A majority of workers who listen to music using an iPod, MP3 player, or similar personal music device at work say it improves their job satisfaction and productivity, according to a survey by Spherion, a staffing firm.
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Download NowThe survey found that 32 percent of workers listen to music using an iPod, MP3 player or similar personal music device at work. Of those, 55 percent said it improves both job satisfaction and productivity.
Younger workers are more likely to listen to music using an iPod or similar device at work, according to the survey. Almost half (48 percent) of respondents aged 25 to 29 said they listen to music on an iPod, MP3 player, or similar personal music device while working.
Younger workers are also more likely to say listening to a personal music device improves their job satisfaction and/or productivity, according to the survey.
"Like many other new technologies that have seeped into the workplace, such as cell phones, Blackberries, and instant messaging, personal music devices do have the potential to negatively impact performance and security in the workplace," says Nancy Halverson, Spherion vice president of talent development. "This may be especially true in certain higher-risk jobs where the ability to hear clearly is paramount. Yet our survey has uncovered a compelling argument that allowing workers to listen to music while they work could pay dividends in the form of higher job satisfaction and productivity."
The survey included 1,613 employed adults.