The power of music

Urban Beats with Nkosilathi Sibanda
THE month of January has a common story. For the story teller is it is all about the thin wallets and the much-hyped “incurable” disease named after this first month of the year.
Conversations with strangers start with the weather and end up on the money side of life. Such is the situation on the urban streets. Everyone is engrossed in financial doldrums.

You read that well. We are pulling through the month in pain, grumbling about bankruptcy that hit our homes. The truth, one that needs no preaching, is that we exhausted our energies during the festive season.

Even party freaks cannot afford their habits. Musicians and players of instruments fail to find the right people to share the New Year spirit.
So what is happening on the streets besides greeting each other with despair?

It is either you still compiling the wish list of 2014 or turning out to be a master grumbler. Without the zeal to go out and let loose, anything close to music entertainment is pointless.

The fortunate few are hiding at work. Entertainment is least in their thoughts. But, it is not so for some.
Faced with the pressure of the New Year, the workers can still allow a minute of musical entertainment. They do this at their work station.
Picture this, get to any office, you will find someone with earphones-obviously playing music from the phone or a better gadget.

Sassy receptionists will yammer away on the phone, as earphones dangle.
In our hardest of times music has the power to soften. It does not matter what job you are in. Listening to music while at work is “the” culture of the urban movement.

Maybe doctors and plant engineers are forgiven for maintaining the silence at work.
Ever asked why shopping at clothing retailers is pleasurable? It is the music they play. I bet the workers there are a happier lot.
Would your boss mind if you tapped into the iTunes playlist for a while or a day?

The common trend is that some workers like to listen to music when they find themselves losing focus.
Reasons are varied as some prefer to plug in earphones to escape a too noisy surrounding.

According to the numerous researches I peruse through, music has a basic function at the workplace.
In wake of the January financial curse, a stressful worker can avoid depression by switching to music.

Be it the soothing melodious sounds of Teddy Pendergrass or the pumping kwaito, one is assured of a day well spent at work.
This is not an encouragement, but an honest observation. I would not want one to be fired for listening to Batai Munhu at work. Remember company rules vary and some managers are laid back.

Few companies have policies about music listening, but it is still a good idea to check with your manager, even if you see others wearing headphones in the office.

Putting on earphones can at times be misinterpreted as rudeness and lack of seriousness. There are managers who myopically think that way.

If you are such a manager reading this piece now, please, accept that music is more than just fun. The widely agreed thought is that if businesses use music to put workers in a good mood then job satisfaction will improve.

Government workers at Mhlahlandlela and parastatals must take note of this. Maybe we might come out of their offices smiling.
Rather ditch the chewing gum and turn on to soft music. Yes, this is directed to the many of you who fail to offer satisfactory service.
Music is the cure! Everyone is putting on earphones, even the undertaker. Put plainly, it is the urban culture.

A friend who is a local medical doctor, too shy to be named, confided that: “If the work environment permits, let the employee listen to music. At this time of the year when people have pressure, music can bring us back to the present moment.”

The shy doctor, who also loves music by the way, said workers who listened to music achieved better results and were more creative.
So, go ahead and play that ipod at work!

Another school of thought points out that when one is stressed, decisions are hastily made. If music is added, a positive mood is realised. Ask any psychologist in town, they will give you the same answer.

As we get into the year, make listening to music your everyday lifestyle.
The taxis we ride in are havens of sound and the reason owindi do this is to keep sane. Imagine having to negotiate with the ever present traffic cop and to deal with stressed passengers. The loud music just keeps the mind at bay.

For those who choose to listen to music, it’s best to set limits. Music is a powerful tool that if used advantageously can help raise productivity and in turn help your business.

In sourcing school fees this weekend, do not forget to listen to your music.