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Overview:

Multitasking has always been lauded as a positive attribute but is this truly so? The truth is multitasking has both pros and cons and this blog takes a look at both.

Multitasking refers to continually rotating between many tasks in an effort to work on all of them together. Simply put, while multitasking, one does not wait for a task to get over before starting another.

Multitasking has always been considered a positive attribute. But there are many studies which question this impression on multitasking. Is it truly a positive characteristic or is it one that has been glorified as such by organizations to boost employees’ productivity.

The term multitasking initially was used to describe the ability of computer operating systems to execute many tasks simultaneously. For humans however, multitasking refers more to switching rapidly between tasks. If humans are to do two tasks simultaneously, then they have to be two different cerebral processes.

Benefits of Multitasking

Employers universally consider multitasking as a beneficial quality in their employees. This is because it can help the organization in various situations. For example, when there is a staff shortage or when employees take days off without prior notice, other employees are needed to fill in for them. Employees who can multitask are invaluable in such situations.

• Multitasking is said to improve productivity. Instead of just completing one task at a time, multitaskers are said to be able to complete many tasks in quick succession.
• From a business point of view, multitasking will save a business money as one person can take up many roles thereby reducing the number of people employed.
• Multitasking prevents people from getting distracted from their jobs as they are required to work steadily to complete their tasks.
• For employees, multitasking might help them advance at work as multitasking is valued by employers.

However, multitasking is not easy and the following tips might help multitaskers work more effectively:

• Make a to-do list of the tasks to be completed. Prioritize them based on deadlines and difficulty levels. This will help you get started on the important tasks first.
• Manage time effectively. Break down tasks into smaller tasks and allocate time for each one. This will give you a better idea of the time needed for each task and you can plan better.
• Also set time limits for each task before switching over to the next one – ideally work on a task for at least 25 minutes before switching.

• Do not forget the importance of communication even while multitasking. Keep team members updated of your progress; also make sure they too know how you have prioritized the tasks.
• Do not hesitate to delegate tasks that can be handled by others. This not only eases up your workload but also helps others develop their skills.

The Flip Side of the Coin

Till now, we have focused on the benefits of multitasking. But this does not mean that multitasking is without its negative attributes. A recent study conducted concluded that it is only a meagre 2.5% of people who can actually multitask. While we may think we are multitasking, most of us are just rapidly switching between tasks and this has quite a few drawbacks.

Multitasking Reduces Focus:

• The constant switching between tasks reduces a person’s ability to focus fully.
• Every time you switch, the brain has to refocus.
• However, research is divided when it comes to this as some studies generalize people who multitask as prone to distractions while others differ with this opinion and claim that it varies from individual to individual.

Multitasking Can Slow Down a Person:

• While one of the main purposes of multitasking is to improve the speed at which tasks are completed, there are studies which point to the contrary.
• This is because multitasking requires people to keep shifting focus and this comes with its associated disadvantages - it prevents us from going on autopilot for routine tasks.
• This reduces our ability to work fast by taking more than usual time for routine jobs.
• Constant task rotation takes up more mental resources and as a result slows people down.

Multitasking Can Increase Error Probability:

• Rotating between tasks has been found to result in more mistakes.
• Studies suggest that students who multitask have lower grades that those who don’t.
• Multitasking does affect learning as learning requires focus and multitasking prevents us from focusing fully on a task.

Multitasking Affects Mindfulness:

• Being mindful can be difficult with multitasking as mindfulness requires a person to focus completely on the moment.
• The benefits of mindfulness are well-known and we would be losing out on quite a lot if we lose our ability to be mindful.

Multitasking and Impulsiveness:

• There are studies that show that there is a relationship between chronic multitasking and impulsive, risk-taking behaviour.
• This is because when we start a task, the brain first sets a goal, identifies the material needed to achieve it and pushes all other irrelevant information to the background.
• But when the brain is expected to do this for many tasks in a short span, it leads to cognitive errors. Thus, multitaskers might inadvertently end up taking more risks.

Multitasking and Teens:  

• Teen brains are said to be especially affected by multitasking.
• This is because during adolescence, the brain makes important neural connections and being distracted can impact how these connections are made.

The Verdict

While many studies imply that multitasking is not healthy, practically, in today’s world, we cannot not multitask. However, what we can do is pair up a difficult task with an easy one so that we can go about the easier one automatically. This will reduce the stress that comes with multitasking and also reduce error possibility.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is multitasking?

Multitasking is switching rapidly between tasks or working on multiple tasks simultaneously to enhance productivity.

What are the benefits of multitasking?

Multitasking can improve productivity, save costs for businesses, prevent distractions, and help employees advance in their careers.

Does multitasking reduce focus?

Yes, constant task-switching can reduce focus as the brain needs to refocus every time a task is changed.

Can multitasking increase errors?

Yes, multitasking can lead to more mistakes since it prevents full concentration on any one task.

How can I multitask effectively?

Make a to-do list, prioritize tasks, allocate time effectively, set time limits, and delegate when possible.

Is multitasking good for teens?

Multitasking can affect teens negatively as their brains are still forming critical neural connections.