In today’s fast-paced world, multitasking is often seen as a badge of efficiency, a way to juggle multiple tasks and make the most of one’s time. It is common in the workplace, and even in personal life. It is often glorified as an effective way of handling more than one task simultaneously. But when observed carefully, one finds that it comes with many downsides that are usually overlooked. Judged from that perspective, I feel that multitasking should be a choice and not an imposition. The following are some of the darker sides of multitasking that one should take into consideration before trying to jump the bandwagon, in an attempt to feel like a ‘superhuman’, and enjoy the glorification that comes with it.
1. Cognitive Overload
While multitasking, individuals may not have the chance to fully engage with any one task at a time. This is because our brains are not designed to process multiple complex tasks at the same time. David Meyer, Jeffrey Evans, and Joshua Rubinstein in their 2001 study titled “Executive control of cognitive processes in task switching” found that when we attempt to multitask, we actually switch back and forth between tasks, rather than performing them simultaneously. We become prone to feeling disorganised, making more mistakes, or failing to complete tasks properly.
2. The Impact on Work Quality
Multitasking often results in lower quality of work done. Constantly switching between tasks prevents the brain from concentrating deeply on any one of them, and giving them the time and focus they deserve. So, if you are preparing a presentation while also dictating a letter to your assistant and checking emails in between, none of the tasks is likely to be done as well as it could have been if given full and singular attention. Undivided attention is particularly crucial for tasks that require creative or critical thinking.
3. Increased Stress and Mental Health Concerns
Being forced to multitask can increase stress levels and take a toll on mental health. When people are pressured to handle several tasks at once, it can lead to feelings of being overwhelmed, anxious, or burned out. Multitasking often triggers the release of stress hormones such as cortisol, which can have long-term negative effects on our physical and mental well-being.
4. Decreased Efficiency
Research has shown that switching between tasks takes up more time than simply focusing on one task at a time. Each time we switch, our brain needs time to ‘reset’, which leads to lost time and productivity. For instance, David Meyer, in his study, found out that the time lost while multitasking ranges from 25% on simple tasks to more than 100% on complex tasks. Hence, contrary to popular belief, multitasking actually leads to decreased efficiency.
5. Maintaining Work-Life Balance
Multitasking often results in blurring the lines between professional and personal time. With the rise of technology, it is easier than ever for work to bleed into personal life, be it answering emails on weekends, answering queries on phone outside of office hours or keeping awake at home to complete a presentation. Being required to multitask can create a constant sense of urgency and pressure, making it difficult to disconnect and recharge.
6. Frustration and disengagement
Imposing multitasking can lead to frustration, feelings of being micromanaged, and disengagement. It takes away the individual’s ability to manage their own time and work in a way that suits their strengths and preferences.
Multitasking as a CHOICE
Every individual has different cognitive strengths and work styles. Some people may feel comfortable multitasking, some may even like doing it, while others may find it stressful and counterproductive. Imposing multitasking on everyone, without considering personal preferences, can lead to frustration, inefficiency, and lower morale. By giving people the option to multitask, organisations and individuals can tailor their work habits to what suits them best. Those who love to multitask, can take on several projects, while others can focus on fewer tasks at a time, ensuring that work is completed to the best of everyone’s ability. Those who multitask by choice, are often able to focus on one task at a time when needed, even while engaged in multiple tasks. This leads to a higher standard of performance and better work quality.
Allowing multitasking to be a choice fosters a sense of empowerment and autonomy. When people are trusted to manage their own workloads, they feel more in control and motivated. Autonomy is one of the key drivers of job satisfaction and productivity. People who can decide when and how to multitask are more likely to feel confident and engaged with their work. They can also choose when to step back and take breaks to recharge, leading to better mental health and a more balanced approach to work.
When multitasking is voluntary, individuals are better equipped to assess which tasks can realistically be combined and which should be done sequentially. This allows them to organise their time effectively and complete tasks more efficiently. After all, the goal is not always to do more at once, but to do the tasks with greater focus and less wasted effort.
Conclusion
In a world that increasingly demands efficiency and speed, multitasking has become a go-to strategy for getting things done, be it in office, or in our personal lives. However, its drawbacks, including cognitive overload, reduced quality of work, increased stress, and diminished efficiency, cannot be ignored. Multitasking should definitely not be a mandatory practice; rather, it should be a choice. When given the freedom to decide whether to multitask or not, and if yes, when to multitask, individuals can manage their work in a way that maximises focus, quality, and mental well-being.
By empowering people to decide if, how and when they multitask, we can create a more productive, sustainable, and healthier work environment that respects individual needs and preferences.
Relevant
Very Useful write up.