AUDIO: Whistling while you work might be the start of a good idea

Those dwarfs had it kind of right. Whistling while you work might actually boost productivity.

But better yet, use music to motivate, says Russ Riendeau, management consultant and co-author of “The CEO’s Guide to Talent Acquisition.”

“If managers can understand the concept of why music is so powerful, there’s a lot of things you can do in your company,” says Mr. Riendeau. “We know it has such a strong emotional content.”

Mr. Riendeau says rhythms are part of the human condition and listening to music or playing an instrument increases the presence of endorphins, allowing humans to process information differently, enhance memory, improve recall, and improve retention of newly learned tasks.

 “As a behavioral scientist, I’ve seen the research that shows the value of music in learning and better health,” he says. “As a business professional and corporate educator, I’ve experienced the power that music has in capturing people’s attention and spirit of play. The creative process needs a jumpstart sometimes. Music’s a universal tool for all cultures and generations of workers.”

Central Valley Business Times February 6, 2008