There was a time that every job description and personal specification would ask for multitasking. The ability to work on more than one thing at one time was not just desired, it was revered. It would mean having lots of projects on the go, with the ability to move in and out of the duties, whilst always maintaining your attention to everything. It actually sounds like perfect preparation for parenting, doesn’t it! However, for so many of us, multitasking is shorthand for “lots of work and no time to think” and can leave you feeling overwhelmed, overstretched, and not achieving what you want. So, today I want to say, very loudly, that it is time to stop worshipping multitasking!

 

You have probably already heard the phrase “If you want something done, give it to a busy person”. The person who is working through their to-do list like a champ is seen to be able to balance yet another responsibility. However, that outward competency doesn’t allow you any insight into how that person is feeling.  I bet if you stopped and asked it would be “ineffective and frustrated”. Despite all of the evidence you can give them to contrary, you can’t reduce that feeling of failure. I’ve written before, and I know I will write again about the impact of the mental load. The cultural worshipping of multitasking, gender differences in expectations and ever-increasing workload, really don’t help when you feel this way.

 

So today, I’m going to give you information that I hope will help. Firstly, it’s information that YOU need. If you are feeling like you are not getting through your to-do list each day, and that it’s your fault, then I’m here to tell you, it’s probably more to do with HOW you are working. Secondly, I want you to send this blog to your colleagues and your manager. Not only to show the examples of why multitasking is hindering your productivity, by why it’s high time to let you focus, YOUR way.

 

Let’s give you the research on multitasking.

 

I have a feeling this won’t be the first time you have seen these; they have probably been parked in your brain under “to-read”. If you don’t have time to read (TLDR) then it’s simply this. When you task shift (aka multitasking) EVERYTHING takes longer! Uninterrupted focus and attention mean things are done to better quality and a faster time.

 

Now, if you want more of the specifics, here you go:

 

Microsoft has found that attempting to focus on more than one priority at a time reduces productivity by 40%. This is the equivalent of pulling an “all-nighter”

 

Hewlett Packard has found that employees that were interrupted by calls or emails during their work had a measured IQ drop of more than 10 points. This is TWICE the impact of smoking marijuana. 

 

You may be doubting the work of two IT companies (because I am sure, like you are, that this may be linked to trying to sell us something).

So, let us move over to Gloria Mark, a professor from the Department of Informatics at the University of California. They found that it can take an average of 23 minutes and 15 seconds to get fully back into the task for every interruption you experience. 

 

What is the answer to the problem that is multitasking?

 

This is a habit that we have been taught; it’s something that has evolved with open-plan offices and tech that can connect us wherever we are. It’s not helped by colleagues or leaders that micro-manage and the expectation of presenteeism, not output.

 

Simply, you have to give yourself and each other permission to focus. Rather than switching between tasks, protect your time to work on something specific. Feel comfortable to turn off your emails, aeroplane your phone, and do not disturb your IM. When you are in an office, I’ve seen some wonderful ways that colleagues physically show they aren’t to be disturbed; from headphones, to desk signs to hats. If you can, create a barrier to attention by being somewhere else; if they can’t find you they can’t interrupt you!

 

Another way, if you can’t control your time and space in the way you would want, is to focus yourself on the TYPES of activities you are doing. If you need to focus and write, attempt to do that on the same day. Should you need to do something related to numbers, it’s best to wait until another day.

 

So the answers to this are clear. When you feel like you aren’t being productive, that you aren’t getting through your work to the quality that you can achieve, there is a very good chance that it’s because you aren’t being left alone and you are trying to do too much at once! 

 

I’d love to know how you do your best work. Come over to Creating Careers to Enjoy and join over 500 people, who happen to be parents, working to create a career that works for them!

 

If you would like to read more articles on balance, then find them here.