The Myth of Multitasking: A Perspective from Different Angles

I used to think that multitasking was the norm, even a standard for a successful person. In today's world, especially in IT, there is a cult of multitasking. It seems that the ability to juggle dozens of tasks at once is the key to success. However, after delving into the topic, I realized that things are not so simple.

Research shows that constant task switching overloads the brain. For example, a 2009 Stanford University study found that multitaskers struggle with attention retention, memory, and structured thinking. In 2012, Professor David Strayer (Newcastle) discovered that only 2% of people can multitask without harming their mental well-being.

But what do managers think about this? How does multitasking affect team productivity and business processes?

Managers’ Perspective: Efficiency vs. Overload

From a managerial perspective, multitasking is often seen as a necessity. Projects move fast, tasks appear spontaneously, and deadlines are tight. It seems like an employee who can handle everything at once is an ideal candidate.

However, in reality, managers face challenges:

🔹 Decreased work quality – when someone works on multiple tasks simultaneously, attention to detail suffers. Mistakes become more frequent.
🔹 Missed deadlines – a person may seem busy, but actual progress on key tasks remains minimal.
🔹 Employee burnout – constant stress from unfocused work leads to fatigue and loss of motivation.

Some managers note that multitasking can be useful in the short term—such as during high-pressure periods. But if this mode becomes the norm, productivity drops.

When Does Multitasking Work?

✅ In routine processes that don’t require deep analysis (e.g., handling emails or reports).
✅ When part of the tasks can be automated or delegated.
✅ In teams where processes are structured so that task switching minimally affects concentration.

Still, chaotic multitasking without a system leads to inefficiency.

Pros and Cons of Multitasking

🔹 Advantages

1️⃣ Unexpected insights – switching between different tasks sometimes helps generate unconventional solutions.
2️⃣ Immediate sense of productivity – completing many small tasks creates an illusion of a successful workday.
3️⃣ Flexibility in stressful situations – multitaskers adapt faster to unexpected changes.

🔻 Disadvantages

1️⃣ Reduced concentration – deep focus on a single task becomes more difficult, affecting work quality.
2️⃣ Slower task completion – constant switching wastes time.
3️⃣ Increased risk of errors – especially in analytical tasks requiring attention to detail.
4️⃣ Emotional burnout – constantly juggling tasks leads to quicker exhaustion.

How Can Managers Reduce the Negative Impact of Multitasking?

🔸 Prioritization – important and complex tasks should be tackled first.
🔸 Delegation – distributing responsibilities within the team reduces overload.
🔸 Clear processes – minimizing chaos helps cut down on urgent, unplanned tasks.
🔸 Focused work periods – working in 1-2 hour blocks without distractions.

Techniques to Combat Chaos

✅ Eisenhower Matrix
Divides tasks into four categories:

• Urgent and important – do immediately.
• Important but not urgent – schedule for later.
• Urgent but not important – delegate.
• Neither urgent nor important – eliminate.

✅ Pomodoro Technique

• 25 minutes of focused work.
• 5-minute break.
• After 4 cycles, take a longer break.

✅ 1-3-5 Method
Each day, complete:

• 1 major task
• 3 medium tasks
• 5 small tasks

Conclusion

Multitasking is a tool, not a universal success formula. Managers and employees must understand its pros and cons to use it effectively rather than making it a standard work mode. True productivity comes from prioritizing correctly and working with focus.

❓ What do you think? Do you work in multitasking mode, or do you prefer to focus on one task at a time?