Tuning out tension: influence of music on stress level among project management practitioners

Purpose – Work stress is a growing concern among workers and organisations as it can negatively impact their performance and productivity. While music has emerged as a popular technique for preventing and mitigating stress, research on its impact in the project environment and on project management (PM) practitioners (PMPs) remains limited. This study explored the impact of music on work stress by testing the relationships between music, positive affect, work stress and stressors. Design/methodology/approach – The hypotheses were proposed by integrating mood management theory and broaden-and-build theory. The theoretical model was investigated using data collected from 205 PMPs, followed by data analysis using SEM (Structural Equation Modelling). Findings – Results confirmed that music is effective for work–stress mitigation as it positively correlates with positive affect, which negatively impacts work stress. Moreover, stressors positively influence work stress, highlighting the adverse effect of stressors on the psychological well-being of PMPs. Practical implications – This study provides practical guidance for PM firms by showing that music listening in dynamic project environments can promote positive affect and reduce work stress. It also highlights that music as a non-clinical coping strategy in stressful work settings can enhance employees’ psychological resilience and mental health. Originality/value – This study contributes by extending mood management theory and broaden-and-build theory to music listening in project environments. It also tests previously unverified relationships between music, positive affect, stressors and work stress among PMPs, providing a theoretical foundation for the benefits of music listening in complex work settings.