I’m really good at multitasking. Seriously. In fact, I get bored so quickly that I almost need to have several things going at once to keep my energy up. Answering emails during meetings, taking a phone call while cooking dinner, or working on documentation for a project while following a discussion. The problem is that research suggests I may not be as efficient as I think. What feels like productivity can, in practice, be quite the opposite.
What Is Multitasking, Really?
Many people think of multitasking as the ability to do several things at the same time. In reality, it is usually rapid task switching. The brain shifts its attention from one task to another, and every time it does, it spends time readjusting.
Researchers at Stanford University have found that people who multitask frequently have greater difficulty filtering out irrelevant information and tend to remember less than those who focus on one task at a time. It is a bit like juggling several balls at once. The more balls you keep in the air, the greater the chance that one of them will eventually hit the ground.
When Is Multitasking Okay?
If one of the tasks is more or less on autopilot, combining them can work just fine. For example, you can cook dinner while listening to a podcast or take a walk while talking on the phone.
The challenges arise when multiple tasks compete for the same attention. That is when the brain has to constantly switch focus, and where efficiency often starts to disappear.
There are also other ways to save time. If you are visiting a customer, you can schedule an additional stop in the same area. That is not multitasking in the traditional sense, but simply smart planning.
What Does Research Say About Multitasking?
Studies show that our brains are designed to focus on one thing at a time. When we try to force them to multitask, multiple areas of the brain become active, but that does not mean we achieve better results. In fact, it can increase stress levels and make us less effective.
A study published in Psychological Science found that people become both more creative and better at problem-solving when they focus on a single task. And here is the classic reminder: it can take up to 23 minutes to regain your flow after an interruption. So the next time you are tempted to check your phone in the middle of a task, it may be worth remembering that every interruption comes with a cost.
Fun Facts About Multitasking
- Cognitive Overload
Studies show that multitasking can lead to cognitive overload, reducing productivity by as much as 40%. In other words, even when we believe we are getting more done, we are often becoming less efficient.
- Efficiency
According to a Stanford University study, frequent multitaskers are often worse at filtering out irrelevant information. They also have greater difficulty organizing their thoughts and remembering details than people who focus on one task at a time.
- Focus Makes Us More Creative
A study published in Psychological Science found that when people focus on a single task, they become more creative and find better solutions.
- What Does the Research Say?
A comprehensive Stanford University study concluded that multitaskers had greater difficulty organizing information and remembering details. Another study from the University of Utah found that people who multitask heavily become less efficient and more easily distracted.
Multitasking or Focus – Which Works Best?
After reading the research, the conclusion is fairly simple: multitasking is not necessarily the problem. The problem arises when multiple tasks require the same attention at the same time.
Throughout my career, I have held roles where handling many things at once was necessary. As a Product Manager and leader, my days often consisted of meetings, decisions, follow-ups, and unexpected issues that needed immediate attention. In those situations, the ability to shift focus quickly is an important part of the job.
At the same time, I found that the biggest breakthroughs rarely happened when I had many balls in the air. They happened when I had time to immerse myself in a challenge, fully think through an idea, or work uninterrupted on a task.
What are your experiences with multitasking? Have you found a balance that works for you, or do you recognize the feeling of being productive without necessarily being effective? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below.
