Through the decades: Work-music connection centuries old
A University of Illinois study proves that when employees listen to music of their choice at the workplace, it soothes frayed nerves, drowns out distracting office chatter, boosts mood, and significantly enhances office performance.
However, the music-work connection goes beyond sleek iPods, nifty speakers and freshly-downloaded MP3 tracks.
Way back in the 1800s, handloom weavers and child labourers sang as they worked.
Some factories even hired orchestras to sing to workers. Apart from helping labourers stay awake (!), music was connected with:
* Increased productivity
* Fewer accidents
* Improved alertness
* Team interaction
During World War II, radio played a part in bringing music to the masses. In 1940, the British Broadcasting Corporation ran a radio programme, Music While You Work, especially for factory workers. The bands were instructed to play medleys to help workers focus attention on the tasks at hand. “A rhythm that would keep productivity up” was also among the requirements.
