Ergonomic Analysis on the Effect of Background Music on Working Ability

This study investigates the impact of background music tempo on human work performance, specifically focusing on a finger dexterity task. Recognizing the acoustic environment’s role in work efficiency, the study addresses sound distractions that can affect attention, stress levels, and overall performance. Despite interventions like soundproofing and background music, research has not reached a consistent conclusion on the effects of background music on human work performance. An experiment is designed to let participants complete a specified hand operation task under both fast and slow background music conditions. Results revealed a significant difference in task completion times, with participants demonstrating greater efficiency under slow-tempo music. This suggests that fast-paced background music may impede work efficiency in tasks requiring fine hand motor skills. The finding aligns with human factors theory, indicating that slow music better aligns with optimal arousal levels, minimizing sensory overload and stress, and enhancing focused task performance. The study contributes valuable insights into the nuanced relationship between background music tempo and human work performance, particularly in tasks involving precision and attention to detail.