Music in the Workplace - Productivity, Morale, and Safety

In today’s fast-paced warehousing and manufacturing environments, can music in the workplace serve to increase productivity, improve morale, and maintain safety? One often-overlooked tool is Music. This critical area was recently covered in a podcast on Mighty Line Minute. 

Employers are always looking for new ways improve employee satisfaction while improving productivity and safety. Far from being background noise, music—when used intentionally—can energize teams, foster connection, and even support safer operations. But without clear guidelines, it may pose serious risks. This blog explores the benefits of music in industrial settings, the challenges it brings, and tips for creating a productive and safe soundscape for workers. See our podcast on Mighty Line Minute S2 E27!

The Power of Music in the Workplace: A Real-World Example

During a visit to a UK manufacturing plant, the production floor buzzed with British rock—Oasis and The Verve. One worker said, “The music keeps me going through long shifts—time seems to pass quicker.” This scene reflects a universal truth: music can motivate and uplift. But is it right for every workplace? Let's try to figure this one out!

Benefits of Music in Industrial Settings

1. Boosting Morale and Well-Being

Repetitive work and long hours can wear employees down. Music can offer a quick and simple boost to morale and well-being. A 2024 PPL PRS Ltd (a UK music licensing organization) survey found:

• 54% of UK warehouse workers felt happier with music,
• 49% felt more energized,
• 43% were more relaxed.

These mood boosts can support better performance and lower turnover.

Healthcare studies back this up. A 2022 American Journal of Health review showed music reduced nurse burnout—benefits that translate to high-stress industrial roles. Music helps create a positive, lower-stress atmosphere. For example, this song by Stellarworld, All That She Wants To Be, is great pop music.

2. Improving Productivity and Focus

Music in the workplace doesn’t just improve mood—it can enhance output. A 2021 Patriot Software survey found:

• 73% of warehouse workers felt more productive,
• 88% reported greater accuracy, especially during repetitive tasks.

Generally speaking, genres such as pop and electronic, help maintain work rhythm, while instrumental tracks support focus. Additionally, 28% said music helped mask distracting noise, which can help many achieve improved concentration.

3. Building Team Culture

Music in the workplace can also strengthen team bonds. According to PPL PRS, 22% of workers connected over shared music interests. These casual moments foster collaboration and camaraderie.

A 2025 SciELO Brazil study found shared music experiences improved the Quality of Working Life, enhancing teamwork and workplace culture. Music becomes a low-cost tool for building unity.

4. Supporting Safer Operations

Safety is crucial in industrial settings. Music, when managed properly, can support it by reducing stress, which lowers the chance of errors. A 2025 OHSE article showed soothing music improved focus and contributed to safer performance.

However, volume control is critical. If music overpowers alarms or machinery sounds, it can pose serious risks. A 2025 British Safety Council report emphasized careful soundscape management to ensure safety isn’t compromised.

Challenges of Music in the Workplace

Despite the advantages, music at work can present challenges without a formal policy:

• Excessive Volume: Loud music may mask critical sounds. PPL PRS found 51% of workers said music hindered communication, and 39% struggled to hear equipment.
• Inappropriate Content: Offensive lyrics or polarizing genres can alienate team members.
• Earbud Risks: Personal listening devices reduce situational awareness, increasing risk to yourself and others in high-hazard areas.
• Lousy Sound System: Trying to pump music - good or bad - through poor, outdated ceiling speakers, a whimpy amp, or without adequate EQ - can sound absolutely horrible! So, who might be the judge of that? My ears most certainly are different from yours. But if you polled a good cross-section of employees on this point, you might be surprised at the results!

These risks make clear the need for smart, inclusive policies.

Five Best Practices for a Music-Friendly Workplace

To enjoy the benefits of music while prioritizing safety and inclusivity, Human Resources, Operations and Safety should follow these guidelines:

1. Match Music to the Task

Different work requires different soundscapes. Consider upbeat music for repetitive tasks and low-volume instrumentals for detail-oriented work. In high-alert areas (e.g., around heavy machinery), music may need to be muted or avoided in its entirety to ensure communications, including emergency signals, are heard clearly. This is especially critical for high-risk operations.

Always align with regulatory EHS standards, and consult safety or EHS officers before implementation. Supervision must be aware of any internal or organization-wide policies, so be sure to inquire.

2. Include Employees in Music Decisions

Allow employees to contribute to playlists or vote on genres where music in the workplace is allowed. This fosters engagement and fairness. But always avoid giving one person full control. A 2020 Cloud Cover Music study found 33% of workers disliked single-user music dominance. Rotating playlists promotes inclusivity, so that may be another consideration.

3. Set Clear Guidelines

Create music in the workplace policies outlining volume limits, approved genres, and music-free zones. Prohibit headphones in hazardous areas—supported by a 2021 safety study that linked headphone use with reduced awareness. The Public Sector HR Association (PSHRA) recommends clear, communicated policies to avoid conflict.

4. Use Safe Technology

Modern audio systems offer flexibility and safety. WiFi-based, multi-zone systems allow tailored soundscapes, while directional speakers minimize sound bleed. Audit equipment on a routine basis to ensure it meets safety standards, internal and external, as well as employee satiscation.

5. Monitor and Adapt

A music policy should evolve. Gather employee feedback through surveys or shift meetings. The SciELO Brazil study emphasized regularly assessing the impact on morale, productivity, and safety. Adjust volume, playlists, or policies as needed. And always ensure that music is not an area of abuse involving others, or others' sensitivities.

Music as a Strategic Asset

When thoughtfully implemented, music becomes a strategic asset—boosting morale, productivity, culture, and even safety. Consider how brands like Chipotle use curated playlists to enhance customer experience. Why not do the same for employees?

Designing soundscapes with the same care as ergonomic tools or workflow systems shows a commitment to both employee satisfaction and operational efficiency. The key? Thoughtful choices, clear policies, and ongoing evaluation.

Ready to turn up the volume on productivity and morale? Start with a music policy that respects safety, values diversity, and embraces the power of sound.

For more workplace operational and safety tips, visit MightyLineTape.com—home of “The World’s Most Durable Stripe!”