Boost Your Mood & Productivity

The science behind music at work + playlist recommendations for every task.

AuthorAuthor

Jessica Ribbens & Bailey
March 05, 2025

Welcome to Remotivated—the newsletter that helps you thrive in the remote work world, one actionable tip at a time!

Today, we’re talking about music!

If your life were a movie, what would the soundtrack sound like?

  • What song plays when you wake up?

  • What kind of music fuels your work sessions?

  • Does your energy shift throughout the day with different types of music?

Why Music Matters for Remote Workers

Music affects your mood and, in turn, your productivity.

  • Energetic music can give you an instant boost.

  • Slow, soothing music can help you unwind.

  • Sad music? It might bring you down without you realizing it.

How Music Can Boost Productivity

Science backs this up! Here are some stats:

  • 79% of employees reported increased productivity with music, with 48% saying it helped them focus (Totaljobs).

  • A study published in Applied Ergonomics found that background music boosted efficiency in repetitive tasks, leading to a 7.4% productivity increase (Business News Daily).

  • 75% of retail workers said music made them more productive, while only 3% found it distracting (CloudCover Music).

  • Pop music has been shown to improve data entry accuracy in 92% of workers and helped more than half complete tasks faster (Passport Health USA).

  • Classical music is linked to better memory, cognitive function, and productivity (Anne Lafollette Art).

What’s the Best Music for Working?

Different types of music work best for different tasks:
🎻 Classical & Lo-Fi beats: Best for focus and learning
🎧 Upbeat pop & electronic: Great for motivation and energy boosts
🌿 Nature sounds & ambient music: Helps reduce stress and enhance creativity
🔊 Moderate volume (70 dB) is best for creativity, while loud music can be distracting (Journal of Consumer Research).

Many remote workers prefer instrumental music since lyrics can be distracting.

Today’s Challenge: Score Your Day 🎶

Try creating a playlist that evolves with your energy levels throughout the day:
☀️ Morning: Energetic & uplifting
🎯 Deep Work: Lo-fi, classical, or Hans Zimmer
😴 Afternoon Slump: High-energy beats
🌙 Evening: Calming and relaxing

Need a shortcut? Here are some recommended playlists:

What’s YOUR go-to playlist for work? Reply and let me know!

-Jessica, the human behind REMOTivatEd

Did you know dogs like music too? 🎵

A University of Glasgow study found that dogs prefer classical and reggae music over other genres. They relaxed and even slept while listening to it, while rock and heavy metal made them restless (University of Glasgow).

Just like people, dogs have their own music preferences! Some love soft melodies, while others perk up to a good beat. And of course, their favorite music of all? Your voice! 🐕🎶

-Bailey, your remote companion

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