When you think about staying focused at work or while studying, listening to a podcast might not be the first solution that comes to mind. However, when you are listening to a podcast while completing other tasks – whether assignments, work tasks, house chores, gardening, or errands – you are already accomplishing two things at once, thus improving your productivity.
When you think of the different methods people use to concentrate, listening to a podcast doesn’t seem so farfetched. For instance, Accountemps conducted a survey in 2018 to assess music in the workplace. 85% of survey respondents said they listen to music while working, and 39% of the total respondents said music helps them be more productive. And yes, while music doesn’t have much to do with podcasts, it’s not implausible to consider that listening to podcasts can have the same effect. Do we recommend true crime podcasts that leave you hanging on every word? No! We recommend podcasts you can leave on in the background that will deter you from getting distracted by blocking out outside noises, as well as those that offer helpful tips and strategies to be your most productive and focused self.
Tiny Desk Concerts
Okay, this one is actually a music-based podcast and it’s probably one of the most popular podcasts to listen to while you work. Tiny Desk features singers covering their music live in acoustic, or calmed down versions of their songs. The artists speak softly about their work, why they chose to perform them, and then immediately start performing. If you think of one of your favorite performers it’s likely they’ve made an appearance on this podcast.
Here’s one of the most listened to Tiny Desk episodes with artist Anderson Paak
The White Noise Podcast
Just as the title suggests, The White Noise Podcast is exactly that, white noise. It’s the perfect option to block out distractions like a noisy library or chatty colleagues. Each episode offers a different type of white noise at different levels of intensity. You might be surprised by their library of sounds that range from nature sounds to loud cities, but anyone might just do the trick.
The Affirmation Pod
Affirmations offer a way to drive encouragement, motivation, and positivity. The Affirmation Pod with Josie Ong puts out various episodes based on your needs. Whether you are looking to be inspired, feel more motivated, or have a confidence boost before a big presentation or meeting, this podcast is a great place to start.
Beyond The To-Do List
This podcast is hosted by Social Media Manager turned productivity expert, Erik Fisher. Fisher uses each episode to discuss practical personal and professional productivity tips and how when implemented and practiced, you can live ‘a more meaningful life’. His topics include mastering prioritization, achieving mindfulness at work and at home, and more.
The 5am Miracle
We’ll never push our readers to wake up at 5 AM but Jeff Saunders, host of The 5 AM Miracle podcast might just convince you. As a self-proclaimed ‘productivity junkie’, Jeff aims to help his listeners build and identify goals, create simple schedules, implement powerful daily habits, highlight the best productivity strategies for you, and more. If you’re looking for a way to improve your productivity through daily action should definitely be on your list.
How I Built This with Guy Raz
On NPR’s How I Built This podcast with host Guy Raz, you are bound to feel motivated. He invites people from all walks of life, from NASA to successful startups; he focuses on the journeys of his guests to enable them to apply what they learn to their own lives and work. This is a great podcast to listen to while you work to energize you, provide inspiration, and provide new ideas on how to best accomplish your goals.
StartUp
Want to get your entrepreneurial spirit going? Listen to the Startup podcast. This podcast is almost similar to a documentary podcast, sharing the ways in which businesses were started and how they eventually found success. The stories are captivating but not in the sense that they will take you away from your work to listen to every single detail. It provides a great source of inspiration and can help you think of out-of-the-box solutions for your current role.
Defeat The Drama At Work
Each episode of Defeat The Drama At Work focuses on creative ways you can keep yourself, and others focused and motivated at work. This is a perfect listen if you are in a leadership role or work across a variety of different teams. You’ll get tips on how to problem-solve efficiently and how to ensure that everyone is producing and delivering high-quality work.
People need help with their productivity from all different sources. Podcasts are becoming a go-to for achieving new methods of blocking out outside distractions, increasing focus, and expanding one’s mind. Do you have any podcasts you listen to that help with your productivity and focus? We would love to hear from and add them to the list. Looking for new ways to improve your productivity?
