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.
What Is the Music Misfit Effect?
A study from Ohio State University, published in the Journal of Applied Psychology, uncovered the “music misfit effect.” This happens when the background music doesn’t align with what employees need to feel energised, focused, or emotionally balanced, potentially harming their productivity and mood.
For example, upbeat pop music might motivate some but distract or drain others. The study highlights the importance of matching workplace music to both customer and employee preferences.
Who’s Most Affected?
Workers known as “non-screeners”—those who find it difficult to ignore distractions—are most impacted by mismatched music. For these individuals, the wrong tunes can cause:
Mental fatigue
Reduced focus
Lower mood
Increased negativity towards their work environment
Real-World Consequences
Two studies, including one in healthcare offices and retail shops, showed mismatched music can:
Slow work performance
Reduce helpfulness towards colleagues
Encourage counterproductive behaviours like decreased efficiency and negative talk about the workplace
Beyond productivity, mismatched music can leave employees feeling drained and unmotivated, affecting job satisfaction.
What Can Employers Do?
If workplace music is causing issues, employers can take steps to better support their teams:
Find a Balance: Select music that appeals to both customers and employees, using trial and error to discover what energises the team without disrupting the customer experience.
Create Music-Free Zones: Offer quiet spaces where employees can escape the music during breaks or when they need to focus.
Offer Smart Technology: Provide noise-cancelling earbuds or headsets with selective hearing so employees can manage distractions while staying engaged with customers.
Allow Personal Music Choices: Let employees listen to their own playlists during tasks that don’t require customer interaction—personalised music can boost mood and productivity.
Why This Matters
Music might seem like harmless background noise, but this research shows it has a significant impact—especially when it doesn’t suit employee needs. Being mindful of workplace music can help create a positive environment where employees feel energised and productive.
The Bigger Picture
This study goes beyond just music preferences. It highlights how environmental factors influence mental wellbeing and performance. Whether you’re an employer or employee, understanding how external stimuli like music affect focus and energy can help you make better choices for your workday.
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!