Scala Radio Study Finds Out Reasons Why Most Britons Listen to Music in the Workplace

A new study delving on why majority of employees in the UK listen to music while working, revealed different reasons. Commissioned by Scala Radio, the study conducted a survey on 2000 employees under different conditions, in a workplace environment or at home. The study also explored the types of music that British workers listened to in relation to their reasons.

More than half of the respondents to the survey said listening to music while working make them feel less stressed. Over a third of the 2,000 who responded to the polls also claimed that they get to accomplish more as they are motivated to work harder.

The Scala Radio study also revealed that more than a third listen to music while working, simply to block the noise produced by their co-workers. A tenth, of the workers polled, said they just wanted to avoid the sound of silence pervading in their work environment.

The Psychology Behind Listening to Music While Working

Dr Becky Spelman, a London-based professional psychologist attest that

“Truly, music has a powerful effect on the human brain, as it impacts not only mood but also physical and mental performance.

She added that many people say listening to specific types of instrumental music help them improve their productivity levels. Music to some, function as a form of white noise, allowing them to cancel ambient sound that can be potentially distracting.

If for purposes of stress relief, Dr. Spelman explained that music that carries on with a soothing, regular beat, can actually help listeners to stay calm. Mainly because it slows down and moderates the heart and pulse rates. Focusing on the work at hand becomes easier, when music averts a “flight or fight mode” situation, a natural tendency that could elevate the adrenaline and cortisol produced by the body.

2016 Research Shows that Increase in Productivity Level Depends on the Type of Music and Work Environment

The Scala Radio study has relevance to a 2016 research conducted by Dr. Theresa Lesiuk, an assistant professor at the Miami University for music therapy program.

According to Dr. Lesiuk, although music can have positive effects when working, some genres of music can adversely affect productivity. She cited several previous studies that indicate how listening to popular music interferes with reading comprehension, making it hard for the human brain to process information.

Based on those studies, Dr.Lesiuk said that although music can produce a positive effect when working, the productivity effect depends on the type of music and the workplace situation.

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