Music & Work

I’m going to stray off the usual web-related discussion this time around and talk about something that can have an impact on all of us while we’re working, and that’s music. It may be an odd topic to be on a site like Loggerhead’s, but I think it has quite an effect on all of us, whether we realize it or not.

Here at Loggerhead, you can almost always find Cale (the designer) or myself (the programmer) listening to music while we’re doing our respective jobs. Not only do we appreciate music, but we’ve actually found out that it can help us focus and get in whatever mindset best suites the kind of work we’re doing. Often for Cale, that’s something centered around creativity, and for me, it’s more of getting into “the zone” and blocking out everything else and visualizing the code and functionality in my mind.

Obviously, the kind of music you’re listening to plays a big role in your mood or mindset, although music definitely has a different effect on different people. For me personally, I enjoy listening to faster-paced, heavier rock. Oddly enough, it’s what gets me in the groove, and helps me buckle-down and focus. Many developers I’ve worked with, though, have liked jazz or classical music, for the more calming and relaxing effect.  For a designer, this can play an even bigger role. Smashing Magazine recommends “airy and melodic music” when you’re working on a design that’s to be “light and warm”, heavier music for “dark and industrial” designs, and progressive and electronic music for “futuristic” and more busy designs.

Although I’m using web development as an example, music’s effect on someone working is far from restricted to just that one line of work. I’m sure you’ve noticed the energized feeling you can get from a more upbeat song, or how slower and lighter music can calm you. These are both feelings that can have a profound bearing on the work you produce, and both can fit certain situations most people are put in throughout a work day or week.

Also, without music, the human mind is often more prone to wander.  While this isn’t necessarily a bad then when you’re at home, most employers probably aren’t too fond of their employees doing it at their expense. When things are quiet, it’s much easier to be distracted by every little sound, whereas with a steady, constant style of music, it almost becomes part of your environment and doesn’t become a distraction itself. Just like a fan running at night. You may notice the sound for the first few minutes, but after a little bit, it actually helps drown out the other odd noises (at least in my experience).

While music can definitely be a help while working, it can also be counterproductive in certain situations. Some people will find music distracting (especially true when it’s someone else’s music, so be aware of not playing your music too loud if others are near you in your work area), and if the music doesn’t fit the mood you need to be in, it can have undesired effects (such as listening to hard, hate-the-world music if you’re in customer support).  If you’re finding music isn’t having the desired effect, just turn it off, or try a different style.

In conclusion, music isn’t just a form of entertainment. It’s also a tool that can be used to put you in specific mood, help you focus, and even motivate you. All of which are useful things when you’re stuck at your job all day long.