Study reveals headphones are now integral to concentration as over a third of Brits need to be ‘plugged in’ for work productivity. Over a third (36%) of Brits say they use the same one set of headphones or earbuds for everything, from work to gym to commute. Nearly six in ten Gen Z (55%) say that they actively can’t concentrate without something in the background of their headphones, nearly double that of Generation X (27%). Heavy metalAside from music, one in ten Brits tune into the radio to help them concentrate at work, while 19% find solace in classical renditions. When it comes to generational divides, headphone use is most common amongst Gen Z – with 69% of Gen Z even wearing them without anything playing.

Source: The Herald March 03, 2026 16:41 UTC