More work, less noise: headphones in the workplace

  • HR Policies Documentation
Peninsula Logo

Peninsula Group, HR and Health & Safety Experts

(Last updated )

Two years ago, Sainsbury’s dismissed an employee for using earphones while he worked in one of their delivery yards. He claimed unfair dismissal. When the case went to a tribunal, Sainsbury’s said their ex-employee didn’t follow their health & safety procedures as he worked around large moving vehicles. But they made a mistake… They hadn’t included their rules around headphones in their company policy. The judge said Sainsbury’s had “jumped the gun” and he advised them to update their company policy with specific mention of earphones. And that’s why you should make your stance on headphones clear for your staff, too. So, is your business pro or anti-headphones?

Headphones at work: a good idea?

Any workplace can be noisy. The sound of heavy typists, loud eaters, or incessant chit-chat can all distract employees. For staff who struggle to focus, the right soundtrack can help them keep on top of their work. And if listening to music makes work more fun for your staff, they’re more likely to enjoy their jobs. In fact, a recent survey suggests that 71% of staff are more productive when they use their headphones at work. But you might not be convinced…

Earphones and your workplace culture

Some employers think that wearing headphones at work is unprofessional. You might agree, especially if staff work with customers or the general public. And even if staff only work with colleagues, you could see headphones as a barrier that stops collaboration and harms your workplace culture. Because if everyone comes to work and keeps their headphones in all day, your colleagues can’t work together effectively. And you can’t build a friendly workplace culture when staff don’t exchange more than a “Hi” and “Bye” all day.

Your workplace

If you want to let your employees use their headphones at work, lay out your dos and don’ts in your own company policy. You could ask staff to:

  •      Keep the volume down because, let’s face it, not everyone likes heavy bass or the same songs.
  •      Use one headphone, so when a colleague is trying to get their attention or if there’s a fire alarm, they know about it.
  •      Enforce a no singing-along rule because it disrupts other staff. Plus, it’s unprofessional.

Time to write a headphone usage policy for your workplace? Call us on 0800 028 2420

FAQs

Got a question? Check whether we’ve already answered it for you…

Related articles

  • father and his young daughter posing in garden

    Blog

    Preparing for new HR laws: Paternity leave

    In less than two weeks, April changes will be here - and what’s new for family entitlements? Find out in the fourth instalment of the mini-series…

    Peninsula Team Peninsula Team
    • Pay & Benefits
  • Manufacturing

    Blog

    Manufacturing employers increase investment in wellbeing

    Nearly half of all UK manufacturing employers increased their spending on workforce health and wellbeing in the last year. Now, figures are showing the positive impact this has had.

    Peninsula TeamPeninsula Team
    • Employment Contract
  • Gender Pay Gap Deadline

    Blog

    Gender Pay Gap deadline imminent

    As inequality in the workplace remains an issue, one tool designed to identify and highlight inequality in pay is the mandatory pay gap reporting for employers that meet the threshold.

    Peninsula TeamPeninsula Team
    • Pay & Benefits
Back to resource hub

Try Brainbox for free today

When AI meets 40 years of Peninsula expertise... you get instant, expert answers to your HR and Health & Safety questions

Sign up to our newsletter

Get the latest news & tips that matter most to your business in our monthly newsletter.