Are Your Business Premises Too Noisy? How Loud Music Affects Customers and Staff

Music can set the tone in a retail or hospitality environment. It can energise a space, create atmosphere, and even influence buying behaviour. 

But there’s a fine line between ambient background sound and overwhelming noise — and many businesses are getting it wrong.

When Music Becomes a Problem

What’s intended as a positive customer experience can quickly turn negative if the volume is too high or the music is too intrusive. 

This doesn’t just apply to retail stores, but also cafés, salons, gyms, restaurants, and even office spaces.

Loud music can:

Make conversation difficult

Overstimulate the senses

Increase stress levels

Reduce the comfort and dwell time of customers

Affect concentration and productivity for staff

For people who are neurodiverse — including those with autism, ADHD, sensory processing differences, or anxiety disorders — a noisy environment can be overwhelming, exhausting, or even unwelcoming. The same goes for people with hearing impairments or older customers who may struggle with background noise.

Are You Losing Customers Without Realising?

Think about it: how many people might walk into your premises, feel instantly uncomfortable due to the noise, and quietly walk out again without saying a word? They may never return, and you may never know why.

In competitive sectors, especially hospitality and retail, this could be costing your business repeat visits and positive word of mouth.

Time for a Sound Check

If you're wondering whether your business might be too loud, here are a few things to consider:

Ask for honest feedback from staff and regular customers.

Walk through your space at different times of day and at different volume levels.

Consider decibel levels – generally, 60–70 dB is considered moderate and acceptable for most public spaces.

Think about your audience – do you cater to families, older adults, or a more relaxed demographic?

Small Changes, Big Difference

Reducing the volume doesn’t mean losing your brand identity. You can still play music that suits your business style, just at a level that respects everyone in the space. Alternatively, consider having music-free times during quieter hours or offering low-sensory shopping periods.

You might even discover that a calmer atmosphere leads to longer visits, more thoughtful purchases, and happier staff.

Inclusivity Is Good Business

Creating a sensory-considerate environment is not just about ticking a diversity and inclusion box. It’s about building a space where more people feel welcome — and that’s good for business, reputation, and community engagement.

So next time you’re adjusting your playlist, take a moment to consider the volume. A small turn of the dial could make a world of difference.

Sound Advice for Better Business Spaces

Tip 1:

Loud music isn’t always good for business. If customers rush in and out, it might be the noise — not your products — pushing them away.

Tip 2:

Neurodiverse customers often experience sensory overload in loud environments. A quieter space is a more inclusive space.

Tip 3:

Ask your staff if the background music helps or hinders their work. You might be surprised by how many find it distracting.

Tip 4:

Turn it down a notch. Background music should blend in, not take centre stage.

Tip 5:

Consider having “quiet hours” during the day – perfect for customers who prefer a calmer shopping or dining experience.

Tip 6:

Not all sound is bad — gentle, low-volume music can create a relaxed atmosphere that encourages customers to linger.

Tip 7:

High noise levels increase stress for everyone — including your team. A calm workspace = better morale and productivity.

Tip 8:

Test your sound system by having a normal conversation. If you’re shouting to be heard, it’s too loud.

Tip 9:

Low-sensory environments aren't just considerate — they’re also good for customer retention and word of mouth.

Tip 10:

Silence can be golden. Don’t be afraid to go music-free for part of the day and see how it affects the vibe.