Background music is a common feature in various work environments, such as restaurants, shops, and offices. While it can enhance the customer experience, employees often have little say in the music that plays throughout their workday. Recent research conducted by Keeler et al. in 2025 explores how employees can be impacted by the alignment between their music preferences and the music being played.
How Music Influences Employees
Two studies were carried out to examine the effects of background music on employees. In the first study, participants were asked to share their music preferences before being randomly assigned to complete a brainstorming task while listening to either fast, loud music or slower, softer music. Results showed that when the music matched their preferences, participants felt more positive. On the contrary, when the music didn’t align with their preferences, they reported feeling less positive and mentally drained.
The second study involved tracking employees three times a day for three weeks. They were required to report on the type of music they hoped to hear at work, the actual music played, and their subsequent feelings and behaviors. Findings revealed that when the music played resonated with their preferences, employees experienced increased positivity and were more likely to show support for the organization. Conversely, when the music didn’t align with their preferences, employees reported feeling less positive and engaged in more unproductive or disruptive behavior. These effects were particularly pronounced in individuals who typically struggle with distractions.
Practical Implications
Being subjected to background music that doesn’t cater to their preferences can leave employees feeling disconnected and dissatisfied, potentially leading to unproductive behavior in the workplace. To mitigate these negative effects, workplaces that utilize background music could consider providing quiet spaces, allowing employees to take breaks away from the music, or even permitting the use of earplugs or high-fidelity headphones to facilitate focused work. Moreover, when the music aligns with employees’ preferences, it can have positive outcomes, underscoring the benefits of allowing employees to listen to music while working.
The study conducted by Keeler, Puranik, Wang, and Yin in 2025 sheds light on the importance of considering employees’ music preferences in the workplace. By aligning background music with individual needs, organizations can foster a more positive work environment and enhance employee satisfaction and productivity.
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