Have you noticed how you start tapping your foot or nodding your head when a good song comes on?
It’s not just a reflex. Research shows that music can be a powerful tool for productivity – but it all depends on what you listen to and when.
When you hit play on a song you like, your brain releases dopamine – the “pleasure and motivation” hormone. It’s the same feel-good rush you get when you eat something delicious or when your paycheck comes in. The result is: you feel better, stress drops, and it’s easier to get into a work rhythm. Dr. Teresa Lesiuk, from the University of Windsor, found that people who worked with music not only finished tasks faster but also came up with more creative ideas than those who worked in silence.
Multitasking or just an illusion?
We like to believe multitasking is our superpower, but the brain has its limits. If you try to write or read while listening to music with lyrics, your mind has to process both the words in the song and the words on the screen. This is called cognitive load – an overload that lowers focus and performance. Research confirms that lyrics, especially familiar ones, distract us, and even background speech has the same effect.
On the other hand, instrumental music can be your best ally. Classical, lo-fi, ambient, or techno – all can support focus by synchronizing the brain with the rhythm. Studies from Stanford show that these steady patterns help us slip more easily into a flow state – that zone where time flies and you work effortlessly. Moreover, recent meta-analyses reveal that lyric-free music with a moderate tempo can improve working memory.
Beyond attention and concentration, music directly impacts how we feel.
A good playlist can be a form of therapy. Songs we enjoy release dopamine and other neurotransmitters that reduce stress and anxiety, while boosting motivation and well-being. Even more, studies show that calm rhythms and smooth beats can lower physiological tension – slowing heart rate and breathing – and create a balanced state that supports focus and performance.
It’s no coincidence that more and more companies are bringing music into their culture. An article in Harvard Business Review points out that shared playlists or spaces where employees can listen to music raise morale and even team performance. In practice, music becomes a simple yet powerful tool organizations use to ease stress and make work more enjoyable.
Want to get into the right rhythm for your career? Come along to Connecting Careers, March 26–28, 2026.
