat music – around the 120 – 140 beats per minute mark – has been shown to help with motivation. Faster paced music can also help raise energy levels, for example combating lethargy in the ‘post lunch slump,’” says Mann.

Suggested track: Walking on a dream by Empire of the Sun


Pump up the jam, with this office-friendly playlist:

Press play: 9am – 12pm “Getting down to business”

Hristo Kazakov – Claire De Lune from Suite Bergamasque
Erik Satie – Gymnopedie No. 1
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart – Piano Concerto No. 21 In C Major, “Elvira Madigan”: II Andante
Brian Eno – 1/1 – 2004 Digital Remaster
Samuel Barber – Samuel Barber: Adagio For Strings, Op. 11 – Adagio For Strings, Op. 11 No. 2 – Live At Philharmonie, Berlin / 2013
Carla Bruni – Quelqu’un M’a Dit
Nick Drake – River Man
Fleetwood Mac – Little Lies

12pm-2pm – “Recharge & refuel”
Katy Perry – Teenage Dream
Flume – Holdin On
Lady Gaga – Bad Romance
Ke$ha – Tik Tok
The Kooks – Naïve
Adele – Rumour Has It

2pm-4pm “Post lunch slump”
Carly Rae Jepsen – Call Me Maybe
Usher – DJ Got Us Fallin’ In Love
Macklemore & Ryan Lewis – Can’t Hold Us – feat. Ray Dalton
Empire Of The Sun – Walking On A Dream
Flume – Sleepless
The Flaming Lips – Yoshimi Battles The Pink Robots Part 1
Jack Johnson – Better Together
Beyonce – Flaws And All

4pm-5pm “Wind down”
The Feeling – Sewn – Radio Edit
Lorde – Royals
The Beloved – The Sun Rising
Vance Joy – Riptide
Avicii – Wake Me Up


Related: Your body on music