Are Headphones Okay at the Office?

Wearing a pair of headphones can either break the rules of office etiquette or liberate you in the workplace. Headphones can be okay at the office if your employer permits it and it doesn't impede your performance. Consider modern office etiquette and the potential effects that headphones can have on your productivity and safety to help you decide.

Use an appropriate style – Avoid using a bulky, flashy pair of headphones in an office work environment. Subtlety is key for avoiding extra attention if you don’t want your headphones to be distracting to others. Using earbuds to listen to your music is a suitable, compact option. Noise-reducing headphones in a bustling office environment may help you improve your concentration. Try looking for sleek, modern headphones that are appropriate for business professionals. If you work directly with clients, they may think you aren't interested in providing service if you sport any type of headphones in their presence.

Play suitable music – If you work closely with others who may hear your music, make sure it's appropriate for the office; you don't want to offend anyone with the sound of inappropriate language or topics blasting through your headphones. Some employees report that using headphones to play favorable tunes helps them to focus. Playing easy-listening music can actually improve work performance, so choose your music selection wisely.

Don't impede communication – In office etiquette, you should avoid any action that could prevent progress. Employees must be able to communicate with one another to complete tasks, and using headphones can be an obstacle to clear communication. If you decide to use your headphones, keep the volume at a low level so you can interact with your coworkers when necessary.

Control the volume – During your work breaks, you can blast your headphones as loud as you want, but controlling the volume of your headphones is proper office etiquette. Consult your nearby coworkers to determine whether your music disturbs them; they may believe that you don't want to be bothered by anyone if you keep headphones on around them. If someone at the office complains, either adjust the volume accordingly or remove the headphones to maintain harmony in the workplace.

Assess possible dangers – If you work in an office connected to a hazardous work environment, you may place yourself and others at risk by wearing headphones. Be sure to assess the possibility of danger in your work environment if you're considering it. In noisy, hazardous environments, headphones may prevent a coworker from warning you of impending danger.

Ask your boss – Although more employers are allowing their workers to use headphones in the office, their use is not acceptable in every case. Some companies have restrictions against playing music and using headphones at work, so don’t break the employee code and get in trouble. If in doubt, ask your boss if headphones are okay for the office. Rules of office etiquette can change at any time, so stay up to date on what actions are permissible.

Remember to consider office etiquette when you're deciding if using headphones in your workplace is appropriate. If wearing headphones does not threaten your safety, productivity or job, then it is fine. Using your headphones during office breaks only is one solution that can please everyone.

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