The British workforce seems divided in their opinions about listening to music in the office.
Some claim it increases productivity and creates a more 'fun' atmosphere, while others say it's a distraction.
But new research has now revealed that more than half of Brits are siding with playing music.
Research from Fora – a provider of high-quality and flexible workspaces – shows that around 53 percent of British people enjoy listening to songs and music while working.
Two-thirds (66 percent) of them say it creates a more enjoyable work environment and more than half (53 percent) say it improves productivity and enjoys the background noise.
Office goers who enjoy listening to music while they work say it improves productivity and creates a 'more fun' atmosphere (stock image)
Research from Fora – a provider of high-quality and flexible workspaces – shows that around 53 percent of Brits enjoy listening to songs and music while they work (stock image)
But those who hate it say it can be too much of a distraction – and many now feel they can't go upstairs and talk to someone in the office if they have headphones on (stock image)
But this opinion is not shared by everyone.
About 45 percent of British office goers are against music being played while they work.
Most (82 percent) think it's a distraction, but more than a third (35 percent) admit they would change their position if they knew playing music out loud would boost productivity.
The pandemic also saw a change in Britons' working habits as they returned to the office.
More than half (54 percent) of respondents said their headphone use increased after the pandemic.
The pandemic also saw a change in Britons' work habits as they returned to the office (stock image)
Experts advised that pop music, which is designed for active listening, is likely to stick in the minds of office goers and therefore may not be the most 'suitable choice'. Pictured: Skyscrapers of Canary Wharf
Fora said this may not be the “most conducive” to a productive work environment; two in five (39 percent) feel they can't go up to talk to someone in the office if they have headphones on.
Fora explored the science behind music and productivity and worked with Brian d'Souza – founder of Open Ear and Swell Studios – to conduct detailed research into the types of music that aid focus, reduce distractions and increase productivity.
They recommended playing playlists of high-tempo music during the post-lunch break to help with focus and give listeners renewed energy when their circadian rhythm tells them to slow down.
Other tips include setting the volume to 65 decibels, as this has been shown to “benefit coworking environments.”
Employees can download a free 'dB monitoring' app and take measurements at various points in the room.
They advised that pop music, which is designed for active listening, is likely to stick in the minds of office goers and therefore may not be the most 'suitable choice'.
They recommended playing playlists of high-tempo music during the post-lunch break to help focus and give listeners renewed energy when their circadian rhythm tells them to slow down (stock image)
Other tips said that even though the office is not a library, some may need to take a phone call or concentrate, so they recommend a quiet zone.
Based on the survey results, Open Ear has curated a series of playlists specifically designed to promote the productivity and well-being of Fora members in their workplaces.
Brian d'Souza, founder of Open Ear and Swell Studios, said: 'Devoting a small portion of our brain power to listening to music while we work can help us block out other thoughts and distractions and focus on the task at hand. .
'Music is of course very subjective – what is relaxing for some may be upsetting for others – which is why we developed playlists for Fora that are intended to maximize productivity potential for everyone.'