Music at Work: When It Helps, When It Hurts, and How to Get It Right
Music is a common part of the modern workday, but its impact is not as simple as “more is better.”
Research shows that music can improve focus, wellbeing, and performance when used intentionally, but it can also create distraction if applied incorrectly.
Why Music Matters for Workplace Wellbeing
Music directly influences how we feel and how we function and research shows that music can improve mood and increase processing speed during certain types of cognitive tasks (Orpella et al, 2025). Music also affects the brain’s arousal levels, helping people reach a state that supports focus and productivity when balanced correctly (Khazaei et al, 2024).
Understanding how music impacts us matters in the workplace. Mood, energy, and cognitive performance are not separate from work outcomes. They shape how people make decisions, solve problems, and engage with others. For employers, this issue isn’t just about preferences, instead it is being intentional when designing environments that support how people actually work.
When Music Helps Performance
Music is most effective when it supports focus and engagement. A recent randomized study found that music can improve performance by helping individuals enter a state of flow and increasing work engagement (Sun, 2025).
This is particularly true for:
Repetitive or routine tasks
Work that benefits from sustained attention
Activities where mood and energy influence output
When music aligns with the task and the individual, it can enhance both wellbeing and productivity. For leaders, this means being aware when aligning work conditions with the type of work being done, rather than applying one approach across all roles.
When Music Hurts Performance
It’s critical to note that music is not universally beneficial or even enjoyed by individuals at work.
A systematic review found that music, especially music with lyrics, can impair performance on tasks that require memory, reading, or complex language processing (Cheah et al, 2022). High-energy or distracting music can also reduce performance on cognitively demanding tasks.
This is where workplaces might be getting it wrong. The assumption that music is always helpful can lead to environments that unintentionally reduce focus and effectiveness. This highlights the need for intentional workplace design, and not making decisions for everyone off of vibes, or what one person or team prefers.
The Role of Choice and Control
One of the most consistent findings in the research is that control matters (Scott et al, 2025).
When employees choose their own music, they are more likely to experience:
Increased job satisfaction
Improved wellbeing
Higher engagement
This aligns with broader workplace research showing that autonomy is a key driver of both wellbeing and performance. Giving employees control over their environment is one of the simplest ways to support both wellbeing and performance.
Music Is a Workplace Design Decision
The impact of music is not about whether it is “good” or “bad.” It is about how it is used.
Organizations should consider:
Type of work: Deep, complex work may require silence or minimal distraction while routine tasks may benefit from music
Type of music: Instrumental music is generally less disruptive than music with lyrics
Level of stimulation: Music that is too intense can reduce focus
Environment: Shared music can be distracting, while personal listening allows for better alignment
Practical Ways to Use Music at Work
Leaders and teams can apply this research in simple, practical ways:
Encourage the use of headphones for individual work
Avoid default background music in shared spaces
Support employees in choosing their own listening preferences
Consider “quiet zones” for deep work
Use music intentionally in team settings, such as during breaks or low-stakes activities
How to Apply This in the Workplace
A simple place to start is by encouraging employees to match their listening habits to their work. Use music for routine or repetitive tasks, and minimize it during deep, complex work that requires focus and memory.
For leaders, consider if your work environment is supporting how people actually work. Small shifts in how sound and focus are managed can have a meaningful impact on both wellbeing and performance.
If you’re looking to apply this in your organization, this is exactly the type of conversation we’re having in our upcoming Wellbeing Think Tank sessions, where we explore practical, evidence-based strategies that can be implemented right away.
Wellbeing Think Tank brings together people who care deeply about creating healthier, more human workplaces. Learn how to join our community and stay connected to evidence-based learning and events throughout the year.
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