Our workshop locksmiths like to have the radio on while they work, it’s calming, beats boredom, keeps everyone up to date with the news etc. I was surprised to learn that background music has been used in the workplace for centuries.
Even in the Industrial Age women and occasionally orchestras would be hired in the quieter factories to sing and play among the workers. In the Victorian era handloom weavers would sing together to keep awake. I’m not quite sure if we want our staff doing that…
For employers who think it may be distracting & slow the pace of work you may be interest to know that studies have found from having popular background music:
- Increased productivity
- Fewer accidents
- Improved alertness
- Team interaction
Upbeat background music has even been shown to prevent days taken off through illness. Research conducted by Entertainment Media Research for MusicWorks found that 1 in 3 employees are less likely to take time off sick if background music workers like is played in the workplace. Invest in that radio bosses!
