Studies have shown that certain background music can fire off endorphins, boost dopamine levels and improve concentration. Carefully arranged harmonies, rhythms and bass lines can even help slow a listener’s heart rate, reduce blood pressure and lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol.
But despite the many benefits, the decision over whether to play music in the office still splits opinion. While 53% of British office-goers like music being played at work, 45% are of the opposite view, according to a survey by workspace provider Fora.
Those supportive of playing tunes in the office say it creates a more fun work environment and helps with productivity. Of those against it, most (82%) think it can be a distraction but over a third (35%) would change their stance if they knew playing music out loud was proven to aid productivity.
With an abundance of “office-friendly” playlists on Spotify, should workers be turning the volume up or is it best to toil away in silence?
Music in the office is a hotbed of potential disputes
While there might be some truth in the idea that music enhances the workplace experience, in reality it’s challenging to manage and can create a host of issues for employers. No one likes a killjoy, so I’m not suggesting music should be banished completely, but headphones are advisable rather than blaring music across the office.
It’s inevitable that there will be diverse musical tastes within any team. It’s impossible to keep everyone happy and, at worst, it could even lead to messy claims and unnecessary disputes.
Some lyrics contain references that aren’t appropriate in an office environment, including racist, misogynistic and homophobic language. Employers have a responsibility to provide a working environment free from harassment and discrimination so, unless employers are prepared to closely monitor every song that is played, they could find themselves on the receiving end of costly tribunal claims.
No one needs to force their musical preference on others
It’s also important to consider the needs of neurodivergent team members. No workplace is completely silent, but employers must think about the impact background music could have on those with autism or ADHD. Sensitivity to noise, including music – and colleagues humming and tapping along to music – may impact their cognitive function and could induce considerable stress and anxiety. The needs of all employees should be considered. Those that fail to do so could lose valuable talent or even fall foul of the Equality Act.
Productivity is also an important consideration. Employees completing tasks that require focus and attention to detail may become distracted and get less done.
The office is already a hotbed of potential disputes and within multi-generational teams it’s unlikely that everyone will share the same taste in music, leading to disagreements and loss of time in dealing with employee grievances. While staff could potentially select a playlist collaboratively, it would prove challenging to manage in practice.
Being respectful is the key – music brings many benefits but it’s a personal choice and should remain that way. No one needs to force their musical preference on others, particularly those who would prefer a quiet environment. Conflict and a sour atmosphere does little to create a positive culture. By all means enjoy your music, but don’t subject the rest of the office to it.
The right playlist has both strategic and cultural advantages
Having music playing in the office can create a more stimulating and enjoyable environment for the team. It tends to have an office-wide effect, reducing stress and tension and making everyone feel lighter.
Music can also become a unifying and collaborative force, as team members can discuss their preferences or find common ground on a new album they love. This enhances company culture and helps to create more cohesive teams.
Beyond company culture, playing music in the office also has a strategic advantage. When employees feel valued, supported, and engaged, their morale naturally rises and this can translate into increased productivity and creativity. Ultimately, a happier, more engaged workforce is more likely to deliver exceptional results for a business.
It can act as a catalyst for creativity and problem-solving. Background music can stimulate fresh perspectives and encourage out-of-the-box thinking.
It’s worth having a couple of office playlists to choose from
In some office spaces, background music is a necessity as it can easily mask unwanted noise distractions. Take open-plan office spaces, where at any given point someone could be eating, chatting, taking an important call or trying to focus. Introducing carefully selected music at the right noise levels can cover these distracting sounds and create a more acoustically relaxing environment that helps employees focus on their tasks.
There will be times when music could prove a distraction in the workplace. For example, take a situation where team members are trying to focus while high-tempo dance music is playing in the office – that would be detrimental to productivity. However, usually that’s due to someone choosing the wrong type of music, rather than music being a distraction altogether.
If that’s a concern for managers, it’s worth having a couple of office playlists to choose from – an upbeat one for the mornings when everyone has the most energy and a relaxed one for focused work in the afternoon works really well for us. That way you can be sure that any music being played in the office will aid innovation and productivity rather than hinder it.
