How Efficient is Multitasking?

We have heard for years that we should multitask, multiply our time by doing more than one thing at a time. I encourage multitasking, but with care. Here are some interesting stats on multitasking from Key Organization Systems:

"People who multitask are less efficient than those who focus on one project at a time, says a study published in the Journal of Experimental Psychology....Managing two mental tasks at once reduces the brainpower available for either task, according to a study published in the journal NeuroImage."

"A recent study from the Institute of Psychiatry at the University of London suggests that your IQ falls 10 points when you're fielding constant emails, text messages, and calls, the same loss you'd experience if you missed an entire night's sleep and more than double the 4-point loss you'd have after smoking marijuana. On average men fared worse than women because, researchers say, men have more difficulty multitasking."

My conclusion: if you multitask, combine a mindless task with one that requires some brain cells. For example, fold clothes or empty the dishwasher while talking on the phone; put away stray items on your desk while on the phone.

How do you multitask successfully?


Blogs on similar topics:
Redeeming Your Travel Time
Capturing Usable Moments
Increasing Your Effectiveness at Work

If you need more help using your time efficiently, let us help with our Time Management books, ebooks, and workbooks.