The science on multi-tasking: Is it really a thing?
(approx six minute read)
Is multi-tasking a myth? Discover the science behind its harmful effects on productivity and brain health, and learn how mono-tasking can boost your efficiency. And some tips on how to help you stop multi-tasking.
Image by Freepik
Are you one of those people who thinks they’re good at multi-tasking? Are you one of those people in a job interview who claims it’s one of their great strengths?
If so, we’re afraid to say it’s not one of your strengths and you’re not good at it. That’s because the science says multi-tasking is actually a myth.
What is multi-tasking?
If there’s any doubt, a quick definition. The idea of multi-tasking suggests that we can effectively handle multiple tasks simultaneously.
Scientific evidence: The harmful effects of multi-tasking on productivity"
Does multi-tasking reduce productivity?
Stanford University has conducted extensive research on multi-tasking and found that our brains pay a price when we switch between tasks.
Its research has shown that the efficiency cost of multi-tasking is substantial. According to its studies, when we frequently switch between tasks, our productivity can drop by as much as 40%.
This is because every time we switch our focus, our brains need to reorient themselves, causing delays and mistakes.
The cognitive cost of task switching: How interruptions drain productivity
Being interrupted also has a pretty detrimental affect on your ability to complete tasks efficiently.
Unfortunately, at work, we get interrupted a lot. According to Gloria Mark, a professor at the University of California, on average, office workers are interrupted every three minutes.
She found it can then take a substantial amount of time to refocus on a task after being interrupted.
Her research suggests that, on average, it takes about 23 minutes and 15 seconds to return to the original task fully. That’s a shed load of time wasted when you think about how often you’re interrupted at work.
You get more stuff wrong and you’re more stressed when you multi-task
If you’re trying to ‘multi-task’, chances are you’re regularly making mistakes. Research found that people who frequently multitask make more mistakes. It also makes people more stressed and increased levels of cortisol (hormone that stimulates your stress response) in the body.
Image by wayhomestudio on Freepik
Brain health and multi-tasking
Research conducted by Stanford University's Communication between Humans and Interactive Media Lab reveals that multitasking can significantly impair the brain's ability to filter out irrelevant information. The brain, when overloaded with simultaneous tasks, struggles to prioritise and process essential information effectively.
Multi-tasking with technology (phones, laptops, Ipads etc)
Simultaneously using mobile phones, laptops and other media devices could change the structure of our brains, according to University of Sussex research.
They found that, independent of individual personality traits, people who used a higher number of media devices concurrently also had smaller grey matter density in the part of the brain known as the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC), the region notably responsible for cognitive and emotional control functions.
Professor Anthony Wagner from Stanford University also says the data around multi-tasking suggests a reduction in memory.
Master the art of mono-tasking
How about trying monotasking, which, according to Harvard Health Publishing, means ‘focus on only one job until it's completed.’
They say ‘Effective monotasking revolves around managing time well, working for brief periods, blocking distractions, and managing stress.’
Here are eight ways to stop multi-tasking and get more shit done (and probably help your mental fitness).
One thing at a time – You’ll get more tasks done by doing them individually – and probably make less mistakes.
Complete one task before starting another – Make sure you finish tasks to closure before starting the next one. There is great productivity momentum in finishing things to done before taking on the next task.
Don’t Let Small Tasks Interrupt Big Ones – Resist letting small items interrupt big ones. Don’t pick up that two minute task just because it’s easy. Don’t answer that email just because you saw it drop into your inbox.
Turn off the unneeded tech – Close your email, turn off the phone, and put down the unneeded tech while you are working.
Clean Your Workspace – A cluttered desk is a multi-tasker’s dream. Lots of random things to pick up and work on instead of your work. Clear your desk of everything but the task you intend to work on.
Make an appointment with your work – Schedule an appointment with your toughest tasks. Designate time to work on one task or project. Go to a meeting room or work location if it helps concentrate on the task at hand.
Eliminate Interruptions – Interruptions are multi-tasking in disguise. Prevent them by turning off the ringers/beeps, the email and Teams notifications, and if you have your own office at work, sometimes it is okay to close your office door.
Set boundaries – if you manage a team and are constantly being interrupted, communicate that you need some time to focus. Perhaps try putting digital invites in their diary so they know you’re spending time focusing on a particular task.