I must agree with LadyJesusFan on this one: music doesn't necessarily distract from work. In some situations (monotonous work), the use of a personal music player actually drowns out any distractions and can increase productivity. I know I used to do it when I worked at a bank processing checks all day long. It kept me awake.
I can't do that where I work now, since I have to answer the phones, but we do listen to the "hold music" through the phone system, played at a low volume. Which can be funny, since the music is compiled mostly from the practice owner's own music collection. And some of it, though we love it, is arguably less than professional:
Stuff that probably shouldn't be on hold music (but was):
"Faint" - Linkin Park: The thought of an older gentleman put on hold being screamed at with the words "I WON'T BE IGNORED" is very funny, but . . .
"45" - Shinedown: Because contemplating suicide is probably not one of those things you want your clients to do while they're on hold.
"My Happy Ending" - Avril Lavigne: No, it's not offensive, I just think she sucks. Definately wins the "what-song-here-is-out-of-place" award.
Gregorian Monk Chanting: Because nothing makes the time pass by like listening to 14 minutes of chanting. No, we don't keep them on hold for very long, but after listening to 30 seconds of it, you might think you were anyway.
