Question: "I work in an office where we don't have clients come in, but do have many visitors who meet with my boss. My boss switched the soft rock overhead music to what he calls classical. It is ballad symphony music and literally either puts me to sleep or makes me irritated. The soft rock music made for a pleasant work environment and was not inappropriate. We can't even listen to our own iPod music devices. Should I make a big fuss over this or just let it go and deal?" —Laura
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{ 12 comments… read them below or add one }
What’s wrong with no music? When working or shopping or dining I am not interested in listening to someone elses choice of music.
I didn’t realize that offices played “external” music anymore. In the last 3 offices I have worked (the last 7 years) everyone has their own ipod or earbuds to listen to streaming music off the computer. If there is a need to listen for phone or whatnot, just put one earbud in. Could you suggest getting rid of the antiquated radio device and allow everyone to bring in and listen their own music?
I think “taking turns” is a great idea. How about this: not only do we have someone in our office who plays her favorite music entirely too loud, she also sings and hums along. The boss can obviously hear it, and staff have made comments to her but she continues this habit. Any thoughts/suggestions?
Laura, I wouldn’t make a fuss about it, but I would offer suggestions. I believe your boss will be open to a combination of music softly playing in the background and it will accomplish your goal. I know the silence can be deafening at times and irritating music can really make one feel uncomfortable. Variety should make everyone happy; I like the idea of rotating the music.
I can feel your pain. I do not have that problem in the office where I work but….when I am out at a store shopping, sometimes I just have to leave because the music is so intrusive and not conducive to a pleasant shopping experience. I can see how working 8 hours having to listen to it would drive you nuts. I would definitely say something to the boss. Maybe he does not realize how calming it is. After all, he wants you to be productive.
Pick your battles wisely [on a scale of 1 - 10, where does your level of irritation rate]. If it’s high enough to warrant a discussion with your boss, BEFORE meeting, you should: 1. write out what you want to communicate. This helps to gather and origanize your thoughts. Use positive statements instead of negative complaints [example: Don't say: I don't like this kind of music, instead say, upbeat music motivates me to be much more productive.] You may have to re-write this several times to get it “right.” Have an objective person read over this. It should not be emotional, just factual. 2.) Don’t present your supervisor with a problem without offering solution(s). You want to convey that you’re a problem solver not a whiny complainer. Brainstorm with your co-workers and create a list of solutions. Try to get everyone’s input. Your ideas should benefit all those in the office, not just yourself. Present the top 3 – 4 ideas. 3) Rehearse your presentation so your prepared. It’ll help not to be nervous and 4) stay calm, remember this should be a minor easy problem to solve. Good Luck!
I absolutely would not make a big fuss about it, but I would make a little fuss. By that, I mean bring up as a suggestion (not a complaint, and accept whatever the decision is) that the music be changed on a daily or weekly basis for more variety. I don’t think it would be rude to say that the calming music being played now is so calming that it is causing you to feel drowsy. With this issue, I think it’s as much about how you say it all as it is about what you say.
Be grateful you can listen to ANY kind of music! I work in the Administrative Offices/Marketing Dept of a large Credit Union and we cannot have ANY kind of music/radio, iPods or other private listening devices. The quiet can be deafening except during cold/flu season when everyone has the sniffles or is coughing and there’s no way to drown it out.
Try to be as honest as possible. Maybe get together with a few other co-workers and see how they feel and then discuss those thoughts with him. Let him know you feel less productive becuause you find the music districting, I wouldnt say irritated even if you are irritated if you say something along those lines he might be offended. Try to make sure that you use “I” statements so he does not feel like he is being picked at for his choice in music, he might think everyone enjoys it.
See if he will agree to using combination music which loops between the soft rock you enjoy, plus country, classical, oldies, etc, etc. I’ve heard this type of looping music many times in restaurants and it seems to keep everyone satisfied.
I believe it’s okay to ask if you could listen to a variety of music.
In our office, we rotate the station weekly. Not everyone likes every station, but we look forward to “our” week. The only exception is when our Division President is in the office. Then we play his favorite station whether it’s the scheduled week or not. Maybe your boss would be willing to consider something similar. – Sarah