Music isn’t limited to concerts, car rides or evenings at home. In some Canadian workplaces , playlists have become a regular part of the workday.
Instrumental tracks with steady tempos and minimal lyrics are often used in office settings, particularly in spaces where focus is a priority. Some teams create curated playlists designed to suit the tone of their work environment, adjusting the sound throughout the day.
Radio host Tara Jean Stevens from Vancouver’s Wave 98.3 says the impact of music in the workplace can be personal.
“For many people, music isn’t just something nice to have in the background, it actually helps them work better,” says Tara Jean, morning show host at Wave 98.3. “When the right track is playing, you can feel your focus sharpen, your stress levels drop and even those long afternoons feel easier to handle.”
Unexpected choices, personal preferences
Sometimes, the tracks that do the trick aren’t the obvious choices. Many workers have surprising favourites that keep their brains engaged. “I’ve met people who swear by heavy metal or retro pop to stay productive,” Tara Jean admits. “It’s not about what’s expected, it’s about what works for you. If it keeps you locked in, that’s the right choice.” Whether it’s a mellow instrumental or a thrilling guitar solo, music’s effect on focus is deeply personal and discovering what works can be part of the fun.
Wave 98.3 in the office
Wave 98.3, known for its blend of contemporary instrumentals and laid-back vocals, has become a go-to station in some workplaces across the Lower Mainland. With a consistent, low-distraction sound, the station aims to provide a balanced listening experience during the workday.
“There’s something about Wave’s style that just fits an office atmosphere,” says Tara Jean. “It creates a calm, professional vibe that keeps people engaged without being distracting. You want something that makes the workplace feel welcoming
Creating the office soundtrack
Some workplaces take things further, building a shared playlist or rotating music choices by team or time of day.
“If I were building the perfect workday playlist, I’d start the morning with George Benson’s Breezin’, something smooth to ease into the day,” Tara Jean says. “Mid-morning I’d pick Trombone Shorty’s Here Come the Girls to give everyone a boost. And by mid-afternoon? Kenny G’s Songbird because after a team meeting, sometimes you just need to play air sax at your desk.”
Tara Jean also recommends Laufey’s Lover Girl for multitasking mode, The Doobie Brothers’ Minute by Minute for late-day focus and Lenny Kravitz’s Honey, which she says pairs perfectly with a workplace crush.
From setting a morning tone to getting through a late-day slump, music continues to play a role in how Canadians experience their workday. For those tuning in to Wave 98.3 — Vancouver’s Coolest Vibe — it’s one more way to stay grounded, focused, connected and entertained. Listen live, wherever you are at wave983.fm.
