Work from home music playlist could boost productivity and reduce stress, expert says 

A carefully chosen playlist of music could be the difference between a distracted working day and one that feels focused, calm and productive, according to new insight from a music expert. 

With more UK employees continuing to work from home, music is becoming a daily fixture. But pressing play without thinking about what comes next could be undermining both performance and wellbeing. 

Research suggests music can influence mood, concentration and even memory, activating multiple areas of the brain while helping to reduce stress. For employers and employees alike, this points to a simple but often overlooked lever in workplace health and wellbeing. 

Music expert Sarah Gillan from Kelvinside Academy said the key is choosing tracks that support focus, not compete for attention. 

“You want music that reduces the cognitive load and limits distraction. It should help you focus, not give you more to think about,” she said. 

Tempo plays a central role. Songs in the 70 to 90 beats per minute range are said to help maintain steady concentration, particularly for tasks such as emails, meetings and project work. 

That means familiar tracks from artists including Adele, Coldplay and Ed Sheeran could be doing more than filling the silence. They may be helping to create a calmer, more controlled working environment. 

For creative tasks, slightly more upbeat music can help increase energy, but balance remains important. 

“If you’re writing or doing something creative, you can go for something a little more upbeat,” Gillan said. “Something that gets your creative juices flowing. It shouldn’t be too distracting, but it should give you that energy.” 

Instrumental music is also emerging as a strong option, particularly for tasks that require deeper concentration. Piano-led compositions and minimalist soundtracks can help support what is often referred to as an “alpha state”, where the brain is relaxed but alert. 

There is also a growing case for gaming soundtracks in the working day. 

“It’s written so that people can listen to it for hours,” Gillan said. “It has to be engaging, but it can’t be distracting or annoying.” 

Because of this, gaming music can support longer periods of uninterrupted work, offering a structured but subtle background that keeps the brain engaged without pulling focus away from the task. 

For those struggling with distractions at home, headphones can also play a role in creating clearer boundaries between work and personal life. 

Gillan described this as creating an “auditory bubble”, helping workers feel more immersed and in control of their environment. 

“It helps you feel zoned in,” she said. 

For many, the biggest challenge is lyrics. While familiar songs can feel comforting, they can interfere with tasks that require language processing. 

Switching to instrumental or karaoke versions of favourite tracks offers a simple workaround, allowing employees to maintain focus without losing the benefits of music. 

The wider implication is clear. Small environmental factors, often overlooked in workplace wellbeing strategies, can have a direct impact on how people think, feel and perform. 

For UK employers, navigating ongoing productivity challenges and rising levels of stress, the answer may not always lie in large-scale interventions. 

Sometimes, it starts with what is playing in the background.