The use of music can have a powerful effect on the human body, especially when it comes to a person’s health.  There have been several recent studies that show music affects a person’s mood and reduces stress levels.  This in turn stimulates the body to produce endorphins and other positive enzymes that have been found to improve a person’s ability to ward off illness.  Naturally, this should also have a positive effect on the workplace by reducing absenteeism due to sickness.

One study measured the strength of the immune system in a group of university students before and after they listened to 30 minutes of music designed to make them either sad or happy.  The students’ immune system was 20% stronger after listening to music. Interestingly, it did not matter if the music was happy or sad, they both had a strong positive effect on each student’s immune system.

Another study showed the remarkable power of music in fighting cancer.  Here, the doctors examined 182 patients with malignant tumours.  54 patients were given the standard radiation or chemotherapy.  86 patients were given music therapy only.  The remaining 42 people were given both courses of treatment.

The music group where given specially selected music to play quietly for 30 minutes a day for 15 days.  The scientists measured various levels of anxiety or depression as well as physical measures of, “subgroups of T lymphocytes and activity of natural killer cells,” before and after music sessions.

The results were astonishing.  The music group scored better in all areas over the group that had received the standard chemo and radiation only treatment.  The inescapable conclusion is that background music can assist in the treatment of both the psychological and physiological ramifications of cancer.

Clearly music is a powerful tool that can be used by doctors, clinics and hospitals alike.  Imagine how beneficial it can be in your workplace.  Healthy workers are more productive workers, and that can lead to an improved bottom line.