Two thirds of Gen Z office workers can’t function without headphones

Two thirds of Gen Z office workers can’t work without headphones on. The poll of 2,000 officer workers found 64% of 18 to 29-year-olds ‘need’ to be plugged in when doing their jobs – compared to just 27% of Gen X. However, 69% of employees across all age groups use headphones during the working day.

Not being able to concentrate amid the background noise (55%) is the number one reason for depending on headphones as one of the most significant distractions is the sound of other people on calls (34%).

Pop (34%), podcasts (22%) and rock (19%) top the nation’s workday soundtrack, followed closely by classical music (19%). While 9% tune into ambient sounds, such as rainfall or crackling fires, and 6% opt for the more abrasive tones of heavy metal.

The research was commissioned by Samsung Electronics to celebrate the launch of its noise cancelling Galaxy Buds4 Pro headphones.

Samsung’s Annika Bizon said: “Many are actively creating their own focus zones, and headphones have become an essential tool for switching into a more productive mindset.”

Overall, 35% 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%) prefer using noise cancelling technology, as 44% said general background noise causes them to lose concentration, and 16% added constant notifications from emails and messages derail their train of thought.

Six in 10 (61%) believe they would work faster if there was less noise around them, with 37% describing light music and background chatter as the optimum working environment.

Annika Bizon 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.”