Music is a part of life. That is the largest point one would like to make. In a debate like this, there is really no answer, but opinion reigns supreme. This writer, personally, feels that music is a calming factor in the work place. With the many dead moments that you find on a job, having the background noise is something that often helps and keeps the mind from searching for anything to keep busy.
In working in the fast food industry, I have been able to work in both a workplace with music, and a workplace without. What I have found is that I am very much more comfortable in a workplace that I can hear music in. The more people I ask about this topic, the more I feel that this is a correct assessment for most people.
Music is something that is used in all sorts of situations. They play certain music in shopping malls to make it a calming experience, and it works. They play certain music in clubs to make it seem exciting and fun. The same happens in the workplace. Often, employers will play music that promotes both the comfortableness of customers and guests, as well as the contentment of their staff.
I feel that it is a good idea to do so. Though we may not realize it, music is something that is in our every step. There is not a day gone by that I do not feel grateful that my boss has decided to put a radio in the break room that plays daily. It gives an environment which is comfortable, as well as it provides entertainment in those moments that we have nothing else to occupy ourselves.
For no matter how much we wish it, we cannot stay busy all the time. There just isn't enough to do.
Though, I do realize that if the wrong music is played, it can turn into something terrible. So my opinion is only this direction because the music is correct in the situation. It isn't right to play something like hard rock or heavy metal while working in such a place that needs to be a calm and comfortable environment. While I am at home, however, these music types are appropriate for doing my dishes to. There is no end to the pleasure one receives on hearing angry music while doing a chore one hates. But at work, I need to concentrate on the work, so softer music is needed.
I can't imagine what it would be like to listen to music in an office job, but I do believe that I would want at least a little bit of background noise, else I would go insane.
Music is a part of life. I realize that I repeat this, but I cannot help myself. It is an important idea. Every moment in our life is set to beats and rhythms, though sometimes we seldom notice. Not a moment goes by that I don't have a song buzzing in my head, brought to me by some random beat that I hear. Like the sound of my footsteps, or someone's breathing, or even the clatter of silverware on plates.
It's quite a delicious idea.
So is music in the workplace a distraction? Yes. But it is probably the most calming distraction one could ever have around them.