Giving up Multitasking To Boost Productivity
Much research has been done on multitasking in the last 10 years, and one conclusion has been drawn: multitasking does not boost productivity. Depending on the tasks, multitasking can actually result in wasting 20 to 40 percent of time.
When we switch tasks, our minds must reorient to cope with the new information. When we multi-task, we reorient rapidly, and our concentration and quality of work suffer.
Another major downside to multitasking is its effect on stress levels. Dealing with multiple things at once makes us anxious, drained and frazzled.
Try these simple steps to avoid multi-tasking and get the most out of your day.
Do one thing at a time. When you focus on one task, you’ll do it quicker and with fewer mistakes.
Be present. Be present with your work and with those you are working with. Stay on your current ‘To Do’ and don’t let your focus float to other tasks.
Don’t let small tasks interrupt big ones. Don’t pick up that two-minute task just because it’s easy. For example, don’t stop working on a task to answer an email that just arrived in your Inbox.
Clean your workspace. A cluttered desk, work truck or computer screen is a multi-tasker’s dream. Clear your workspace of everything but the task you intend to work on.
Make an appointment with your work. Schedule an appointment for your toughest tasks. Designate time to work on one task or project at a time.
Eliminate interruptions. Interruptions are multi-tasking in disguise. Prevent them by turning off the ringers/beeps and the email notifications.
