Music In The Office – How Do We Really Feel?
What would we do without music? We listen to it while driving, exercising or relaxing. Whether we’re in a bar for after-work drinks with friends or doing the dishes at home, the benefits of listening to music are something we can all agree on. Or so it seems…
When it comes to playing music in the office, the lines become a little blurred. Some workers find listening to their favourite tracks motivational, but others think the exact opposite – listening to music at work is viewed as an unwelcome distraction. In fact, some workplaces don’t allow any tunes to be played at all.
To settle the debate, we conducted a survey to find out how people felt about playing music in the workplace. We asked more than 1,000 UK office workers what their preferences were, and what radio channels they played – and whether they think it boosts morale or not. Is it really music to our ears? Let’s find out.
Why We Play Background Music in the Office
Loud background chatter, telephones ringing, air conditioning units – just a few of the everyday noises you’ll hear in a busy office, and among the most common causes of interrupted concentration or lack of focus. Should we add office music to the list?
Not according to Dr Andrew Smith, a professor at Cardiff University’s School of Psychology. Dr Smith believes playing music in an open-plan office helps to improve both productivity and wellbeing. Rather than add to the list of distractions, he says workplace music actually helps to cancel it out.
Dr Smith said: “Systematic research shows that excessive background noise in the office may result in stress, lack of concentration, and reduced performance and efficiency. By looking at past research, we can see that several types of music have been suggested to improve performance and increase positive mood.”
Benefits of Playing Music in the Workplace
- Creates positivity – keeps staff feeling upbeat and more energised
- Boosts focus – helps teams concentrate better during repetitive tasks
- Modernises the workplace – makes the office feel fresh and vibrant
- Improves confidence – helps staff feel more at ease and comfortable
- Encourages creativity – sparks fresh ideas and more imaginative thinking
- Reduces stress – creates a calmer environment during busy periods
- Strengthens team culture – adds a shared soundtrack to bring people together
“Music that is 50-80 beats per minute induces a state where the person can resume focus and think without listening to the music.”
Dr Andrew Smith, Cardiff University
Playing Music in the Office – What Our Survey Says
Playing music in the office is clearly a divisive topic, so we wanted to understand how people really feel about it.
Our survey reveals a mix of enthusiasm, frustration and everything in between – from those who thrive with a daily soundtrack, to those who prefer total silence. The findings highlight just how varied workplace preferences can be, and why it’s so important for employers to strike the right balance for their teams.
54% are In Favour of Playing Office Music
Hearing songs playing out of a speaker or radio at your office desk can be a highlight of the working day, but for some, it’s quite the opposite.
More than half (54%) of workers favour music in the office, but we must remember that some employees just want to work in complete silence – and that’s okay. In fact, one in ten (11%) people said they hate the music that’s played in the office, which has a negative effect on their mood and approach to work.
As well as acting as an incentive to work harder, music can fill the silence, with 42% of people stating that this is the reason why they gravitate towards listening to music in the workplace.
61% of Offices Don’t Permit Music
Whichever way you feel about it, it’s good to have the option and discuss what’s right for you and your team. But according to our survey, 61% of offices don’t let their workers play songs out loud. However, many workplaces have policies that permit the use of headphones or ear buds when focus time with music is required.
42% Prefer the Radio – but 32% Have Argued Over Stations
Many workers enjoy the sound of music as they sink into their office chairs because it motivates them to get their work done faster. And out of 39% of workers who can sit and enjoy the music their office plays, the radio was noted as the preferred source (42%).
Companies that allow music in the office often provide either a radio or a smart speaker for staff to use, which introduces the option of personal playlists. However, BBC Radio 1 is the top choice for the 39% of people who listen to the radio while working their shift.
Some workers find music increases their productivity in the office, but this can lead to a whole new debate about which radio station to settle on. In fact, a third of UK office workers (32%) have ended up arguing over the choice of radio station.
Of course, music taste is a personal preference. And this means workers will inevitably have conflicting opinions on which radio channel is ‘the best’ and which genre of music should (or shouldn’t) be played every day.
Methodology: A Survey of 1,010 UK office workers was undertaken in June 2021 by Censuswide.
Can I Play Music in My Office?
Yes you can – providing you have the correct licence in place that allows music to be played for employees or customers. But the bigger question is whether it’s right for your workplace and your team.
It’s important to remember that each employee is different, and will have different ways of approaching work. While you may find music in the office beneficial, others won’t be able to concentrate. Before introducing any office music policy, you should discuss it with your team and encourage all colleagues to share their opinion.
Stopping music altogether can have a negative effect on people’s productivity or mental health, but ignoring those who find it distracting is equally unfair. Finding a happy medium is essential, and here are some top suggestions:
- Create quiet spaces – designate music-free zones where colleagues can work quietly
- Allow headphones – let employees listen to music privately via headphones or ear buds
- Set volume guidelines – agree a comfortable level so music never overwhelms the office
- Rotate playlists – give different team members a chance to choose the soundtrack
- Create genre rules – settle on styles that suit most people and avoid anything too distracting
- Use shared agreements – outline simple do’s and don’ts so everyone knows what’s acceptable
- Trial different setups – test music‑on and music‑off periods to see what works best for your team
Do You Need a Licence to Play Music in an Office?
Yes. In most cases, you’ll need a licence such as TheMusicLicence from PPL PRS. This allows you to play music aloud in a workplace for staff or visitors. This covers radio, streaming services, speakers and smart devices.
Office Music FAQs
Under The Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988, you need permission from the relevant copyright holders if you’re playing their music in public. The law covers the use of radio, speakers, smart devices and streaming services.
Costs vary depending on your workspace size, number of employees and how you use music, but most small offices pay around £200 to £300 per year. For larger offices of 100+ employees, it can rise to £500 or more. Prices are quoted on an individual basis.
Instrumental, low‑tempo or ambient playlists tend to work best, as they create atmosphere without distracting from focus. Easy-listening genres like lo‑fi, soft pop, acoustic and light electronic are commonly recommended for shared workspaces. Research also suggests classical music and cinematic music can enhance mood.
Office background music can boost mood, improve focus during repetitive tasks and reduce stress. It also helps to distract you from louder workplace noises such as chatter, appliances, telephones or traffic.
Yes, headphones are allowed in many non-customer facing offices – especially when they help with concentration. However, it depends on your company’s policy, so always check with your employer or manager.
In Summary
There is never an easy answer when it comes to playing music in the office. Our survey suggests that slightly more people find workplace music helpful, but it’s equally clear not everyone works well with background noise. The key is striking a balance – creating an office culture that supports focus and respects personal preferences while still allowing teams to enjoy the benefits background music can bring.
We recommend involving all employees in any conversation around playing music in the workplace. It’s important to agree on fair, flexible guidelines that can be reviewed regularly based on feedback. Get the balance right, and you’ll create a workspace that sounds good for everyone!
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