News from all over - Cumbria

Professor Richard McGregor, of the University of Cumbria, insists there is plenty of evidence that the right sort of music, played at the right sort of volume, could help bring about a happy workforce and increase productivity. "There's clear evidence that a happy workforce is a productive one, and the easiest way of raising the spirits in the office is to put on the radio or a CD," he said. "But the choice of music is vital and there is a risk that, if it's the wrong choice, it could be a recipe for office disaster and upset most of the office."

The Snow White anthem or The Beatles' We Can Work it Out would be the kind of music likely to induce a happy, productive atmosphere. But playing the Boomtown Rats' I Don't Like Mondays or Cilla Black's Work is a Four Letter Word could be counter-productive if played in the workplace.

"If you have the wrong sort of music or music that people don't like, it can be counter-productive. But the right sort of music can help people relax and help people concentrate better on their work," he said.
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