Is Your Workplace Playlist Hurting Productivity?
We all know how music can set the mood—whether it’s energising us during a workout or helping us relax after a long day. Many workplaces use background music to create a vibe for customers, but new research suggests that the tunes playing in the background might not be as helpful for employees as we think.
A study from Ohio State University has uncovered something called the “music misfit effect.” Essentially, when the music doesn’t match what employees need to feel energised, focused, or emotionally balanced, it can actually harm their productivity and mood.
What Is the Music Misfit Effect?
The research, published in the Journal of Applied Psychology, found that mismatched music—where the background tunes don’t align with an employee’s needs—can lead to mental fatigue, trouble concentrating, and even behaviours that negatively impact the workplace.
Imagine trying to focus on a task while upbeat pop music is blasting in the background. For some people, this might be motivating, but for others, it could be completely distracting and draining. The study highlights how important it is for workplace music to fit both customer and employee preferences.
Who’s Most Affected?
Not everyone reacts to background music in the same way. The study found that workers who struggle to ignore distractions—known as “non-screeners”—are most affected by mismatched music. These individuals find it harder to block out stimuli like music and may feel more depleted and less positive after listening to tunes that don’t suit their needs.
For non-screeners, mismatched music can lead to:
Mental fatigue
Reduced focus
Lower mood
Increased negativity towards their work environment
Real-World Consequences
The researchers conducted two studies, including one in actual workplaces like healthcare offices and retail shops. The results showed that mismatched music could lead to slower work performance, reduced helpfulness towards colleagues, and even behaviours that harm the company—like working less efficiently or talking negatively about the workplace.
It’s not just about productivity either; mismatched music can make employees feel drained and unmotivated, which ultimately affects their overall job satisfaction.
What Can Employers Do?
So, if the wrong playlist is causing problems at work, what’s the solution? Employers can take steps to ensure that workplace music works for everyone—not just customers. Here are some ideas:
1. Find a Balance: Choose music that appeals to both customers and employees. It might take some trial and error, but finding tunes that energise your team while keeping customers happy is worth it.
2. Create Music-Free Zones: Not every employee thrives with background noise. Consider creating spaces where staff can escape the music during breaks or when they need uninterrupted focus time.
3. Offer Smart Technology: Invest in tools like noise-cancelling earbuds or headsets with selective hearing features so employees can block out distracting sounds while still engaging with customers when needed.
4. Allow Personal Music Choices: If possible, let employees listen to their own playlists during tasks where customer interaction isn’t required. Personalised music can boost mood and productivity for many people.
Why This Matters
Music is often seen as harmless background noise in workplaces, but this study shows it has a bigger impact than we realise—especially when it doesn’t align with employee needs. By being mindful of how music affects staff, employers can create a more positive environment where everyone feels energised and productive.
The Bigger Picture
This research isn’t just about workplace playlists; it’s about understanding how environmental factors influence our mental wellbeing and performance. Whether you’re an employer or an employee, being aware of how external stimuli like music affect your focus and energy can help you make better choices for your workday.
So next time you’re curating a playlist for your office or shop floor, think beyond what sounds good for customers—consider what helps your team thrive too!