Workplace Challenges
Music enhances creativity in the workplace, behavioural scientist saysPump up the volumeWhether it's an old-fashioned radio playing in the background or employees with seemingly implanted iPod earbuds, music has become embedded in the workplace. |
|
 [ 2008-02-20 ] |
(Comstock)
That doesn't surprise Dr. Russ Riendeau, author of The CEO's Guide to Talent Acquisition.
Riendeau is a behavioural scientist and an expert in the areas of talent acquisition and retention strategies who has authored several books on how to attract and keep good employees.
"In reality, music has been part of the business world since the cavemen and cavewomen celebrated the successful wooly mammoth hunt," Riendeau says. "Rhythms are part of the human condition, actually imbedded into our DNA."
He says music makes us feel good because it releases endorphins.
"Endorphins are neurotransmitters -- natural chemicals that make us feel better -- and instrumental, sorry for the pun, in stimulating regions of the brain and nervous system," Riendeau says. "Listening to music or playing an instrument increases the presence of endorphins, allowing us to process information differently, enhance our memory, and improve recall and retention of newly learned tasks."
He adds that incorporating music into educational programs is an easy and inexpensive way to boost morale and improve work performance.
Riendeau also believes that employers should go further to incorporate music into the workplace.
"As a behavioural scientist, I've seen the research that shows the value of music in learning and better health," he says. "As a business professional and corporate educator, I've experienced the power that music has in capturing people's attention and spirit of play."
Riendeau says that the creative process needs a jump-start sometimes and that music can facilitate that jump-start -- it's a universal tool for all cultures and generations of workers.
He suggests several ways to use music in the workplace to improve or create a fun culture and to enhance creativity:
- Mount speakers in the parking lot to begin and end the workday with music. Change the tunes each day or week to reflect different tastes and generations.
- Orchestrate a sales contest using music as a theme.
- Create a "Jam Room" in your facility for all employees. Fill it with instruments of all kinds and some percussion instruments as well.
- Hire a band or solo act for your next company event.
- Invite a musician to the workplace to discuss the creative process.
- Replace those old motivational posters with some hip rock 'n' roll signs.
- Add some music to your website.
- Invite the local high school jazz club or trio to perform at your holiday dinner or cocktail party. It's inexpensive and promotes young talent.
- Offer to pay half of a weekly music lesson for employees.
How many hours a week do you work?