Survey also reveals the best ones to boost worker productivity
As December brings the festive spirit to offices worldwide, a new study has identified the 10 most distracting Christmas songs to play at work.
The research aims to guide workplaces in selecting music that boosts productivity rather than hindering it.
The study, by CSGOLuc, analyzed the beats per minute (BPM) of the 200 most popular Christmas songs on Spotify. Spotify research suggests that music within the range of 50 to 80 BPM induces an 'alpha state' in the brain, associated with increased relaxation, focus, and receptiveness — ideal for productivity.
Beyond 80 BPM, the brain tends to work harder to process the sound, potentially causing distraction, according to CSGOLuc.
The 10 Most Distracting Christmas Songs at Work
- Last Christmas - Ariana Grande (206 BPM)
- The Happiest Christmas Tree - Nat King Cole (205 BPM)
- Mele Kalikimaka - Bing Crosby (202 BPM)
- It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year - Andy Williams (201 BPM)
- Santa Tell Me - Ariana Grande (191 BPM)
- Christmas Eve / Sarajevo 12/24 - Trans-Siberian Orchestra (186 BPM)
- Caroling, Caroling - Nat King Cole (185 BPM)
- Christmas Dream - Perry Como (184 BPM)
- This Christmas - Christina Aguilera (183 BPM)
- Please Come Home for Christmas - Eagles (183 BPM)
Ariana Grande's "Last Christmas" tops the distracting list with a BPM of 206, more than triple the recommended range for effective work. Other popular Christmas songs, including Mariah Carey's "All I Want For Christmas," are also on the distracting list.
“Christmas music brings holiday cheer and a morale boost to the workplace. But our study shows you should be careful about what you play in the office, as it could distract and harm productivity. Data shows you shouldn’t play danceable songs if you’re trying to concentrate on work, as the tempo is much higher than the recommended amount. Gentler tracks that can be played as background music are best if you’re trying to get work done,” said a CSGOLuc spokesperson.
Top 10 Christmas Songs for Productivity
- Rockin’ Around The Christmas Tree - Brenda Lee (67 BPM)
- Silver Bells - Bing Crosby (70 BPM)
- A Holly Jolly Christmas - Brett Eldredge (72 BPM)
- O Christmas Tree - Tony Bennett (74 BPM)
- Happy Holiday / The Holiday Season - Andy Williams (74 BPM)
- Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas - Sam Smith (75 BPM)
- Frosty The Snowman - Ella Fitzgerald (77 BPM)
- Fairytale of New York - The Pogues (78 BPM)
- The Christmas Song - Nat King Cole (79 BPM)
- Here Comes Santa Claus - Elvis Presley (79 BPM)
The study indicates that jazzy Christmas classics from the '40s to '60s dominate the list of songs conducive to productivity. The Pogues' "Fairytale of New York" stands out with a BPM of 78.
CSGOLuck also identified the most danceable Christmas hits.
Top 10 Most Danceable Christmas Hits
- At Christmas - Kylie Minogue (79%)
- Cozy Little Christmas - Katy Perry (77%)
- Wonderful Christmastime - Paul McCartney (77%)
- Jingle Bell Rock - Bobby Helms (75%)
- Santa Baby - Ariana Grande (74%)
- Last Christmas - Wham! (73%)
- Like It’s Christmas - Jonas Brothers (72%)
- It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas - Perry Como (72%)
- Snowman - Sia (71%)
- Merry Christmas Baby - Otis Redding (71%)