According to the Guardian “listening to music can help people manage anxiety, become motivated and stay productive”, finding the right playlist can be tricky though! Especially with the gradual reintroduction to working back in the office – finding songs that everyone likes is a difficult art to master.

I’m not saying you have to blast music in order to wake yourself up, but asking “Alexa, volume 2” will probably suffice to create an ambient background noise that can be both stimulating and easy to listen to. Having music too loud can of course interrupt the flow of things within the office especially in a small(ish) space like ours, our telemarketing activities rely on a low-level buzz of noise in order to be the most productive we can be.

Researchers have long claimed that listening to classical music can help people perform tasks more efficiently, but classical symphonies aren’t always the most uplifting pieces of music. Plus, if you’re in a noisy workplace you should play ambient, upbeat music.

“When your environment is bustling, your brain will try to process all the sound as data.”

Although researchers say that listening to lyrical songs may not be the best for concentration, listening to familiar songs is actually the greatest thing for it. So, sit back and get Alexa ready for these song requests that should increase happiness and productivity in the workplace.

For something to get you “in the mood” for a positive start at 9am (or whenever your shift starts) listen to LANY’s “Dancing in the Kitchen”. Frontman Paul Klein stated on Instagram “this is just the most fun I’ve ever had making music. Hope the song makes you smile. Hope it makes you happy. Go dance in the kitchen! By yourself or with someone you love!” following on from LANY are songs like Ed Sheeran’s “Shape of You”, simple sounding and a breeze to listen to – nearly everyone knows this track and is sure to get the brain boogying into motion.

Next up is the mid-morning blues, you’re so close to lunch you can almost taste that sandwich in the communal fridge, praying no one’s taken your favourite yoghurt. This time of day is best for upbeat songs like Uptown Funk (Mark Ronson ft Bruno Mars) and DNCE’s Cake by the Ocean – although don’t think about the lyrics too much, you might get a hankering for some baked goods.

During the lunch hour, you may or may not want to listen to music; give yourself a chance to relax and reboot ready for the afternoon. Sometimes after food, you can feel a bit lazy so visualise being productive, and listen to “Peanut Butter Jelly”, Galantis. This uplifting pop-song is so happy it’s bound to get your feet tapping along to the beat and is the perfect song for the after-food brain fog.

Keep the momentum going with Lean On (feat. MØ) by Major Lazer & DJ Snake, if you’ve never watched the video, I’d suggest you do so (outside of worktime mind you), it’s full of colour and really matches the song.

When mid to late afternoon comes around you might be clock-watching. Something that is still upbeat and quick in tempo will be helpful to rouse your brain into second gear after the lull of lunch. “Sugar” from Maroon 5 is perfect for this, with quirky bass notes and a recognisable chorus that you can (quietly) sing along to, you’ll perk up in no time. Next on my list is OneRepublic “Counting Stars” as it has high energy and is very danceable with a time signature of 4 beats per bar.

Last up, “Bad Guy” written and performed by Billy Eilish, the now instantly recognisable eight bar chord loop you can’t help but hum along to is a refreshing hit and is a great way to end the working day.

Why not listen to the rest of the Office Playlist, are there any songs that you would add?