The effect of music in the workplace (or the lack thereof)
 

I'm always looking for ways to improve production and streamline things.... so I thought I'd try something.
It's not exactly a scientific study..... but I did my own little test here, and worked in complete silence for almost a week.... well, may as well call it a week. (minus the weekend)

Motivation dropped to zero.
Productivity virtually zero.
Creativity, nill.
Screwing around on GFY went up, proportionately with guilt over lack of positive results.

now, it's possible that over time this initial outcome may subside somewhat and take a different direction, but I have to cut my little test short. I can't sacrifice anymore valuable time to wait and see.

Now then... the important thing I gathered from this is, for those of you working in a commercial office versus a home office, if you are forced to work in a silent environment every day, what are the effects of that on your productivity? My guess is probably not as drastic as mine, due to the fact that there are most likely other people around you.... and for owners of those companies, have you considered doing your own similar tests to see if your people produce or work more efficiently with some background music?
I personally believe it is an important factor.

thoughts?

i cannot get ANYTHING done in silence. i always have something blaring out of my speakers, and when i used to work as a cook, i always wore headphones.

i don't want to work in a world without a melody. :glugglug

if i don't have music, my mind tends to wonder and instead of working i will be checking out espn.com

i always work with music on.. but i know im more concentrated and a better performer with the shit off..

I agree with you AMP, productivity greatly depends on the work enviorment and comfort level or absence of such.

at home speakers on
at office headphones or very low level speakers
different projects and tasks with variety of music
lots of java and tobacco

I have to find a rhythm early in the day, or it winds up being a waste.

No music means my mind is on a stand by mode all day...

I need the tv or radio on to work.... some kind of background noise

I enjoy having tunes as it keeps my pace moving. Time flies by with music.

I work with music on too... on occasion the music is off (need some intermittent quiet time especially when focusing on something really important and detailed)

I have to have some music or audio to be productive.
There is a large portion of my brain that is bored out of its uh mind while I am coding. But being a musician I find I can't listen to certain things because I start to pay attention to it and not what I'm doing if the music is too interesting. I find that the best things are the FlashCa$h emerging DJ cd, and books on cd, usually something about physics. That keeps me focused and on task.

I usually have music on here as well, but not always. I vary it up.

800 full cds on my harddrive should answer that question :)

*whip* get back to work, bitch :upsidedow

The new album has been going non stop for 2 days now on my comp...

def. feel the motivation.

New Slipknot's "decent" to.

in the (home) office at 9 am, turning on the radio (or whatever) and stop at 6 pm and turn the radio off. Can't live without music

A previous career led me carefully study and research how different environments effect productivity, interaction, and concentration. There has been a lot of research done on this topic by people a lot smarter then me.

The short version: Everything effects how people work. Here?s what I found worked best: Change all fluorescent lights to natural, full spectrum lighting; paint the walls light, monotone colors and vary the colours; and, provide a stream of fresh, cool air at all times.

Beyond the environment, I?ve always thought that treating people well, with respect and consideration did far more for productivity then anything else.