One of the terrific things about workshifting is having the option to play music while you work.  I'm not talking about that elevator music businesses pipe in to "improve the customer experience."  I mean the songs you really enjoy, get you moving, block out distractions and keep you productive.

When I worked in a traditional office, music wasn't really allowed.  Discussions about playing music would involve huge conversations about appropriate work music and people's individual tastes.  Some people like hip-hop, some don't.  Many like country, many don't.  And while there are lots of articles about the Mozart effect, after a few plays, people were always looking for something livelier.  (No offense to Wolfgang.)

The other thing that came up in music conversations was making sure music would not create a distraction.  Especially if you're working with things that could hurt you.  For example, when I worked in hotels, many executive chefs didn't allow music in the kitchen.  Not because they were mean or didn't like music, but they were concerned that employees would be focused on music and possibly injure themselves during mise en place.

So when a while back, one of my fave bloggers - Paul Smith at Welcome to the Occupation - wrote a couple of posts titled "Songs about Work" and "Son of Songs about Work", it reminded me that listening to music while I work is one of the best parts of my work day.  And since I'm working from home, no one can really hear it and I can play whatever I want.

As loud as I want.

This morning, I downloaded "Clubbed to Death" by Rob Dougan and thought it might be fun to create our own Workshifting playlist.  Let us know in the comments...

What kind of music are you listening to while workshifting? 

What's your favorite song right now?


Photo Credit: Orcytes