What’s your favorite type of music? We all have one—or five. And with today’s technology, satellite radio, computers and online music sites make it easier than ever before to access the tunes you love, anywhere and everywhere. Experts agree that music is an important mood-boosting tool, and it can be helpful in the workplace as a way to help employees stay happy and productive. However, before allowing your staff to listen to music on the job, it’s important to implement a Music at Work policy. Just consider this information from Snelling Georgia Group—a top provider of temp services in Atlanta.
Best Practices When Allowing Music at Work
Music can help to improve mood and may boost productivity depending on the task at hand. Music may also aid in concentration when workers are doing repetitive tasks, plus it can add to a fun, upbeat work environment. But before you allow your staff to listen to music on the job, it helps to outline what is and is not allowed. Consider the following best practices:
Advise Employees that Music is at their Discretion
Music can help productivity but can also harm productivity, depending on the task your employee is doing. A light industrial worker may find music helps her sail through her shift, while a writer may find music breaks her concentration. Explain to your employees that listening to music is at their discretion, and it’s allowed as long as they can complete their daily tasks accurately and efficiently.
Require Headphones
Because music can be distracting to some, it’s important to require all employees wear headphones. In addition, even with headphones sound may carry to other workers, so always encourage listening at a reasonable volume for the courtesy of all.
Yield to Coworkers
Despite their best efforts at controlling volume, some headphones and earbuds simply aren’t noise canceling. It’s important to explain to employees that the main focus is getting work done, so if their music is distracting to others, they’ll need to turn it off—no questions asked.
Monitor Productivity
Listening to music is a tempting proposition, and some may try to make it work even though it decreases their ability to perform their tasks. This is why it’s essential to monitor employees’ productivity as part of your Music at Work If you notice output taking a dip, mistakes increasing or output suffering, music may not be the best choice at your workplace.
See What Works Best for You
Like most things, trial and error is a good method for determining whether to allow your employees to listen to music. While you’re attempting to figure out what works best, it might help to explain to employees that you’re allowing music on a preliminary basis and evaluating from there.
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