3 reasons playing music in the workplace is beneficial

Recent research has suggested that playing music at work can be considerably advantageous to small businesses, in many different ways.

Common aims of a business include generating profits, maintaining good productivity levels and attracting new customers. The effects of playing music in public and commercial places are considered highly beneficial which can effectively contribute directly to meeting these aims, which was recently confirmed from a study carried out by Music Works.

• Increase productivity

Music Works undertook a survey of 2,000 people which found that staff feel more motivated and more upbeat about working when good music is being played.

• Keep staff motivated

In the first instance, many business owners would judge playing music as a distraction to its staff. Depending on the industry in which you operate, music can be stimulating for your employees which will, in effect, increase productivity.

Music Works found that 66% of employees in the UK believed that music made them feel better and more motivated whilst at work. 75% of respondents actually admitted that they would be less likely to call in ‘sick’ if there was music being played at work.

77% of staff said they are more productive when good music is being played which increased to an overwhelming 83% of warehouse workers.

• Create an inviting atmosphere

The survey of 2,000 people revealed that 77% believe that a business that plays good music is more inviting than one that doesn’t.

A number of people who required retail services would be willing to pay 5% more for the service if the business played music. The figures show that 81% of customers that visited hair salons said they would like to hear music and 70% would pay more to go to a restaurant that plays music.

What do you need to know to play music at work?

Whether you run a retail business, a pub or a restaurant or even just an office based business, it is a legal requirement that you purchase the correct licence to publicly play music.

Any performance of copyright music, whether live or recorded, that takes place outside the home is regarded as a public performance and will usually require a licence from the Performing Right Society (PRS)– a not-for-profit organisation formed by copyright owners which collects and distributes public performance royalties for its composers, songwriters and music publishers.

Royalties are paid to relevant parties after PRS collects a licence fee and assembles information about the music in the UK. If fees are not paid, then Music Works will take legal action.