Young female entrepreneur using laptop and thinking about e-mail she has received while listening music on headphones at work. There are people in the background.Credit: GettyNEW research has revealed two thirds of Gen Z office workers can’t work without headphones on.
The poll of 2,000 white collar staff found 64 per cent of 18 to 29-year-olds ‘need’ to be plugged in when doing their jobs – compared to just 27 per cent of .
Pop, podcasts, and rock top the nation’s workday soundtrackCredit: Getty
Not being able to concentrate amid the background noise (55 per cent) is the number one reason for depending on .
One of the most significant background distractions is the sound of other people on calls (34 per cent).
But older are also contributing to the trend, with 69 per cent of employees across all age groups using headphones during the working day.
Pop (34 per cent), podcasts (22 per cent) and rock (19 per cent) top the nation’s workday soundtrack, followed closely by classical music (19 per cent).
While nine per cent tune into ambient sounds, such as rainfall or crackling fires, and six per cent opt for the more abrasive tones of heavy metal.
The research was commissioned by Electronics to celebrate the launch of its noise cancelling Bach headphones.
Annika Bizon from the tech firm said: “Workplaces today are full of competing demands on our attention, whether that’s office chatter, back-to-back calls or the constant stream of notifications.
“What this research shows is that many are actively creating their own focus zones, and headphones have become an essential tool for switching into a more productive mindset.”
Overall, 35 per cent of office headphone users now struggle to work without them, while a fifth said they make fewer mistakes when listening to their favourite sounds on the job.
Nearly half (45 per cent) prefer noise cancelling tech, as 44 per cent said general background noise causes them to lose concentration, while 34 per cent bemoan the sound of others on calls.
One of the most significant background distractions is the sound of other people on callsCredit: Getty
And 16 per cent added constant emails and message pings derail their train of thought.
Six in 10 (61 per cent) believe they would work faster if there was less noise around them, with 37 per cent describing light music and background chatter as the optimum working environment.
Exploring listening habits further, the survey found 46 per cent typically listen to the same things every day.
And 74 per cent believe there are clear generational differences when it comes to attitudes towards wearing headphones at work.
Annika Bizon from Samsung added: “When people are trying to concentrate, the quality of what they’re hearing – and what they’re able to block out – really matters.
“Comfort is also chief among the elements that make a noticeable difference to concentration when working, as well as features like immersive sound and adaptive noise control.
“Whichever devices people choose to get them through their day have the ability to help people stay engaged, reduce mistakes and feel more in control of their working environment.”
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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