What’s on your work from home and lone worker Spotify playlist?
A major important component of worker safety is mental health. Not only does positive mental health result in a happier team but less accidents as the mind is sometimes the cause of mistakes and mishaps on the job.
The many benefits of music and work
So just like you would invest in PPE or other equipment to keep your workers physically safe, you should also invest in steps that would improve their mental health. In fact, according to a 2005 study, The effect of music listening on work performance - music was found to improve both the worker’s mood and productivity.
And according to the article, The Impact of Music Therapy on Mental Health on the National Alliance on Mental Illness’ website, music can improve a large number of mental health conditions like depression, addiction, trauma and grief. The writer, a music therapist, says that music really helped her patients and “provided them with the opportunity for expression and for experiencing safety, peace and comfort.”
Mental health and working from home
Mental health for workers is gaining some attention now that many of us are working from home because of pandemic guidelines and restrictions. The American Psychiatric Association Foundation says in their article: Working Remotely During COVID-19, the lack of social contact is negatively impacting some workers who are experiencing increased anxiety and stress and “now more than ever, we all must take care of our mental health and well-being.”
There are a number of ways to battle mental illness in the workplace and with those working from home. One of the most effective steps to take is cultivating a positive work and safety culture. This is a culture where everyone is comfortable enough to speak up about safety and other work issues, this is work environment where people respect and look out for each other because this is what the company and its managers promote and practice. This is also a place where mental health is a priority and things to promote that, like music, are acceptable and welcomed.
Work from home and lone worker music playlists
So it was this information in mind that the SafetyLine staff created and curated a couple of work- and alone-related songs into two awesome playlists.
Working from home playlist
Many of you are working from home and many of you are undoubtedly taking advantage of the fact you are not in an office and have music playing whatever that may be. Here are some songs that might describe your situation perfectly:
Even if you don’t play our compilations at work, we encourage you to play any music (when it’s safe and appropriate) which, as outlined above, can really make your workday go better. A study found that music also improves cognitive function with processing speed improving with more upbeat music and memory improving from upbeat and downbeat music.
Leave me alone! playlist
Are there times at work when you just want to be left alone? Here are some songs that get you:
Make mental health a priority in 2021
No, we’re not saying that music is a cure to all the ills of working at home or alone, but the point is that anything you can do to improve the mental health of your workers will benefit the well-being of the team as well as safety and productivity. With all of the uncertainty these days, anything that can help should be used – even if it’s a thoughtful playlist of songs.