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Music while you work can increase productivity
Music at work can increase productivity but experts say the choice of music depends on whether men or women are doing most of the work. Women can increase their efficiency by listening to energetic music whereas men need relaxing sounds to be on top form, according to a new study. German psychology professor Reinhard Leichner believes there is a physiological reason for why men and women react so differently to music. Mr Leichner, from the Technical University at Darmstadt, said: "On average men have higher blood pressure and it is a problem that is getting worse. "This tendency can impair a man's performance, and soothing sounds help him calm down and increase his output at work." Women have lower blood pressure and often don't really perform as well as they might. But after hearing invigorating music they are able to put more energy into their work, says Mr Leichner. The study concentrates solely on the effects of classical music with excitement being provided by Weber or Bach and relaxation by Mahler and Rachmaninov.
Last updated: 12:59 Wednesday 23rd May 2001