The Hype of Multitasking
Going to my first job interviews 15 years ago, I often got the question “Can you juggle multiple tasks at once?” I enthusiastically answered “Yes!”
Hiring my first employees 10 years ago, I often asked the question “Can you juggle multiple tasks at once?” I enthusiastically got the answer “Yes!”
Multitasking has been a trait to be proud of. Being busy has been equal to being successful.
But is this really the case?
Busting the Myth of Multitasking
After being a multitasker myself, and valuing it in people around me, 5 or so years ago, something happened. I started noticing how this constant juggling, this multitasking, took a toll—both on me and people around me. Stress levels increased, tasks weren’t finished in time, and the quality of the output dropped.
We think we’re efficient in our multitasking, but instead we´re spreading our IQ thin.
Some research suggests that heavy multitasking can lower an individual’s IQ by 15 points which can be compared to losing a full night of sleep. The effect on productivity can be as high as 40%, all the while we feel like we’re keeping busy!
Multitasking, or also known as ‘task switching,’ makes us play ping pong with our attention, never really focusing our attention properly to really get into a particular task. It is said that only around 2% of the population can effectively multitask. I don’t think I am one of those special few—and many more people should be aware they might not be either.
Digital technology has taken multitasking to a wholly new level. I am a chronic over-user of tabs and constantly battle keeping my attention to the task at hand instead of jumping over to something else. Even writing this article on multitasking I have had to consciously avoid doing other things at the same time.
The constant notifications add to the multitasking hysteria, and the amount of channels we actively use.
Single Tasking Instead of Multitasking
Sure, some tasks may require switching back and forth, but even short and limited tasks can benefit from just a few minutes of sole focus.
With all behavior shifts, a good starting point is to start asking ourselves why. I invite you to consider how your current patterns look around multitasking and its impact.
There are many techniques to help keep focus, or ‘single tasking,’ one of which is ‘time boxing,” i.e. choosing a task and doing only that task for the set time. Examples of this are the Pomorodo method, or the 5-minute technique.
All one needs to achieve single tasking is to reduce both internal and external distractions. The external are fairly simple—by turning off notifications and similar adjustments and creating an environment where your focus is protected. The internal takes more discipline and willpower, but is so worth it!
I’m sharing regularly on the topic of how technology is impacting our lives and how to find a better balance. Check out this earlier post for a great place to start your journey towards tech-life balance as well as my book Tech-Life Balance: 101 Ways to Thrive in a Digital World.
Taíno Bendz is the founder of Phone Free Day and his own consulting business, and his message on mindful and intentional technology usage has reached and inspired hundreds of thousands of people around the world. He is a public speaker, workshop facilitator, and conducts research on digital technology usage. Taíno holds a Master’s Degree in Industrial Engineering and Management and has spent the last 10 years working in technology sectors such as renewable energy, healthcare IT, and software automation. He currently lives in Sweden with his family. He is the author of Tech-Life Balance.
