Multitasking is a skill that most people feel is an advantage. Even employers look for potential or current employees who possess this quality. Doing two tasks simultaneously may sound really productive and efficient but is multitasking really giving you one step ahead… or is it actually doing more harm to your work? Find out in this post how multitasking is making you less productive and a few tips on how you can ditch this bad habit.
Why Multitasking Is Ruining Your Work
We all do it, taking calls while replying to email or doing two tasks at once. Now you may have finished both but how is the quality of your work? It is it the same as doing one work at a time? Apparently, people who are regularly bombarded with several streams of electronic information do not pay attention, control their memory or switch from one job to another as well as those who prefer to complete one task at a time, a group of Stanford researchers has found. If you’re still in doubt, here’s how multitasking and why is it damaging your work habit:
You Commit Mistakes
Experts found that switching between tasks can cause you a staggering 40% loss of productivity. With that said, you are bound to commit some mistakes along the way, especially if both of your tasks involve critical thinking.
It Makes You Inefficient
When you commit mistakes, chances are you’ll have to rectify them. Thus, it’s like doing your task twice. And the thing is, at work, there are mistakes that can cause you your career. Committing and learning from your mistakes is normal but what’s not normal is doing it over and over because you want to finish two or three task at the same time when you could have done better.
Lowers Your IQ
A study by the University of London found that participants who multitasked during cognitive tasks experienced an IQ score decline similar to those who have stayed up all night. Some of the multitasking participants had their IQ drop to 15 points which left them with the average IQ of an 8-year-old. A lowered IQ means your critical thinking ability and other cognitive function will suffer.
Stresses You Out
Some tasks alone are already stressful, so imagine adding two or three more task on your plate at the same time. It’s tiring and stressful when you’re stressed it affects your health, your mood as well as your work output leading to a subpar or mediocre output.
May Affect Your Relationships
How would you feel if you’re talking to your colleague or even your significant other and they’re typing away on their computer or mobile phone? It’s disrespectful and can cause friction. This is just another reason that some people may overlook when it comes to multitasking.
Say Bye to Multitasking
Next time you think about multitasking, think about these cons, and it may affect your work performance. So instead of multitasking, improve your time management, focus and do your thing.
