When working in an office setting and confined to a cubicle for most of your day, it can be hard not to become distracted by the noises surrounding you in the office. That is why many people, including myself, resort to putting on their headphones and drifting away to the calming sounds of their favorite songs. While it could seem like this in itself would be a distraction, studies show that listening to music while at work could actually be beneficial. So if you are a fan of listening to tunes while working hard, keep it up. If you have yet to try it, here are some positive effects of music in the workplace.

Helps You Focus

As mentioned above, there can be many distracting noises around an office: printers, coffee machines, co-workers talking, and even the sounds of people typing or chewing (gross), can be a distraction. Plugging in and listening to some music actually helps you stay connected to the task at hand without constantly looking around (and accidentally eavesdropping on your co-workers conversations).

Lifts Your Mood

Another proven benefit of listening to music is that it elevates your mood. Did you ever notice how happy you get when your favorite song comes on the radio? There’s a reason for that. Many studies have shown that music can act as a form of meditation and therapy. Everyone has a certain style of music or specific songs that can relax or motivate them during work.  Whether it’s calming classical vibes or rock and roll, listening to your favorite songs is a surefire way to cheer up. After all, happy workers are productive workers!

Improves Quality of Work

When you are fully focused on the task at hand by drowning out chatter, relaxing, and having an elevated mood, your productivity at work actually increases. Dr. Teresa Lesiuk, a Music Therapy professor at the University of Miami, conducted a study called Psychology of Music and found that the overall consensus showed that the people who listened to music (versus the people who didn’t) actually had a better quality of work and used their time more productively.

Reduces Anxiety and Stress

There’s nothing better than turning up your favorite songs when you’re happy, sad, frustrated, or even bored. Music has the ability to regulate our emotions and help us to unwind, no matter what we may be feeling on a given day.  It can be very difficult to focus on a project when you are anxious and stressed about issues outside of work, your current workload, or a strict deadline. Being able to cool off and relax is a great way to decompress and get tasks done without the added tension.

By plugging in and listening to music throughout the workday, you can be happier, more productive, and an all-around better team member. Who says a 9 to 5 day at the office has to be quiet and uneventful? Every day gives you a chance to be your own private DJ. Just like having a workout or sleep playlist, bring the fun into the office by creating a work playlist! If you haven’t already, plug in those headphones and turn up the beats! Happy listening!