Multitasking: The Myth That Needs Busting 

You’re in a Zoom meeting, listening to another team discuss issues irrelevant to your work. To make the most of your time, you start responding to a client email. While doing that, a colleague pings you on Teams, and just then, your phone screen lights up with an online shopping notification about your upcoming delivery. As you plan your next move, your boss appears at your desk, inquiring about the progress of a task. 

Does that sound familiar? 

I guess we’d agree that multitasking during remote meetings is ubiquitous, as it is in many aspects of our lives. However, let’s face it – multitasking doesn’t work. 

Our brains simply aren’t wired to handle multiple tasks simultaneously. Even when it feels like you’re juggling several tasks at once, you’re actually switching rapidly between them – and at a high cost. Multitasking can decrease productivity by up to 40%, increase errors by 50%, and contribute to mental fatigue. 

“Multitasking is a myth. In reality, it’s rapidly switching from one task to another, and then back again. Every time you make that switch, you pay a ‘tax’ on both your time and your energy.”
– Dr. Sahar Yousef, Cognitive Neuroscientist, UC Berkeley 

Multitasking Myths Busted 

1. “I’m great at multitasking!”
Many people believe they excel at multitasking. In fact, studies show that 93% of people think they multitask better than average. However, research indicates that frequent multitaskers actually perform worse in cognitive tasks, struggle with filtering distractions, and have poorer memory retention. 

2. “Multitasking makes me more productive.”
Not really. Research confirms that productivity drops significantly when we attempt to do multiple things at once. Think about the time it takes to recover from interruptions and refocus on the original task – you end up getting less done. Dr. David Meyer’s study found that task switching causes mental blocks that can cost as much as 40% of productive time. 

3. “Some tasks are easy to multitask.”
Perhaps, but not as often as you might think. Listening to instrumental music while doing laundry? Sure. Watching TV while writing? Not a chance. Our brains just can’t process competing cognitive inputs simultaneously. 

The Hidden Costs of Multitasking 

Beyond reduced productivity and performance, multitasking takes a toll on mental well-being. Studies show that 71% of knowledge workers report experiencing burnout, and 65% of people feel uncomfortable without access to their phones – multitasking plays a major role in this. 

The Alternative: Monotasking for the Win 

If multitasking is a productivity killer, what’s the solution? Mastering the art of doing one thing at a time is a great starting point. 

Here are some practical ways to embrace monotasking: 

1. Try Timeboxing
Focus on a single task within a defined time frame. Remove potential distractions by switching off unnecessary notifications and committing to deep work. Once the timebox is over, take a short break and repeat. Reports suggest this ‘focus sprint’ method can boost productivity by 43%. 

2. Align Priorities
Identify and categorise tasks based on their urgency and importance across timelines such as ‘Now,’ ‘Next,’ and ‘Later.’ Tackle the most critical tasks first, and remember, you don’t have to respond to every ping in real time. 

3. Block Designated Time Slots
Group similar tasks together and address them within specific time slots. For instance, dedicate mornings to deep work, afternoons to administrative tasks, and evenings to personal activities. 

4. Have Smarter Meetings
Clearly define the purpose and expected outcomes of meetings. Ensure that participants understand their roles and responsibilities. Keep meetings short, focused, and interactive to encourage engagement and contribution. 

Final Thoughts 

Multitasking might feel like an achievement that enhances productivity, but research consistently shows it to be a myth. The human brain is not designed to handle multiple complex tasks simultaneously without sacrificing efficiency and accuracy. 

Instead of multitasking, focusing on one task at a time with full attention leads to better results, improved accuracy, and reduced stress. Monotasking is the real superpower. To boost productivity and achieve meaningful progress, it’s essential to adopt strategies such as timeboxing, prioritisation, and mindful meeting management.