SUMMER FESTIVAL SEASON IS CLOSING BUT MUSIC AT WORK IS THE KEY TO BETTER BUSINESS

• Over half of British employees want to work to the sound of music

London, 20th August 2008 — Didn't get to go to Reading or Leeds festival and gutted the end of the summer festivals is drawing near? Feeling down and washed out with the lack sunshine through the summer? If you've found that it's been harder than usual to lift spirits at work, why not recreate your own ‘Electric Picnic' or ‘Bestival' at work? A recent poll by Orange Business Services shows that more than half the UK workforce would like to work to music, so why let the end of summer festivals stop you moshing, albeit in the office!

According to the Orange survey looking at the effect of music in the workplace, over half of people (55 per cent) felt that listening to music at work made them happier and at a close second, over 40 per cent said it made them feel less stressed. Over a quarter, some 27 per cent even said music made them more productive — so the case for bringing the music festival vibe to work has never been stronger.

Delving deeper, the YouGov survey of 1,250 respondents, found that the motivational music of choice for the majority of the workforce was rock and pop, but perhaps not so suprising there was a gender divide with a quarter of women preferring to listen to up-beat pop classics compared to nearly a quarter (22 per cent) of men who preferred rock.

The survey also looked what songs were viewed as motivational and the ultimate classic of the Rocky Theme Tune was voted the cheesiest motivational song, conjuring up images of the Ricky Jervais' motivational talks in The Office. Poor old Rocky took a further blow with over a third (36 per cent) of people naming it as the worst motivational song ever.

For work related events it seems that “golden oldie” stars are a favourite will all generations — when the survey respondents were asked about this years Glastonbury headliners, Neil Diamond was named the artist people would most like to perform at an office party. The smooth toned crooner beat other Glastonbury artists including Amy Winehouse, Jay Z and The Gossip in the poll.

“Creating a vibrant and positive attitude at work is essential to productivity. As the results show, music can improve and inspire creativity in the workplace and make people feel happier.” said Paul Tollet, Vice President Orange Business Services. “Something so simple as turning on the radio can do wonders for your workforce, though be prepared to play the part of an umpire when trying to decide what to listen too!” he added.

When asked what was the best song to get you jumping out of bed and ready for a good days work, the most motivational songs were U2's ‘Beautiful Day' (11%) and

‘We are the Champions of the World' by Queen (11%). Despite being an anthem for many, ‘I will survive' by Gloria Gaynor topped the poll as the corniest song, according to a fifth of respondents. Perhaps the lyrics of Dolly Parton's ‘9-5' were too close to home for the workers surveyed, as only 5 per cent found the song to be motivational.

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