For those of you who work in offices (or even those who don't), are you allowed to listen to music while working?
I manage a group of 20 people who do various office jobs such as data entry abd random clerical stuff. We are not front desk so we don't have to take phone calls. The groups' average age is 30ish and its 75% women.
I know it's a pretty easy and boring job so I let them listen to music (with headphones) and let them chatter and pretty much let them enjoy this thankless and boring job they have. Even I have my iPod here and listen to it when I'm not so busy or helping them out. Bascially I have my iPod on when I don't want to be distrubed! But they disturb me anyways.
Worst thing happened today. I had the weekly Monday morning meeting with my supervisors and they said that we've had our best month ever when it comes to production and accuracy but he wants us to cut out all the music. No headphones period! I argued that it will lower morale and it's obviously not affecting the work. But that's what they want.
Now I've got a really grumpy and unhappy group, some even think this is my idea when I told them it's from higher up. I have a feeling production will be down from now on and I'll be in trouble in the long run. Hardly anyone has done any work this morning cause they're bitching.
I was really liking this job but now I'm so stresses and sad and don't really know what to do so I decided to come here and complain. :P
Any advice?