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Coworking spaces thrive on flexibility – not just in terms of work models, but also when it comes to space design, community management, and of course, atmosphere. And what shapes the atmosphere more than music?
A recent Totaljobs study shows: 79% of employees say music makes them more productive – at the same time, 36% feel disturbed by the wrong kind of music. For coworking spaces with their open layouts and diverse user groups, this means a yes to music – but thought through.
Pros & Cons of Music in Coworking Spaces
Advantages: Music as a Strategic Tool
When used the right way, music in coworking spaces can deliver a variety of benefits:
- Boosts focus and flow: Instrumental or calm electronic music helps block out distractions – especially for repetitive tasks.
- Creates atmosphere: Background music makes a space feel welcoming, reduces awkward silence, and signals “this is a place to work.”
- Community booster: Music can serve as common ground and an icebreaker – for example, through open playlists or music requests via Slack and similar tools.
- Mood setter: Depending on the time of day, music can set the tone – relaxed in the morning, energizing in the afternoon.
- Branding & identity: The soundtrack of your space shapes its overall image.
But as many benefits as music offers, it can also be a source of friction.
Challenges: When Music Becomes a Burden
- Different tastes: What feels calming to some may seem distracting or intrusive to others.
- Concentration killer for creative work: Especially with complex or language-based tasks (like writing or coding), music can pull focus.
- Acoustic overload: In open spaces with lots of conversations, adding music may create more chaos than clarity.
- Lack of participation: Who decides what gets played? A one-sided selection often causes frustration instead of flow.
- Legal hurdles: Public playback requires licensing (such as GEMA in Germany or ASCAP in the United States) – make sure to check the rules.
The solution? The key lies in zoning and personalization.
Practical Tips: Music, Done Right!
- Set up zones: Create areas with and without music – especially effective in larger coworking spaces.
- Volume matters: Soft background music works wonders – too loud volumes become distracting.
- Get the community involved: Use polls or collaborative playlists to choose music in a democratic way.
- Headphone-friendly alternatives: Those who prefer silence can always use their own noise-canceling headphones.
- Handle legalities: For publicly accessible areas, always check the licensing rules.
Music for Different Moods and Areas in Your Space
We have created some examples of possible playlists that suit the different moods and areas in a coworking space – from quiet mornings to busy lunchtimes to relaxed evenings.
How you can use music in your space:
- Smooth lo-fi beats for focused work
- Jazzy grooves for relaxed coffee breaks
- Light indie and acoustic tracks for meal times
- Inspiring instrumentals for creative energy
Conclusion: Music in Moderation Enriches Coworking Spaces
Music can make coworking spaces more productive, welcoming, and inspiring – when used thoughtfully. The key is sensitivity to volume, style, and participation.