Don't Stop the Music, Please: The Relationship between Music Use at Work, Satisfaction, and Performance

Although there are several studies in the literature that have examined how different types of music affect performance or other organisational outcomes, knowledge about how music affects individuals in the workplace is still limited, especially in terms of perceived music use. This study aims to examine the effects of three different uses of music-namely, emotional, cognitive, and background music-on individual perceptions of job satisfaction and performance. A sample of 244 workers from different backgrounds was included in the study. We tested a full structural equation model. The results show that (1) emotional use has a positive relationship to performance, both directly and indirectly through mediating job satisfaction; (2) cognitive use has no significant effect on satisfaction and performance (even indirectly); and (3) background use has a negative relationship to job satisfaction and no relationship to performance. This work suggests that listening to music during work activities could be a positive organisational practice. Future studies could further investigate the role of music listening as a resource, taking into account other personal and contextual characteristics.

Automated summary

Although previous studies have examined the effects of music on performance or outcomes, limited knowledge exists about how music affects individuals in the workplace, specifically in terms of perceived music use. This study investigated the impact of emotional, cognitive, and background music on job satisfaction and performance. The results revealed that emotional use of music had a positive relationship with performance, both directly and through job satisfaction mediation. Cognitive use had no significant effect on satisfaction and performance, and background use had a negative relationship with job satisfaction and no relationship with performance. This research suggests that listening to music at work can be a positive practice, and future studies should consider personal and contextual characteristics of music listening as a resource.