Workforce engagement is at the forefront of senior management’s minds, in particular staff wellbeing.
Covid has made many of us re-evaluate our work:life balance but importantly the environment we want to create for ourselves in our place of work. In the same way a high-performing sports team reviews every aspect of their game (Clive Woodward in the lead up to RWC2003), perhaps all organisations should seek feedback from the workforce on what would help generate the optimum working environment. Nb. We are speaking with a number of companies who provide such instaneous feedback tools for leadership teams.
I’m sure some wellbeing suggestions might not make the cut, however, one heart- warming article that brought a smile was the question of whether music should be considered in the workplace.
In some offices, there can be deathly periods of silence when you can hear a pin drop. This could be for genuine reasons, a complex piece of work that requires a high degree of concentration. However there are occasions that some in the office environment might consider there being an appropriate occasion (as I typed this, there is some upbeat 80’s classics playing that are makes for an entertaining Monday afternoon).
This article is a well-balanced read on the pros and cons on the use of music in the work place.
Cons include the impact on productivity, particularly cognitively demanding tasks. The distraction could lead to frustration amongst the team as well as any inevitable debates about the differing tastes in music.
The pros include increasing positive mood and relaxation. One’s mood is at the centre of well-being at work and our ability to feel comfortable, confident and calm. A positive atmosphere in the workplace (both office and the home), can improve dopamine levels and individual mood.
A friend’s business plays background music and he is a leading advocate of the benefits to their ambience. He genuinely wants his employees to enjoy their place of work (it also includes a large TV, large fridge with complimentary beverages, sweet jars) and having been to visit for hot desk purposes, I can genuinely see the appeal to keeping younger members of staff engaged. The enthusiasm to create the culture starts at the top.
Music could be considered a ‘perk at work‘ in order to increase wellbeing at work and linked to your reward and recognition solutions (Nb. instant recognition is proven to support higher engagement).
Some tips if you are thinking of considering playing music in the workplace;
Volume – naturally you wont want customers or the neighbours thinking your workplace is a nightclub or you’re in a fun pub!
Genre – one colleague might like classical, others may like rock, pop and indie. Perhaps choose a playlist and/or a radio station you can all agree on.
Timing – perhaps quiet time, colleagues out of the office or end of the day wind down.
Device – yes there will be those who have a good ear for sound and a device (not a phone) that can provide a clear Bach like sound may help.
No one size will fit all organisations but just somethings to consider if you’re reviewing your workplace environment and how to encourage staff, who lets not forget, may have been through a hellish 12-17 months working from home.
Boom Boom Boom, let me hear you say WheYOooool! (…..I think it’s spelt like that).
A study by Quinyx, a Workforce Management solution company, found that a staggering 58% of staff considered leaving their job because of a negative environment.
