And finally… Nicki Minaj, Wham! and Queen amongst builders’ summer favourites

A study looking into the musical tastes and preferences of construction workers has revealed the songs most likely to be played on the building sites of Britain this summer.

The study also assessed the impact of music on the productivity of workers during warmer periods.

The construction workers’ top 50 songs have been assembled into a Spotify playlist.

A total of 2,948 UK-based construction workers from around the UK and between the ages of 18-62 were polled for the research. Each participant confirmed that they worked within a sector of the construction industry that regularly involves work on building sites or within a large group atmosphere.



Construction workers were initially asked if warm weather had a significant effect on their work productivity, with the majority of respondents (58 per cent) admitting that they found their output decreased during the hot summer months. A further 26 per cent revealed that the sunshine in fact improved their productivity, while the remaining 16 per cent found that the change in seasons made no difference to their work mentality whatsoever.

Next, participants were asked to share their view of listening to music whilst at work. The overwhelming majority (92 per cent) stated that they regularly listen to music whilst at work, with 73 per cent of these individuals confirmed that music helps them to concentrate on the job. Further to this, 81 per cent of these respondents revealed that the listening to music helps to create a more enjoyable work atmosphere.

All of the relevant respondents were then asked to reveal their five favourite songs to listen to whilst at work during the summer. The 10 most selected songs were revealed as follows:



  1. Nicki Minaj- Anaconda
  2. John Travolta & Olivia Newton-John- Summer Nights
  3. Queen – Don’t Stop Me Now
  4. Wham!- Club Tropicana


  5. Tom Jones- It’s Not Unusual
  6. Carly Rae Jepson- Call Me Maybe
  7. Mark Ronson- Uptown Funk
  8. Katy Perry- California Girls


  9. DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince- Summertime
  10. Walking on Sunshine- Katrina and the Waves
  11. Of respondents polled, the majority (69 per cent) stated that someone else is responsible for deciding the music they listen to whilst at work, and 54 per cent would like a little more variety in the genre of music played at their workplace. A further 37 per cent would like more music from different eras, with less modern chart music.

    Lyndon Wood, CEO and founder of Constructaquote, which made the research, said: “I am a huge believer in music not only having a positive impact on workers’ happiness levels, but also on their motivation and productivity levels. If an individual is listening to music that puts them in a positive mood, then surely that will not only improve the quality of their work, but their enjoyment of their job altogether.”

    He added: “Of course, when you work in a busy environment like a building site, it can be tricky to decide on music that will appeal to and motivate each member of staff. Our Spotify playlist collated from the answers given by construction workers will hopefully help to bring a balance to building sites across the UK as a starting point for a musical atmosphere that appeals to all, even those who like a bit of Olivia Newton-John or Carly Rae Jepson!”

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