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reading time: 3 minutes

As I write this post, I’m drinking a smoothie, checking my iPhone periodically, and listening to music on Spotify. In this fast-paced world where juggling multiple things at once is the norm, but where do we draw the line on multitasking at work? Perhaps a little positive distraction can be good for us. We had to ask—does listening to music at work help us get more done, or simply distract us from the task at hand?

It used to be that listening to music on the job wasn’t even an option. Unless you wanted to lug a boom box into the office, you were better off working in silence. With technology where it is today, things have radically changed. You have the option of rocking out any time of day with a simple click and a set of headphones.

There are plenty of reasons to listen to music at work. For one, it can distract you from other noises in the room such as an office-mate chewing gum or the general hustle and bustle around the room. It can also put you in better spirits while completing mindless or repetitive tasks. For some, music can be the best way to focus in on a task. For others, complete silence is needed.

Music certainly has a big impact on our brains and bodies. Calming music can reduce levels of anxiety and trigger your brain to activate in creative ways. Tasks that are repetitive in nature are made easier when listening to music. However, the opposite is true for highly cognitive tasks. It has been found that reading comprehension and memorization both suffer when music is playing.

Dr. Teresa Lesiuk’s research centers around the effect music has on work performance. She found that those who were moderately skilled at their jobs benefited the most from music listening at work. Experts did not feel as effected by the music, and novices were more likely to find the music distracting. She also found that music was likely to improve work performance because it helps put people in a positive mood—claiming that higher spirits allow you to focus easier and make more creative decisions.

Does this mean music is only helpful for creative professionals? No! Actually, a number of studies have found that surgeons that listen to music they like in the operating room work more effectively than those who don’t. When done right, professionals in every industry can utilize music to work more effectively.

I polled the Endurance team on how they prefer to jam out (or mellow out) during work hours. Here’s what we said:

“I use Spotify and I love it. If I’m on a deadline, I listen to quieter music. If I’m doing task-oriented things that don’t require deep thinking…I usually go for the more upbeat, fun music.” –Gwen

“I listen to Spotify and I alternate between needing instrumental and needing some lyrics. I like electronic, reggae, rock, and alternative.” –Courtney

“I listen to both music and audiobooks while I work. I use them interchangeably depending on what needs to get done. Audiobooks provide a nice break from music and are also very entertaining. And you really feel like you’re multi-tasking!” –Nick

“I tend to work best without music. Because of my dance background, music makes me move. Sometimes I can get away with something soft and mellow in the background.” -Katie

Basically, it’s all about personal preference. Listening to music you love can help enhance your mood, especially long days at the office. Click here for the perfect playlists while you’re on the job.

What’s your verdict? Does music help you focus in the office? We’d love to hear!