Whatever your weekend plans were (gardening, visiting the in-laws, partying, binging Netflix with a big tub of Ben & Jerry’s) heading back to work on Monday morning is never an easy task. But according to recent studies, the right music can help you to get back into the swing of things quicker than most. And what’s more is that listening to your favourite tracks can encourage you to complete tasks more quickly and come up with better, more creative ideas.
So Company Away Days have kept an ear open and created our own top 20 of motivational tracks to kick-start your week.
1. Heroes – David Bowie
We know, preferably your boss would like you to be a hero for a little more than just “one day”, but if there’s one day a week that needs heroes then surely it’s Monday?
2. Run – Snow Patrol
It’s not everybody’s bag, but let’s be honest, as soon as the anthemic chorus of “light up, light up” hits everybody will be tapping their feet beneath their desks.
3. Don’t Stop Believin’ – Journey
Forget that Glee cover. Journey’s classic 80’s rock anthem is a bonafide motivational track that will give the office a hair raising 10am lift.
4. Dog Days Are Over – Florence & The Machine
The weekend is over but the positive vibrations don’t have to disappear completely. Florence Welch’s iconic track is weird, wonderful and fantastically upbeat.
5. Little Lion Man – Mumford & Sons
Get those feet stomping beneath your desk with Mumford & Sons smash hit 2009 single. All together now… “It was not your fault but mine…”
6. Manic Monday – The Bangles
Put a positive spin on a busy start to the week with this iconic 80s tune from The Bangles. Wearing your hair in a perm isn’t essential, but it is encouraged!
7. 9-5 – Dolly Parton
“Working 9-5, what a way to make a livin'” … There’s arguably no better track to accompany your morning coffee as you check up on any emails you’ve missed and get your head back into work mode.
8. I Feel Good – James Brown
James Brown’s dulcet tones will have you feeling nice “like sugar and spice” and it’s impossible to feel anything but good after hearing this Motown hit.
9. Wake Up Boo – The Boo Radley’s
In the mid 90’s this was the morning anthem to kick-start your Monday. It’s been over 20 years since Wake Up Boo first hit the radio, but even in the 2010’s, it’s still essential listening.
10. Step On – Happy Mondays
Make it a Happy Monday by starting your day with this brilliantly motivational tune from Madchester’s finest (and maddest) duo.
11. Friday I’m in Love – The Cure
Okay, this one might be a little premature but looking forwards to Friday can only make Monday float by a little quicker!
12. A Hard Day’s Night – The Beatles
If you’re struggling through Monday morning it might be a relief that even the fabulous four had a hard time with the working world. And before you know it you’ll be back home “sleeping like a log.”
13. Hi Ho Silver Lining – Jeff Beck
Every Monday has a silver lining and in a long morning this brilliant motivational track could be it. Whether the “sun is shining” or not!
14. Don’t Stop Me Now – Queen
Full of energy, fast paced and positive in the extreme… Queen’s Don’t Stop Me Now is everything you want to be on a Monday morning and a brilliant way to kick off a busy week in the office.
15. A Message to You Rudy – The Specials
While the weekend was full of freedom and fun, Monday is here and as The Specials say, “you’ve got to think of your future”. And while that’s true, this is a great song to let your inner teenager down gently.
16. Working for a Livin’ – Huey Lewis
Feeling particularly feisty about heading back into the office? Huey Lewis has news for you. Rocking out to Working for a Livin’ isn’t just a way to work out your stress in a healthy way, but it’s a real energiser too.
17. Beat It – Michael Jackson
A psychological study recently found that pop is the most effective genre of music to listen to in the workplace. So who better to get your day started than the King of Pop himself, the late great Michael Jackson.
18. Mr Blue Sky – ELO
ELO’s Mr Blue Sky is a feel good rallying call for everybody in the office come Monday morning whether it’s a “beautiful new day” or there’s not a ray of sunlight to be seen.
19. Caught on a Feeling – Blue Swede
This Motown hit first thing on a Monday morning is sure to become a staple of your weekly routine and a sure-fire way to motivate yourself and those around you. In fact, we’d almost be tempted to say you’ll be “caught on a feeling” …
20. Mo Money Mo Problems – The Notorious B.I.G.
Okay, so things have gotten desperate. You really don’t have any motivation and getting back into the working week is proving impossible. The answer? A little reminder of why we all head into the office on a Monday morning courtesy of The Notorious B.I.G.
