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

The poll of 2,000 white collar staff found 64 per cent of 18 to 29-year-olds ‘need’ to be plugged in when doing their jobs – compared to just 27 per cent of Gen X.

Not being able to concentrate amid the background noise (55 per cent) is the number one reason for depending on headphones. One of the most significant background distractions is the sound of other people on calls (34 per cent). But older generations are also contributing to the trend, with 69 per cent of employees across all age groups using headphones during the working day.

Pop (34 per cent), podcasts (22 per cent) and rock (19 per cent) top the nation’s workday soundtrack, followed closely by classical music (19 per cent). While nine per cent tune into ambient sounds, such as rainfall or crackling fires, and six per cent 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.

Annika Bizon, Mobile Experience VP of Product and Marketing at Samsung UK & Ireland, said: “Workplaces today are full of competing demands on our attention, whether that’s office chatter, back-to-back calls or the constant stream of emails.

“What this research shows is that many Brits are actively creating their own focus zones, and audio products have become essential tools for switching into a more productive mindset.”

Overall, 35 per cent 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 per cent) prefer noise cancelling tech, as 44 per cent said general background noise causes them to lose concentration, while 34 per cent bemoan the sound of others on calls. And 16 per cent added constant emails and message pings derail their train of thought.

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

Exploring listening habits further, the survey found 46 per cent typically listen to the same things every day. And 74 per cent believe there are clear generational differences when it comes to attitudes towards wearing headphones at work.

Bizon added: “When people are trying to concentrate, the quality of what they’re listening to - and what they’re able to block out - really matters.

“Comfort is also arguably most important, having a direct, positive impact on concentration in the working environment. Coupled with active noise cancellation and hi-fi sound quality, Galaxy Buds4 Pro can help some people stay engaged, reduce mistakes and feel more in control of their working day.”