Study: Bad Background Music Can Tank Productivity At Work

Researchers in Ohio have found that when background music doesn’t match employee mood, productivity tanks! This is true even if the playlist is upbeat. For example, a cashier working a busy register may prefer slow music to keep calm, but the store manager might think customers need a heavy beat to keep shopping! Music mismatch is linked to slacking off and breaking small rules. However, this effect can be combated by letting employees chose the music, or by offering silent areas for breaks. About 13.5 million Americans work in jobs where background music is constant. (Study Finds)