The best music for productivity

Music and productivity go hand in hand. But which genres really make a difference in the workplace?

In this guest post from PPL PRS, our Niche Business Awards 2025 music sponsor, Alexandra Carr breaks down the science and stats behind how music can enhance concentration, motivation and mood on the job. She also shares expert advice on building your ultimate productivity playlist.

When do we need music the most?

Productivity slumps most commonly hit at 10am and 2pm, according to Google trend data – making those ideal times to hit play.

Why prioritise productivity in the workplace?

Keeping teams motivated and focused leads to better results, improved morale, and a more energised work culture. The right music could be the secret weapon you didn’t know you needed.

What’s the best music for getting stuff done?

It’s a common question. Thanks to recent studies and surveys, we’re now closer to a clear answer.

Research shows that background music can sharpen memory, improve task performance, and release dopamine to boost mood. However, not all music has the same effect. So, instead of trawling through endless playlists, here’s a guide to help you craft the ultimate productivity soundtrack for you or your team.

Why music can help you work better

Workplace distractions are a huge productivity killer – whether it’s noise, stress, or overlapping priorities. But our findings suggest music can be a helpful remedy.

In a survey PPL PRS conducted, 73% of workers said they’re often distracted during the workday. But 80% said music helps them focus and be more productive. In fact, 66% claimed music is more motivating than any other incentive at work. And 90% said their confidence improves with a good playlist behind them.

What genres work best?

After analysing thousands of productivity-themed playlists and surveying workers across multiple sectors, one genre stood out clearly: Pop.

Pop music made up 28% of songs in productivity playlists – followed closely by Rock (26%). Pop’s upbeat tempos and familiar structure make it ideal for staying on task. Sub-genres like Pop-Rock and Pop-Punk also featured heavily.

Meanwhile, genres like Country, Soundtrack, and Hip Hop were less common, each appearing in fewer than 5% of the songs we analysed.

Interestingly, warehouse and logistics workers appear to be ahead of the curve – 55% of playlists in that sector are Pop-heavy, and it’s the most preferred genre for 30% of those surveyed.

What kind of sound and mood helps most?

According to music therapist Marianne Rizkallah, Pop music’s predictability is exactly what makes it effective. Songs tend to be around 3 minutes 30 seconds, with a regular tempo and verse-chorus structure that keeps things steady without demanding too much attention.

Other genres also play a role:

• R&B: Clean production and smooth vocals help block distractions.
• Classical & Chillout: Great for reducing anxiety and promoting deep focus, especially on complex tasks.
• Lo-fi, nature sounds, and ambient music: Useful for masking noise and encouraging flow states.

From a mood perspective, songs that are ‘amped’ or ‘chill’ are the most productive – offering either a motivational boost or a calm atmosphere for focused tasks. Less effective? Tracks that are overly ‘happy’ or emotionally charged, which made up only a small portion of popular playlists.

Keep it clean (sonically)

When it comes to sound style, nearly half of all productivity-boosting songs were ‘sonically clean’ – meaning they avoided jarring effects, had minimal instrumentation, and offered a clear soundscape.

Instrumental and quiet tracks also ranked highly, while explicit lyrics were rarely found (just 4% of songs), likely because they’re more likely to distract than enhance productivity.

Tailor your playlist to your tasks

The key takeaway? Match your music to your task.

• Use classical or lo-fi for deep-focus activities.
• Choose Pop or upbeat tracks when you need energy.
• Go for ambient or chill music to stay in the zone on repetitive or admin-heavy work.

To help, PPL PRS has compiled a curated Ultimate Productivity Playlist based on this data and analysis.

Don’t forget the music licence!

Before you start soundtracking your office, make sure you’re legally covered. A music licence from PPL PRS allows you to play millions of tracks in the workplace – boosting productivity while supporting artists and the wider music industry. You can get a quote online or call 08081348365.