Why multitasking is hurting your productivity

You may think that multi-tasking improves your productivity. Wrong.When we multitask we’re actually switching from one activity or focus to another. This can exhaust your brain, decreasing productivity.

Here are the most common examples of bad multitasking scenarios, and what you can do to combat them and improve your productivity.

Answering multiple emails simultaneously

If you have multiple emails to respond to and you have them open in multiple browsers or tabs, it is possible that an email you intended for a friend instead goes to your manager. The outcome of this can be anything from an embarrassing and funny story for the break room to you having to clear out your desk.

Finish your email responses one by one to avoid this situation. Before you hit send, read through your email: is it grammatically sound and appropriate to the recipient? Alternatively, create multiple email accounts. One account is reserved for professional conversations only, and for this account, you can create professional email signature and canned responses. When you sign into this account, get your professional-person hat on.

Texting while in a meeting or lecture

Everyone has probably been guilty of this: you hear a ping during a presentation and before you know it, you’re in the middle of composing a witty text response. You may think that you can still absorb a lecture or briefing while texting a brief “LOL,” but even this small action will cause a break in your focus. You could be missing out on a crucial piece of information, without which the rest of the presentation would make no sense.

Make it a habit to turn off your phone at the beginning of any lecture or meeting. The smaller the audience, the more likely the presenter will notice any disruption. If you’re someone who needs to have something occupy your hands, take notes during the meeting or lecture. You don’t need to write down everything that is being said, but make a note of anything important, especially dates, as well as anything you are responsible for.

Generally speaking, multi-tasking should be avoided in the professional and academic worlds, where focus and concentration are necessary to produce great work. Disruptions are commonplace but it is important that you do not simultaneously deal with disruptions while continuing to work or study.