by Anne O'Rourke

Created on: August 16, 2009

If you read medical literature or just watch "Grey's Anatomy," you know that the attending surgeon usually picks the music to play in the operating room. Most research finds that music in the operating theater does no harm and offers some benefits to surgeons and patients. Still, the music gets shut off when complications arise or when the anesthesiologist needs to listen for the beeps of his equipment.

In most workplaces, surgical precision is not a constant requirement and a slight distraction rarely kills anybody. Music can make the work day calmer and more pleasant. Employees need to use good judgment in evaluating what tasks will not be impaired while enjoying background music. Everyone should use some consideration to ensure that the music that they enjoy does not intrude upon other people who may have different tastes or need a greater level of concentration.

If you work in a private office, it should be simple to select whatever music helps you through the day. Music can make lighter work out of otherwise boring tasks or stimulate your creativity when the need arises. Just make sure you do not get so distracted that you are neglecting your work. If you use speakers, check that your music is not audible outside your space.

For people who work in cubicles or other shared spaces, it is imperative to orchestrate an arrangement that serves the common good. If permissible, use earphones so that you can enjoy your music privately and still hear the phone or someone calling your name. If possible, people may be able to agree on a playlist that everybody likes. Whistling while you work can be amusing when done by seven dwarves. If you are the only one whistling or singing out loud in your office, your co-workers may not be amused.

If you design voice mail menus, this message is for you. Please give people the option to opt out of the music while they are on hold. Listening to theme songs from 1970s television shows interspersed with repetitive commercials about your excellent customer service does not enhance the experience of waiting on hold for 30 minutes or more. If you do not work in a private office, you cannot put the call on speaker without inflicting these noises on everybody in the vicinity.

Music can improve your workday. By using good judgment and consideration for others, you can enjoy the benefits of music while allowing your co-workers to do the same.

Source: New York Times, While in Surgery, Do You Prefer Abba or Verdi?, Daniel Wakin, June 10, 2006.

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