There has been a recent discussion in the company on enforcing an internet policy that would block us from anything non-productive, this include video/music streaming sites/services like YouTube / Spotify; instant messaging services, social networks.
It is almost 2017, and it is high time companies stop treating their employees like kids, what do you think?
Such antics betray the heart of the management: "We don't trust you." No company can thrive with such a cynical view of its talent. Also, since it's impossible to be creative and negative at the same time, I'd argue this is counter productive at its core. There is a LOT of great psychological/sociological work out there done on this subject. Look at TED talks for some good examples (if you can access them). Good luck...
Limiting people's access to music is at the same time limiting their productivity. All of my colleagues are listening to music while working and it helps us stay focused. Also, social networks are a great resource for various materials, in the long run that would bring more harm than good...
I'd question the management instead of people's choice of music. :/
Mev-Rael
Executive Product Leader & Mentor for High-End Influencers and Brands @ mevrael.com
I would instantly leave such company only because top level execs are thinking and wasting their time discussing such topics in 2017. Corporations will die. Life is too short, don't waste it on companies "treating their employees" like a kids. There are still many today, the fact is engineer has a real power to negotiate, to leave, to find another job - companies don't have much choices. They need you, not you need them.
However, if you are at the beginning of your career, you don't have that power but even in that case I believe it is possible to find a better team to work with in any region.
Small end note: productivity is important no matter where you work. Analyze how much time you spend on streaming sites, social networks and learn to control your time and work better.