What’s your go-to trick for staying productive at work? For some, it’s coffee. For others, it’s sheer willpower. But let’s be honest — nothing gets you through the workday quite like the perfect playlist. 

If you’re the kind of person who spends more time crafting the ultimate playlist than actually working, this article is exactly what you need. 

As part of our recent Music at the Office survey, we asked 1,625 respondents from all over the world to share their favorite tunes that help them get things done. The result? A playlist packed with 1,075 songs spanning over 24 hours.

This playlist is packed with bangers, hidden gems, and unexpected favorites of all genres.. So whether you’re into upbeat music, chill instrumentals, or something in between, you’re bound to find a few tracks to add to your rotation.

Here’s the Kickresume’s Ultimate Work Playlist on Spotify.

Taylor Swift did it with a broken heart … and 14 songs

The year 2024 was the year of Taylor Swift. She dropped her re-recorded albums, went on a global tour that brought in a casual $2 billion in ticket sales, and was named Billboard’s Top Artist of the 21st Century.

You just couldn’t escape her — even if you tried (And we tried!).

So, it’s no surprise that she also sits at the top of our playlist. With 14 songs included, Taylor Swift had more tracks featured than any other artist mentioned by our respondents:

  • cardigan
  • this is me trying (Ha … fitting title!)
  • The Man
  • All Too Well (10 Minute Version)
  • I Can Do It With a Broken Heart
  • Cruel Summer
  • Lover
  • The Manuscript 
  • Fortnight (feat. Post Malone)
  • Down Bad
  • You Belong With Me
  • Sweet Nothing
  • Wildest Dreams
  • … Ready For It? 

(Taylor’s version, of course!)

2000s and 2010s take the lead 

If we look at the release dates, the newest tracks on our playlist were released just last year (2024):

  • Billie Eilish (BIRDS OF A FEATHER, LUNCH, SKINNY, WILDFLOWER)
  • Kendrick Lamar (luther, Not Like Us, tv off)
  • Ariana Grande (supernatural)
  • Taylor Swift (Fortnight, I Can Do It With a Broken Heart, The Manuscript, Down Bad)
  • Sabrina Carpenter (Espresso, Taste)
  • ROSÉ - APT. (feat. Bruno Mars)

(Literally omnipresent on TikToK). 

While the oldest stretch all the way back to the year of the Lord 1741 with classical pieces like:

  • Goldberg Variations, BWV. 988: Aria by Johann Sebastian Bach (1741)
  • Symphony No. 40 In G Minor, K.550: 1. Molto allegro by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1788)
  • The Requiem in D minor, K. 626 by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1791)
  • Symphony No. 5 in C minor, Op. 67 by Ludwig van Beethoven (1804-1808)

However, some decades are better represented than others. The vast majority of the songs on our playlist were released in the 2000s and 2010s. These decades clearly made a lasting impact on productivity (Or maybe it's just recency bias?).

Slim Shady is still the GOAT (productivity-wise)

In our survey, Ambient/Lofi came out on top as the most popular genre (14%), followed closely by Pop and Hip-Hop/Rap, both at 11%. 

While we already know who reigns over the pop category, the crown for hip-hop/rap in our productivity playlist goes to none other than Eminem, with 9 songs making the cut.

He is followed by Kendrick Lamar with 6 songs, and 2Pac and Travis Scott, each with 4. Kanye West and 50 Cent round out the pantheon of top rappers to listen to at work, with 3 songs each featured on our list.

You want a Lamborghini? Sip martinis? You better work, *****

One of the biggest reasons people turn to music at work is for a boost of motivation. Whether you're tackling a big project or just trying to get through the day, the right song can help you push through.

But it’s not just the beat that gets you going — lyrics can play a big part in it too. A few words of encouragement or affirmation can make all the difference when you need to feel like you can finish your tasks. 

Now, here’s the twist: while Taylor Swift dominated the playlist with the most songs, the track that was suggested the most wasn’t even one of hers. 

That accolade goes to Sia and her song Unstoppable, which was recommended by 9 survey respondents. The song is about feeling invincible, like nothing can stand in your way. 

This theme of perseverance, strength, and overcoming obstacles pops up throughout the entire playlist — not that it’s surprising, since it’s all about music people turn to while working. 

Some of the most well-known songs on our playlist that encapsulate this sentiment perfectly include: 

  • Eye of the Tiger by Survivor
  • Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger by Daft Punk
  • Work by Rihanna (feat. Drake)
  • 9-5 by Dolly Parton 
  • Can't Stop by Red Hot Chili Peppers
  • The Climb by Miley Cyrus
  • Lose Yourself by Eminem 

And, of course, the one and only, Work Bitch by Britney Spears.

Cheerleaders and doomcore 

Another thing that really stood out in our survey is how many people listen to music as a way to boost their mood, not just their productivity. 

Our playlist features a lot of songs that act like personal cheerleaders — tracks that remind the listener to be happy, positive, and to keep their head above the water. Some of the top picks include: 

  • Don’t Worry Be Happy by Bobby McFerrin
  • Happy by Pharrell
  • Always Look on the Bright Side of Life by Eric Idle 
  • Feeling Good by Nina Simon 

However, not everyone seems to be after that burst of sunshine while they work. The playlist also includes songs that can’t exactly be called “positive.” In fact, their overall vibe is more depressing and gray than anything else. They aren’t even pensive, really — they’re just a little… bleak.

Here are a few examples recommended by our respondents to better illustrate this point: 

  • In The End and Numb by Linkin Park 
  • Hurt by NIne Inch Nails
  • Kerosene by Crystal Castles 
  • Show Must Go On by Queen 
  • Lacrimosa by Mozart

Although these songs don’t exactly lift you up, they can create a more reflective, quiet atmosphere.

Honourable mentions

Of course, our playlist wouldn't be complete without giving a special nod to our Indian friends. In fact, three Indian artists made it into the top 20 recommended by our respondents: 

  • Arijit Singh (8 songs included)
  • A.R. Rahman (7 songs included) 
  • Pritam (5 songs included)

Even though Metal/Punk was deemed as the least popular music genre to listen to at work by 15% of our respondents, songs by artists ranging from Metallica and Black Sabbath to Sepultura made it onto our playlist. 

According to our participants, the most productivity-inducing movie soundtracks were written for The Last of the MohicansLord of the Rings, and Interstellar

By far, one of the most unexpected additions to our playlist was Andrea Bocelli with his Vivo per lei.

And there you have it — the ultimate workday playlist, pieced together by music fans from all over the globe. So, why not give it a spin? Check out Kickresume’s Ultimate Work Playlist on Spotify. Worst case? You lose a few minutes scrolling through bangers. Best case? Your to-do list never sees it coming.


Note

This anonymous online survey by Kickresume, conducted in November-December 2024, gathered insights from 1,625 global participants on workplace music attitudes and policies.

About Kickresume

Kickresume is an AI-based career tool that helps candidates source jobs and raise salary with powerful resume and cover letter tools, skills analytics, and automated job search assistance. It already helped more than 6 million job seekers worldwide.