Examining the Impact of Multitasking on Performance and Efficiency

Abuzar Talibov
May 24, 2023
2 min read

Updated: Oct 29, 2023

Multitasking became a common phenomenon in our daily lives, as we often find ourselves juggling multiple tasks and activities simultaneously. Many of us can relate to situations where we engage in multitasking in an attempt to enhance focus and productivity.

For instance, listening to music while studying creates a conducive background atmosphere that aids concentration. Another common example is browsing social media while watching TV. Additionally, in the realm of work, multitasking manifests as handling a variety of tasks such as checking emails, answering calls, and organizing meetings.

But how efficient are we while handling multiple tasks at the same time? Let's try to find an answer to that by summarizing a couple of articles.

Multitasking Benefits and Drawbacks

Multitasking as the term itself refers, is when we do multiple tasks or activities all at once or one after the other very quickly. It means we have to divide our attention and use our brainpower for several things at once. Although it may seem like a good way to get more done in less time, how effective and efficient multitasking is at work can depend on the situation.

In case we are talking about simple, repetitive tasks our brain might set itself to "automated" mode and we can handle the task without having difficulties since the tasks take less demand on the brain’s prefrontal cortex.

According to the explanation from the research from the Journal of Experimental Psychology: Human Perception and Performance, multitasking actually loads our brain's cognitive capacity leading to inefficient results on the tasks. Because imagine, every time when we are doing multiple complex activities, our brain sets multiple goals to be achieved sequentially. This frequent task-switching inherent in multitasking can lead to "switching costs" - the time and mental effort required to shift attention between tasks. These costs can accumulate and result in decreased productivity overall.

Forbes argues that in the current labour market, job listings continue to require multitasking skills, in which the managers are ignoring the negative effect on efficiency.

It’s terrible for business. Rather than aid productivity, multitasking hamstrings it by as much as 40%.

It’s trying for employees. Multitasking increases stress while reducing achievement and meaningfulness.

It’s treacherous for brains. Multitasking impairs cognitive ability and lowers IQ.

Source: Forbes

How to Avoid Multitasking?

Alright, let's say we identified and confirmed the facts, based on the given research/articles that multitasking multitasking can negatively impact creativity, problem-solving, and deep thinking, as these activities often require sustained focus and concentration. On top of that, there are the mentioned switching costs decrease our productivity.

So what are the ways to avoid multitasking?

# Single Tasking: Instead of multitasking, focus on one task at a time.

# Avoid Distractions: To create a productive work environment, it's important to minimize any possible distractions. It might be switching off the notification on the mobile phone or emails.

# Time Blocking: It is helpful to assign dedicated time slots to different activities or tasks. But here as well well-defined time planning is important, to have the breaks on time to avoid stress. Check Pomodoro Technique

# Piroritization: Prioritize the crucial tasks and objectives for the day. Create a schedule or to-do list and concentrate on one task at a time (Single Tasking)