Over three quarters (81%) of retail businesses say that playing music in the workplace increases staff morale, and 79% believe it creates a better atmosphere for their customers, according to new research released from music licensing organisations PPL and PRS for Music.
The research suggests that silence in the workplace is far from golden, with nearly a quarter (24%) of retail businesses admitting they would go out of their way to avoid it, preferring to lose a day’s trade than operate in a silent environment.
The research amongst 1,008 small and medium enterprise owners also found that almost three-quarters (71%) of those in the retail sector say music in the workplace makes their employees more productive. Furthermore of those surveyed over half (55%) believe that playing music can increase sales or results for the business.
Christine Geissmar, director of operations at PPL, said: “We know that playing music has huge benefits and we are keen for as many business owners as possible to understand how cost effective and beneficial playing music can be. We are encouraging businesses to contact us to find out more about how they can enjoy the benefits of music while being legally compliant.”
The research also found that 86% of retailers believe that background music can help to relieve tension and awkward silences for their customers.
Psychologist Dr Vicky Williamson said: “Music positively influences consumer mood/emotional states through psycho-physiological reactions and autobiographical memory associations. It also creates a sense of auditory privacy, so valued in these days of the personal music device, thereby promoting browsing and diluting the conscious passage of time. Silence by comparison can be intrusive, as it throws unwelcome attention on the consumers’ behaviour. By extension, silence can also suggest a lack of care for the quality of consumer experiences.”
Source: PPL
