The Truth About Multitasking
Multitasking doing several things at once is common, but psychologists argue it can harm productivity. While some believe multitasking is impossible, others find benefits in certain cases, like doodling during boring lectures or talking on the phone during long drives to stay alert.
Often, what we call multitasking is actually rapid task-switching, where attention shifts from one task to another. This switching comes with a “cognitive cost” a delay or drop in performance. Frequent switching, especially with interruptions, can significantly reduce efficiency. In offices, interruptions may take up to 25 minutes to recover from, costing billions in lost productivity.
However, multitasking isn’t always bad. Easy or unconscious tasks, like listening to music while exercising, can improve focus or motivation. The best approach is structured focus working in half-hour chunks without distractions. This allows productivity without the negative effects of multitasking.
