Summer is about to be behind us, and the hustle and bustle of getting back to our normal routines has begun. In our personal lives, it’s shopping, school, and sports. In our business lives, it might be fall trade shows or planning budgets for 2022. But chill out, and don’t get overwhelmed, as Partner and Chief Creative Officer Kimberly Tyner has created a cool new playlist to help clear your mind. It’s called Vol. 10: Laid-Back Lounge—the newest Spire on Spotify playlist.

Whether it’s country, hip-hop, jazz, or heavy metal, music is an important part of our everyday lives. Maybe you listen to the radio on your morning drive. Maybe you plug in your headphones for your daily run around the block. Maybe you relax with some Shania Twain, dance to Rihanna, or even ask Alexa to turn up the latest Steve Aoki. There’s a reason music has been around for more than 35,000 years, and it’s not just so you can bust out your favorite dance moves (even though we love your latest attempts at the new TikTok dances).

Music has benefits, and we’re not just talking for your ears. Listening to music has been proven to reduce stress, elevate mood, release dopamine, and support an overall healthier heart and mind. It can help individuals learn quicker, communicate more efficiently, regain concentration, and stay energized—all of which are vital to living in the modern-day world. It’s basically your favorite iced coffee, but on steroids.

Here at Spire, we can see the big difference that music makes in our office, culture, and the work our team produces. Music continues to bring our office together, stimulate communication, increase productivity, and even bring some laughs … and that’s why Spire’s Kimberly created her playlist, Laid-Back Lounge. This playlist, complete with Calvin Harris, Selena Gomez, Rihanna, and more will help your company kick off its music-listening endeavors.

We’re not the only ones who’ve noticed music’s influence on the workplace—65% of business leaders believe that playing music boosts productivity, and 77% believe that it improves employee morale within the company. According to the statistics, these executives are correct; 90% of employees perform better when listening to music! One study even revealed that playing music in the work environment increased output by up to 15%, and lacking music decreased output by a whopping 13%. This is due to the mood-boosting power of music; when employees are happier, they become more creative and adaptive toward issues or difficult projects that may arise. A positive mindset not only affects the individual at hand, but also the ability to communicate with the team as a whole.

Not only are productivity rates higher when listening to music, but 80% of workers complete tasks more accurately. Furthermore, specific genres can yield different benefits, so don’t be afraid to switch it up from time to time. Ambient, pop, and classical music is known to improve accuracy while dance music improves proofreading speed. It is also reported that pop music helps 58% of employees finish their work faster, so maybe it’s time to turn up some of Beyoncé’s greatest hits.

The office shouldn’t be all work and no playlist. So, sit back, relax (or, should we say, “Get to work!”), pump up the volume, and enjoy KT’s playlist that’s definitely playing in our office these days.

Kimberly, what is the name of your album?

I’ve given it the cool name of Laid-Back Lounge.

How would you describe this mix?

Upbeat lounge music. It’s designed to be great background music that keeps a beat and energy up in the space. I use it as background music when we have small or large groups of people over. It keeps people upbeat and moving and sets the mood for a good time. It can also be used anywhere that you need to get something done, which makes it great for home or the office. It’s easy to dig in and get stuff done to a rhythm you can get lost in.

What was the inspiration behind it?

It’s a compilation of music I have heard in all the places that make me happy, from listening to a DJ on the beach to good tunes in some of my favorite restaurants, lounges, and resorts in Vegas and beyond.

What is your favorite song, and why?

“Miles to Go” by Kaskade and Ella Vos because it makes me move. This is a perfect example of what would be a lyrically sad song that still makes me dance around just because the beat is so good. The single was released in March 2021 on the album Reset.

If your playlist was a brand, what would it be and why?

The W Hotel because it’s modern, upbeat, and fun. Or the brand could be a Mini Cooper convertible, because I feel happy with the wind in my hair like I’m headed on a road trip.

Any specific memory that comes to mind when you listen?

Sitting at one of my favorite restaurants, Mizumi, watching the waterfall and eating fresh sushi with a great cocktail.

What makes your playlist unique?

It makes me smile and move, whether I’m working, dancing around my house (which I must admit, I do often), or hanging out with friends. It’s a playlist for every day. It never gets old.

So, chill just a little longer, listen while you work, and stay tuned to the Spire Blog and Spotify Channel for the release of our next album.