As soon as the calendar hits mid-September, shopping malls, coffee shops, restaurants, and retailers across the country to begin to hit play on the holiday music playlist.

This introduction of holiday music is a somewhat polarizing topic. There are people who enjoy this transition and love hearing holiday songs and carols as they stroll through or work in their favorite stores. Others cringe at the mere mention of “Jingle Bells” or “The Addams Family” during their errands. 

However, 75% of people report enjoying holiday music. Another study revealed that people buy more holiday-related products when holiday music is present.

Obviously keeping customers happy during their holiday shopping is key, but what do employees think of non-stop Christmas carols or spooky skeleton tunes on repeat?

Overhead Music Impacts Employees (and Customer Service) More Than You Think

When selecting overhead music for your retail or store location, it’s easy to focus on the customer. What would the customer like? How would the customer feel about this? How will it impact the customer’s shopping experience?

All of those are good questions. But there is another important consideration when planning your in-store overhead music. How will this music affect my employees?

Research shows that overhead music can greatly impact employee productivity and morale. It can reduce or enhance their stress, both in and out of the work place. Improved focus, creativity, and motivation are just a few of the noticeably positive effects overhead music can have on employeees.

A study from the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, lists tempo, mode of music, rhythm of music, and complexity of music as the most important factors that influence listeners’ moods.

So, what does that tell us about creating a holiday music playlist?

How to Create a Holiday Playlist that Employees and Customers Love

As you consider what type of music you want your store to play during the holidays, keep two things in mind.

  1. Most shoppers like holiday music.
  2. Overhead music can impact the morale of employees.

It can benefit your business if you play holiday music, but only if you follow these rules that will also create a positive experience for your employees.

  • Don’t Be Repetitive: Employees get frustrated by music that is regularly repeated. Create holiday playlists that are long enough that an employee won’t hear the same song more than once during an eight-hour shift.
  • Add Variety: Add in traditional carols and modern holiday music. Variety in both song style and tempo can help reduce listener’s fatigue.
  • Include All Cultures: Don’t just play just one culture’s holiday music. Include songs that relate to all of the holidays in December as well as songs that relate to the winter season in general.
  • Ask Your Employees: One way to find out how the music is impacting your employees is to simply ask. Find out if the music is affecting them and ask what you can do to help improve their instore experience.
  • Don’t Hit Play Until December: One study found that most shoppers enjoy holiday music, but that they prefer for it to start in December. So don’t overdo it and begin playing holiday music just as the pumpkins are put away. Wait until after Thanksgiving to hit play on your holiday playlist.

Overhead music is more than just background music. It can affect how customers and employees act, feel, and think. It’s important not to overlook its power or impact on your business. Set up a playlist that improves employee morale, customer satisfaction, and your in-store shopping experience.

Want to learn even more about how overhead music impacts your customers’ shopping experience? Check out our blog 7 Ways Overhead Music Affects the Shopping Experience.

Or schedule a demo with Spectrio to see how we can help you update and elevate your in-store music.