There have been many debates over whether multitasking enhances or lowers productivity. Despite the controversy surrounding it, the fact of the matter is that multitasking has both advantages and disadvantages.
On one hand, multitasking lets people take in more tasks and adds variety to a typical workday. However, working on several things at once can be overwhelming to anyone, possibly resulting in meager work output. To maximize the usefulness of multitasking, it is crucial to do this in a way that maximizes its advantages while keeping its disadvantages at a minimum.
The Pros of Multitasking
Multitasking actually has its benefits for certain tasks. Performing a number of search engine optimization tasks simultaneously allows us to finish more tasks within an 8-hour workday. The ability to switch between different projects can also stimulate our creativity, keep us from being bored, or even inspire us.
In addition, multitasking teaches us to manage our vacant time productively. For example, you can send an email to your boss while waiting for your turn at the bank (that is, if you have access to your email on your mobile device, while you’re out of the office).
The Disadvantages of Multitasking
While doing many things at once has its pros, these advantages come with drawbacks. Doing multiple tasks simultaneously is reflective of diminished focus. This usually results in the employee producing poor work quality compared to someone who is assigned to do only one thing.
Multitasking could also be a time waster since you’ll need to switch from task to task, and may require constant reminder of what to do. This is especially difficult for people working in web design and development firms. In most situations, little work is completed since the individual who multitasks is constantly on the move towards the next item on their list, resulting in low overall daily productivity.
To Multitask, or not to Multitask
A thorough understanding of the advantages and disadvantages of multitasking is the key to using it appropriately. The best way to complete your tasks is to focus on the most important and time-consuming tasks first. Short tasks can easily be completed and usually do not require intense concentration. This avoids wasting time going back and forth on different tasks. However, this is not an absolute rule, as there are several other factors that come to play. Factors such as work habits and work ethic should be considered, as well as the nature of the job as a whole.