Music plays a bigger role in our lives than we often realize. It sets the tone for how we carry on throughout the day and tackle challenges. But how does the power of music translate into our work lives? 

To better understand the relationship between music and the workplace, Kickresume surveyed 1,625 respondents about their personal preferences. Apart from their favorite genres, we also asked about specific songs that fuel their productivity. 

Here is a quick snapshot of the findings:

  • 43% of respondents listen to music for 1-3 hours during their workday.
  • Professionals in Education & Academia, Arts & Design, and Finance & Accounting were more likely to listen to music for more than 7 hours per workday.
  • With 50% of votes, Spotify emerged as the most popular platform for listening to music.
  • For 69% of respondents, music serves as a booster of productivity, focus, and motivation.
  • Metal/Punk came out as the most problematic genres to listen to at work, whereas Instrumentals and R&B we the least likely to ignite a conflict.
  • Almost 90% of companies don't have a problem with music at work, however, 40% have strict mandatory headphones only listening in their offices.

In healthcare, silence is golden—in finance, music is the beat

Although music plays a significant role in the majority of our respondents' workdays, the time they spend listening differs. The survey shows that 43% of respondents listen to music for 1-3 hours during their workday, making this the most common response. 

Beyond this group, 28% listen to music for 4-7 hours per day, while 12% reported listening for more than 7 hours — essentially creating an all-day soundtrack to their work lives. On the other hand, 12% listen to music for less than an hour daily, and 5% admitted to never listening to music at work.

While these answers show little variation across generations or career levels, notable differences arise between industries. 

Workers in Manufacturing & Engineering and Healthcare & Pharmaceuticals were the least likely to listen to music during the workday, with many reporting less than an hour of daily listening. This might be explained by the nature of tasks performed in these fields, which often demand heightened concentration or include safety concerns where music might be distracting.

In contrast, professionals in industries such as Education & Academia, Arts & Design, and Finance & Accounting were more likely to listen to music for more than 7 hours per workday. 

Meanwhile, sectors such as Technology & IT and Finance & Accounting often fall into the 1-3 hour listening range.

One service to rule them all: Spotify dominates over other platforms

Unlike the time spent listening to music, platform preferences seem to be consistent across all industries, generations, and career levels.

Spotify emerged as the top choice for workplace music, with 50% of respondents selecting it as their preferred platform. Its extensive library and ability to cater to individual preferences makes it ideal for many professionals.

Considering its appeal to those who prefer video content or free options, it's no surprise that YouTube Music comes in second with 22%. Apple Music ranks third with 17%, benefiting from its seamless integration with Apple devices. 

Other platforms, including Amazon Music (3%), radio (2%), and physical media (2%), have considerably smaller user bases. Finally, Soundcloud and "Other" options account for 1% and 4%, respectively.

These numbers also highlight the dominance of modern streaming services over traditional music media like radio and physical formats. One way of explaining this phenomenon is their practicality — streaming platforms offer flexibility and options that traditional formats simply can’t match anymore. 

Music improves focus and productivity for 69% of employees

While platform preferences and listening habits paint a picture of how music integrates into the workplace, they don’t tell us why people are drawn to it. What is it about music that makes it such a staple in so many work environments? 

For a vast majority of respondents (69%), music boosts their productivity, focus, and motivation. This suggests that music can be seen as a valuable tool for tackling tasks and staying energized during the workday. 

These findings are not surprising. After all, music can create a sense of rhythm, help manage stress, and drown out distractions in busy environments, which makes it much easier to stay on track.

For 17% of respondents, music is helpful for certain tasks but not essential. This group might use music selectively. Especially for specific situations like repetitive tasks, creative brainstorming, or moments that require extra focus.

Meanwhile, an additional 12% of respondents view music as just a background-noise killer. For them, it might be more about filling the silence or masking unwanted sounds rather than improving productivity.

Very few respondents found music to be a negative influence at work. Less than 2% said it’s a distraction they avoid, and less than 1% consider it a productivity killer. These small numbers highlight that, for most people, the benefits of music far outweigh any potential downsides.

Lyrics in music? Depends on the industry!

Since music has such an impact on productivity, it’s worth looking at what makes certain types of music more or less effective. One key factor is whether the music has lyrics. Do people prefer songs with words, or do they gravitate toward instrumental tracks?

On this question our respondents were almost evenly split. About 32% prefer music without lyrics, while another 32% said it depends on the task. A slightly smaller group, 27%, prefer music with lyrics, and 9% said it doesn’t matter to them.

This nearly equal distribution suggests that the choice between music with or without lyrics is highly personal and often situational. 

Of course, certain industries show clear trends in their preferences. 

For example, workers in Education & Academia, Manufacturing & Engineering, Science & Research, and Technology & IT lean toward music without lyrics. This preference could be tied to the need for concentration in these fields, where lyrics might be distracting from certain tasks that require critical thinking, detailed analysis, or processing complex information.

On the other hand, industries like Construction & Real Estate, Hospitality & Tourism, and Manual Labor show a slightly stronger preference for music with lyrics. In these roles, lyrics might help workers stay motivated or provide a sense of company during long or physically demanding tasks.

Senior-level workers favor rock, while entry-level employees lean toward rap

However, the choice of a specific type of music involves more than just the presence or absence of lyrics. The genre also plays a crucial role in shaping how people engage with it during work. So, which genres do our respondents prefer?

Ambient/Lofi took the top spot, chosen by 14% of respondents. This aligns with the fact that a significant percentage of people (32%) prefer music without lyrics. The calming, repetitive nature of Ambient/Lofi makes it ideal for reducing distractions and helping listeners stay focused in busy work environments.

The second and third spots are tied between Hip-Hop/Rap and Pop, with each receiving 11%. These upbeat, high-energy genres may appeal to those looking to stay motivated and energized throughout the day. Classical music comes in fourth at 9%, valued for its ability to promote concentration and create a calm atmosphere.

The top 10 of the most popular genres also include Electronic/Dance (7%), Rock (7%), Religious music (6%), R&B/Soul (5%), Instrumental/Soundtrack (5%), and Country (5%). Together, these choices show how truly diverse musical preferences in the workplace can be.

When we break down the data by career level, some intriguing patterns emerge:

  • C-Suite Executives gravitate toward Ambient/Lofi, Hip-Hop/Rap, and Classical music. This mix suggests a preference for calm, focus-enhancing music alongside energizing and sophisticated genres.
  • Entry-Level Employees prefer Hip-Hop/Rap, Ambient/Lofi, and Pop, indicating a desire for high-energy, motivational music that keeps them engaged during their early career stages.
  • Mid-Level Professionals favor Ambient/Lofi, Pop, and Hip-Hop/Rap, with notable interest in Religious Music and Electronic/Dance. 
  • Senior-Level Professionals choose Rock, Ambient/Lofi, and Classical, with an affinity for Metal/Punk. 

Similarly, trends in certain industries also reveal differences in genre preferences. Here are the top 3 genres selected by respondents from the following lines of work:

  • Arts & Design: Ambient/Lofi, Rock, and Electronic/Dance 
  • Construction & Real Estate: Hip-Hop/Rap, Ambient/Lofi, and Rock
  • Education & Academia: Classical, Ambient/Lofi, and Pop
  • Finance & Accounting: Pop, Ambient/Lofi, and Hip-Hop/Rap
  • Government & Public Administration: Ambient/Lofi, Classical, and Jazz 
  • Healthcare & Pharmaceuticals: Ambient/Lofi, Pop, and Classical 
  • Hospitality & Tourism: Hip-Hop/Rap, Rock, and Electronic/Dance 
  • Manufacturing & Engineering: Classical, Rock, and Ambient/Lofi 
  • Marketing & Advertising: Ambient/Lofi, Pop, and Hip-Hop/Rap
  • Technology & IT: Ambient/Lofi, Hip-Hop/Rap, and Pop 

These genre preferences nicely illustrate how music can serve different purposes across industries and career levels. 

Metal and punk: the music genres one in six workers can't tolerate at work

While some music genres are beloved for their ability to boost productivity and create focus, others evoke entirely different reactions. After exploring the most popular genres, it’s time to look at the flipside: Which genres would professionals rather avoid?

As it turns out, Metal/Punk emerges as the most disliked genre at work, with 15% of respondents naming it their least favorite. Still, an equal percentage of respondents (15%) stated they have no strong dislikes, suggesting that while Metal/Punk’s intensity may not appeal to many, a significant group remains open to diverse music choices in the workplace.

Religious music comes in third, disliked by 13% of respondents. This could stem from the personal nature of the genre, which might not resonate with everyone in a professional setting.

Following that, Hip-Hop/Rap (9%) and Country (8%) round out the top five. These genres can be polarizing, as their distinct styles don’t always suit everyone’s tastes or work environments. 

Electronic/Dance (7%), Rock (5%), Classical (5%), and Ambient/Lofi (3%) also appear on the list, but their lower percentages suggest they’re less divisive overall. Finally, Experimental/Avant-garde ties with Ambient/Lofi at 3%. This might be because of its unconventional and challenging nature.

Once again, if we look at the data through the lens of employees working at different career stages, the dislike for the genres of Metal/Punk, Religious music, Hip-Hop/Rap, and Country seems to be universal.

However, if we analyze which genres are the least popular among respondents working in specific industries, the picture becomes more nuanced: 

  • Arts & Design: Religious music, Hip-Hop/Rap, and Country 
  • Construction & Real Estate: Hip-Hop/Rap, Metal/Punk, and Religious music
  • Education & Academia: Metal/Punk, Religious music, and Country 
  • Finance & Accounting: Metal/Punk, Religious music, and Hip-Hop/Rap 
  • Healthcare & Pharmaceuticals: Religious music, Metal/Punk, and Country 
  • Hospitality & Tourism: Electronic/Dance, Religious music, and Metal/Punk 
  • Manufacturing & Engineering: Religious music, Metal/Punk, and Country.
  • Marketing & Advertising: Metal/Punk, Religious music, and Hip-Hop/Rap 
  • Retail & E-commerce: Metal/Punk, Religious music, and Hip-Hop/Rap 
  • Technology & IT: Metal/Punk, Religious music, and Hip-Hop/Rap 

The results show that people’s least favorite genres often conflict with their professional needs. For example, the reason why Metal/Punk is widely disliked could be explained by its intensity and aggressive tone — which can make it unfit for tasks that require focus. Similarly, Religious music might feel too personal, out of place, or sometimes even offensive in a diverse work environment.

The dislike for Hip-Hop/Rap among entry-level workers, despite being their favorite genre overall, just shows how preferences can shift depending on context. While some may find the genre motivating, others might find it too distracting or unsuitable for certain tasks.

Nearly 90% of companies let workers listen to music, recognizing its impact on productivity

While employees clearly have strong opinions about the music they listen to during the workday, the ability to do so often depends on workplace policies. After all, even the best playlist won’t matter if the rules don’t allow it. So, how do employers feel about music in the workplace?

As you can see in the graph below, our survey shows that the majority of workplaces seem to have a relaxed attitude toward music.

Overall, the results demonstrate that most employers can appreciate the value of music in the workplace. With nearly 90% of workplaces allowing music in some capacity, it’s clear that organizations understand its potential to boost productivity.

In fact, 12% of workplaces go beyond just tolerating music and actively encourage it as part of the work culture. However, not all workplaces take such an open approach. 

About 8% of respondents said music is only allowed in specific roles or areas. And an additional 3% of respondents shared that their workplace prohibits music altogether. While this is only a small percentage, it goes to show that some employers may still see music as a distraction for certain work environments.

Regarding any specific “music rules” employers might set to regulate how music is consumed during working hours, our respondents shared a variety of policies that shape their experience:

  • 45% said there are no strict rules, but employees are expected to be considerate of others. 
  • 39% said headphones are mandatory.
  • 14% described their workplace as having no rules at all. 
  • 12% mentioned a rule against disturbing colleagues who are wearing headphones, emphasizing respect for focused work.
  • 7% reported a rule against music with explicit lyrics.
  • 2% said only instrumental music is allowed.

These numbers suggest that while music has gained recognition and respect as a valid part of workplace culture, it’s widely acknowledged that boundaries are essential. In shared workspaces, respect for colleagues' focus and comfort is key to maintaining a harmonious environment.

11% of workers experienced music-related conflict, with volume disputes taking the lead

Speaking of harmonious environments, almost any subject can become a point of conflict in the workplace — and music is no exception. However, our survey reveals that, for majority of employees, music is not a constant source of discord.

89% of respondents said they had never experienced a conflict at work due to music preferences. This overwhelmingly positive response reinforces the idea that, with thoughtful policies and mutual respect, music can be enjoyed peacefully in professional settings.

Still, 11% of respondents reported encountering conflicts over music. While this is a relatively small percentage, it’s worth exploring what issues lead to these disputes and what they reveal about music’s role in the workplace.

Those who experienced conflict, named the following reasons:

  • Volume concerns were the most cited issue with 27%
  • About 21% said conflicts arose from hearing the same songs over and over again, which can quickly become irritating in shared spaces.
  • 20% noted that the music didn’t suit the workplace, which suggests a potential clash between personal tastes and professional settings. 
  • Practical concerns like free Spotify with ads (18%) and poor sound quality (15%) also caused frustration. 
  • Genre-related disagreements and offensive lyrics each accounted for 12% of conflicts.
  • 11% of respondents said conflicts occurred when music was played at inappropriate moments, such as during meetings or collaborative discussions.
  • Finally, 11% mentioned conflicts over a musical artist’s beliefs or opinions.

The data shows that while music-related conflicts are rare, they often stem from preventable issues. Volume, repetition, and suitability for the workplace are all factors that can be managed with clear communication and thoughtful policies.

However, some conflicts, like those involving offensive lyrics or controversial artists, touch on deeper personal and cultural sensitivities. These cases highlight the importance of fostering a respectful and inclusive work environment where differences in taste are acknowledged and managed constructively.

And technology-related issues like free streaming services with ads or poor sound quality underscore the role of practical considerations in maintaining harmony.

Final thoughts 

Our survey highlights that music's role in the workplace goes beyond just enjoyment. It helps shape productivity and provides an outlet for stress, making it a practical tool for tackling the challenges of modern work. 

The results suggest that genres like Ambient/Lofi, Hip-Hop/Rap, and Pop are the most popular choices, offering a mix of calm focus and high-energy motivation. On the other hand, genres such as Metal/Punk and Religious music were the least favored.

While music rarely causes conflict at the workplace, when it does, it’s typically due to practical issues like volume or repetitive playlists rather than fundamental opposition to music.

By addressing common pain points — such as setting volume guidelines, encouraging the use of headphones, and promoting diverse playlists — workplaces can minimize potential conflicts and ensure music remains a positive force.

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.