Why we shouldn't multitask - it doesn't work!

We think we’re clever when we multitask – 

don’t do it!

We pride ourselves on our ability to do more than one task at a time, to split our brains into sections which focus on different jobs concurrently! Yep, we can do that. It’s very clever of us, but it comes at a cost. The multitasking we do results in more errors and stress and eventually leads to burnout.

Last week I wrote about chasing shiny objects and being easily distracted from our core work as a result – multi-tasking is a bit like that. We distract ourselves from all the tasks we are trying to do by thinking about too many things. It may work for a while, or it may work for minor unimportant things, but long term it doesn’t work at all.

Because we live in such a fast-paced world we feel under pressure to get more things done more quickly, but there is increasing scientific evidence that multi-tasking isn’t the productivity booster we once thought it would be. It can do more harm than good.

Multi-tasking can do more harm than good!

Here are some things which happen when we multi-task: 

• It takes more time to finish tasks if you switch between them, instead of doing one at a time. This is because each time you make that switch you have to recalibrate your thoughts back to that task. Multi-tasking holds you up.

• We also make more errors when switching between jobs – if you look back at the last time you tried to do more than one thing at once, you’ll realise that’s true.

• As well as making more errors the quality of our work deteriorates. Our brains aren’t built to handle multiple complex tasks simultaneously. When we try to juggle more than one job at a time our attention is scattered, and instead of focusing deeply on a single task, we just skim the surface of each – hence the lower quality of work and errors.

• Here’s some sciency stuff – neuroscientific research has shown that multitasking is really a myth. What we see as multitasking is our brain quickly switching between tasks. This constant switching is cognitively tiring. Each switch involves a ‘start-stop-start’ process which drains our energy and reduces our efficiency. Over time this leads to burnout.

• Juggling multiple tasks can be stressful. The pressure to keep up with several tasks at one time means we’re always in a heightened state of alertness. This can lead to the increase of stress hormones like cortisol. Over time this leads to health issues including anxiety, sleep disturbances and even cardiovascular problems.

• Multitasking can have an adverse impact on our memory. When we multitask our brains don’t have the bandwidth to encode information effectively. This leads to poor memory retention and recall.

• One of the most profound impacts of multitasking, according to researchers, is on our ability to think deeply and creatively. Deep work, a term coined by Cal Newport, refers to the ability to focus without distraction on a cognitively demanding task. Such periods of deep concentration are crucial for problem-solving and creative thinking. Multi-tasking, by its very nature, undermines this.

• In environments where safety is crucial, such as driving, multitasking can be life-threatening. Distracted driving due to texting or talking on the phone causes accidents!

Time to re-evaluate the merits of multitasking and focus on the art of single-tasking.

“If you chase two rabbits, you will not catch either one”

- Russian proverb

Next week, I'll give you some productivity tips which will help you work effectively! 

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Nan Berrett creates visibility for small business as well as mentoring small business owners and startups to help them navigate the mountain of knowledge which seems to be part of our everyday life in a digital world. She is based in regional South Australia in the beautiful Clare Valley and is happy to travel to meet clients or chat over Zoom. Find out more or book some time to chat: www.wordsolutions.com.au