by Victor Mikulin

Created on: June 14, 2009

Music does indeed "soothe the savage beast". Whether listening to music while working is either calming or distracting is contingent upon a number of factors. Obviously, there are some individuals who find it distracting regardless of the type of music or the volume that it's played at. Those people afflicted with short attention spans or problems concentrating may find it painfully distracting. For most however, music playing in the background has a relaxing effect that helps to pace their day, smoothing out the wrinkles and minor irritants, and making for a much more productive and satisfying work environment.

Businesses have long understood the psychology of using music as a means of relaxing clientele. Customers who are relaxed remain in a business longer; increasing the amount of time they spend browsing, and as a result, tend to spend more money. Additionally, if the customer perceives the environment as being pleasant, they tend to return again and again. This is one way of increasing revenue and enhancing customer satisfaction at a relatively low cost with a relatively high rate of recurring return on investment.

Music is also used as a relaxation device in settings where the client may have to wait to be seen. Doctors offices, dentists, attorneys, accountants, and even barber shops and beauty salons have used this technique for years. While we may all decry "elevator" music, it has a demonstrable effect and tends to be utilized wherever its relaxing effects may be perceived as necessary or useful.

The vast majority of surgeons utilize music as a relaxation device during surgery. It helps them to focus on both the task at hand and keep an eye on "the big picture". Many surgeons vary the type and volume of music depending on the type of surgery, and what phase of the procedure they are at. They'll have the staff play softer, slower music during the intricate or delicate parts of an operation, switching to louder, more raucous music when "closing". It not only helps the surgeon directly, but sets the mood and attitude for the others involved in the operation.

Notwithstanding the temperament of individuals, there are two factors that seem to render music either calming or distracting: The type of music, and the volume at which it's played. Given the tremendously varied tastes of clients and workers alike, music perceived as too radical in any direction should be avoided. Music such as hip-hop, rap, punk, and heavy metal may actually serve to irritate some clients and workers. They find either the lyrics objectionable or the tempo too fast. Similarly, if the volume is too loud, it may interfere with either face-to-face conversation, or telephone conversations. It can become dangerous if the work involves using machinery or equipment that emits audible alarms for abnormal or dangerous conditions, and can't be heard over the music. Conversely, if music is too slow or too soft, it may impede productivity by rendering the worker lethargic or inattentive. In a work environment that has little or no direct interaction with customers, the most prudent course of action would be to poll the staff and come upon a consensus as to whether or not there should be music, what type of music, and how loudly it should be played.

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