Audiobooks to listen to while working

Audiobooks are recordings read aloud by AI-generated or human voices. They let you rest your eyes, sit back, relax and listen and can be found on several websites, like Audible or Libby.

Once you download an audiobook, you can listen to it while working to improve your performance, rather than binging tv shows or Netflix. However, some are better than others at elevating productivity. Let’s dive into the top audiobooks recommended for listening while working, whether you’re a lawyer or a high school student looking for a good book.

The benefits of listening to audiobooks

You can gain a lot from a good audiobook, including:

• Enhancing productivity and stress management – The ability to listen to audiobooks while driving, exercising, and cleaning makes you more productive. You optimize your time, which also helps you cope with stress.

• Mood Boost – Audiobooks can lift your spirits and eliminate negative thinking patterns. This makes them perfect for individuals prone to depression and anxiety. A bestseller narrated by a calming voice can help you cultivate a positive outlook.

• Same benefits as reading a classic book – Data analysis and brain scans indicate that listening to audiobooks stimulates the same emotional and cognitive areas as conventional reading.

• Reduced eye strain – If you spend seven or eight hours a day looking at a digital screen, consider switching to audiobook listening. It can alleviate eye strain, nearsightedness, and other vision problems.

• Improves sleep quality – The light from digital screens can disrupt your circadian rhythm, preventing you from getting a good night’s sleep. Listening to audiobooks relaxes your mind and eyes to help you catch some Zs.

The best audiobooks to listen to when working

Listening to easily digestible audiobooks keeps your mind engaged. The following masterpieces can help boost your productivity.

“The Harry Potter Series” by J.K. Rowling

The Harry Potter books are some of the best audiobooks to enjoy when working. Follow the titular character on a magical journey to become a formidable wizard. It also explores Harry’s connection with his nemesis – Voldemort.

Besides being an easy listen, this New York Times bestseller is educational as well. J.K. Rowling teaches you about sacrifice and human kindness.

“A Song of Fire and Ice Series” by George R. R. Martin

“A Song of Fire and Ice” comprises eight books that take you on a journey through the kingdoms of Westeros. Many royal families struggle for a seat on the legendary Iron Throne. Others battle to free themselves from the Throne’s grip.

The Starks, Lannisters, and Targaryens are the most renowned families in this fantasy. Some are motivated by their claim to the Iron Throne, whereas others are more concerned about the Night King and his White Walkers.

The journeys from icy regions to vast seas will immerse you while you perform other tasks. Your mind will be fully engaged by the blood-pumping “Game of Thrones.”

“The Sandman” by Neil Gaiman

Neil Gaiman is one of the best contemporary writers and it’s easy to see why when you listen to “The Sandman.” This audiobook features several acclaimed acting talents:

• Kat Dennings

• Riz Ahmed

• James McAvoy

• Andy Serkis

• Taron Egerton

• Samantha Morton

This talented cast takes the story to a whole new level. The plot focuses on Lord Morpheus (Sandman), an immortal king of imagination and dreams. His realm has been taken away from him, and he’s been imprisoned on Earth.

After decades of captivity, Morpheus escapes and seeks to rebuild his empire. To do so, he must find three tools to restore his power.

Join him on this quest and you’ll see why audiobooks are superior to any physical book in terms of raising productivity.

“Ready Player One” by Ernest Cline

Futuristic novels are exceedingly popular, especially this sci-fi novel by Ernest Cline.

“Ready Player One” is a must-read, giving you a glimpse of what the planet will look like a century from now. It is set in a dystopian society where everyone has abandoned real life in favor of a video game.

All of which makes for an easy yet compelling listen.

“Sherlock Holmes: The Definitive Collection” by Arthur Conan Doyle

Sherlock Holmes first appeared in “A Study in Scarlet” in 1887. This detective novel by Arthur Conan Doyle was later included in “The Definitive Collection,” which encompasses all the adventures of the titular protagonist.  

Stephen Fry’s narration makes this one of the best books in the audio format. As a devoted fan of Doyle’s fiction, he’s written nine insightful introductions to each title.

You can listen to this playlist on any occasion, whether you’re studying, working, or commuting.  

“Outliers” by Malcolm Gladwell

The Beatles, Bill Gates, and other high achievers are no ordinary people. Something sets them apart from the rest and Malcolm Gladwell explains what it is in “Outliers.”

This seminal audiobook takes you on an intellectual road trip down the alleys of outliers. They’re the best, most famous, brightest, and most successful individuals on the planet. The author questions what makes them different.

The answer is their background, family, culture, generation, and distinctive experiences. Gladwell uses the true stories of several software billionaires, soccer players, musicians, and mathematicians to prove his point.

“Outliers” is many people’s favorite book for re-reading. It’s inspirational and easily understandable.

Speechify

Speechify is a leading text to speech converter that turns Google Docs, Microsoft Word documents, PDFs, social media posts, and more into speech.

You can speed up the narrations to up to 900 words per minute and follow along with the auto highlight feature.

Take a closer look at Speechify by trying it for free.

FAQ

Is it possible to listen to audiobooks while working?

You can listen to audiobooks while working. In fact, it’s recommended when doing administrative tasks, as it makes them less mundane.

Is listening to audiobooks just as good as reading?

Yes. Listening to audiobooks is just as beneficial as reading. It improves overall literacy skills while building your vocabulary.

Can you multitask while listening to an audiobook?

You can multitask while listening to an Audiobook because you don’t have to hold a physical book in your hands.

Why would someone want to listen to an audiobook?

People listen to audiobooks to alleviate eye strain and move around freely while digesting content.