by Music is an integral part of our everyday lives. Whether it’s listening to songs while commuting, working out at the gym or having background music at restaurants and cafes, we are constantly surrounded by different kinds of music. In this article, we will discuss the importance and impact of background music on our daily activities as well as social and business settings.
Background Music Uplifts Mood
It is a well-known fact that music has the power to uplift our moods and reduce stress levels. Various scientific studies have shown that listening to upbeat and pleasant music releases dopamine in the brain which improves our mood and makes us feel happier. Background music playing at cafes, stores or malls plays a big role in setting the right ambience and positively impacting customer experiences. Pleasant background tunes have been shown to reduce anxiety and stress of customers while they shop or dine. Many restaurants strategically choose happy and lively music to keep patrons engaged for longer duration. Playing instrumental music is also known to improve people’s moods without being too distracting.
Increases Productivity in Offices
Background music is widely used in offices to boost employee productivity and focus. Moderate instrumental or vocal-free music helps office workers focus better on their tasks and work for longer hours without distractions. Certain genres of music like classical, jazz or nature sounds have calming effects and help reduce stress and anxiety. Playing music through speakers or headphone has been found to improve cognitive functions and problem-solving abilities of knowledge workers. It blocks out distracting office noises and external sounds allowing employees to immerse themselves in their work flow. However, the music should be at low volume and without lyrics to avoid hindering communication between coworkers.
Enhances Dining and Retail Experiences
Playing the right kind of background music is extremely important for the food and beverage as well as retail industries. At restaurants, soft instrumental music sets a relaxed ambience for dining which positively impacts customers’ perception of service quality and value for money. Research shows background music at cafes and bars can encourage people to spend more time as well as money. Similarly, stores with enjoyable background tracks reported increased customer satisfaction, browsing time and impulse buying. Holiday jingles and top charts have been found to be most effective at malls and gift shops during festive seasons. However, the music style should always match the brands’ image and target audience.
Importance of Music in Healthcare Settings
Healing properties of music are extensively utilized to reduce pain and stress of patients in hospitals. Playing calming instrumental, nature sounds or spiritual music helps relieve anxiety for those recovering from surgeries or undergoing long procedures. Many pediatric wards use fun music to distract children from injection pains and scans. Research has found music therapy aids recovery from strokes and helps manage chronic illnesses like cancer, arthritis etc. It lowers blood pressure, regulates heart rate and release endorphins. Various healthcare facilities now provide patients options like music playlists on demand to alleviate boredom and discomfort during stay. However, music volume should be at lower level keeping in mind patients requiring silence.
Music at Gyms and Fitness Centers
Upbeat Background Music is a definitive part of every gym and fitness centers as it pushes people to workout harder and longer. Studies show fast tempo tracks with 100-120 beats per minute motivate individuals to exercise at a higher intensity level for a greater duration. Popular music genres played include EDM, pop, rock and motivational playlists. Gym music also helps block out painful sensations from straining muscles to sustain workouts. Further, post-workout music helps relieve muscle soreness. However, the style and tempo should cater to different activity areas and varies with members’ demographics for universal appeal. Individual workout headphones allow customizing the music per preference amid the facility sounds.
Challenges of Playing Background Music
While music certainly enhances experiences in umpteen settings, selecting the right kind and volume poses challenges. Music tastes are highly subjective and differ significantly across cultures, age groups and geographies. What intrigues some may bore or irritate others. Similarly, context appropriateness is critical – light jazz or nature sounds in cafes may disrupt business meetings in co-working spaces. Soundproofing issues can create distraction in open offices if played aloud. Further, copyright laws govern public performance rights that businesses must pay license fees for different types of music streamed throughout premises. Neglecting these aspects could adversely impact branding instead of augmenting it. Proper research and trial-testing mediums like streaming services help establish ideal background music systematically.
*Note:
1. Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public sources, Desk research
2. We have leveraged AI tools to mine information and compile it
