New research shows music hits the right notes for business success

22 October 2014 - Press release

·         81% of people worked fastest when listening to one of four music genres

·         88% of people worked most accurately when listening to one of four music genres

·         Pop music is best for working quickly and accurately

·         Classical music is most effective for solving mathematical problems

·         Ambient music improves data-entry accuracy

·         Dance music enhances proof-reading skills

·         Neuropsychologist Dr David Lewis discusses ground-breaking new study alongside research participants: http://youtu.be/qWlw1Kga_lA

New scientific research published today has revealed that listening to music in the workplace radically improves speed and accuracy of tasks such as data entry, proof reading and problem solving skills.

In an office-based experiment, 88% of participants were found to produce their most accurate test results when listening to music, while 81% completed their fastest work when music was playing. 

When listening to a selection of different genres, classical music was found to be the most effective for improving the accuracy of tasks and resolving every-day mathematical problems with participants achieving a 73% pass rate. When listening to pop music, 58% of participants completed data entry tasks much faster. When proof-reading, dance music had the most positive impact, with participants increasing their speed by 20% compared to proof-reading tests undertaken with no music at all.  Dance music also had a positive effect on spell-checking with a 75% pass rate compared to 68% when no music was played at all.

The research, undertaken by Mindlab International, was commissioned by MusicWorks, a joint initiative of PRS for Music and PPL, the organisations that between them, represent the rights of thousands of composers, performers, publishers and record companies in the UK.

Dr David Lewis, chairman of Mindlab International commented: “The MusicWorks experiment revealed a positive correlation between music and productivity – overall it showed that when listening to music, 9 out of ten people performed better. Music is an incredibly powerful management tool in increasing the efficiency of a workforce. It can exert a highly beneficial influence over employee morale and motivation, helping enhance output and even boosting a company’s bottom line."                                  

The research also showed that when people did not listen to music, they made the most mistakes while solving equations and spell-checking. Ambient music worked best for accurate data entry tasks, with participants scoring a high pass rate of 92.%.                                                                  

Christine Geissmar, Operations Director, PPL said: “The results of this experiment are a clear indication of the value music can add to the workplace. Music is a key tool for business success.” 

Paul Clements, Director of Public Performance Sales, PRS for Music added: “The increase in levels of productivity when music is playing is striking. This project provides a refreshing reminder of the multiple benefits to be gained from listening to music at work.”