Multitasking is the act of working on different tasks at the same time or switching from one distinct task to another with almost no interval. Multitasking can be a boon or a bane depending on various factors. Here are the multitasking pros and cons.
List of Pros of Multitasking
1. Increased Efficiency
Multitasking helps one to achieve different goals in less time. A professional can finish multiple tasks in the same time another gets one task done. There are many routine tasks that every individual has to do almost every day. These routine tasks demand multitasking. For instance, finishing a few customary phone calls in the first hour of work and checking all the new emails can be done simultaneously.
2. Increased Productivity
Not every task a professional does is actually generating any revenue. Many tasks are facilitative or just things one has to do. These simple and mundane tasks, often an excess and needless, don’t have any impact on the bottom line of the company or that of the professional. In a way, good and productive hours are being spent on these tasks when the same time can be spent on work that will bring in more revenue or have a tangible impact in the company’s or individual’s fortunes. Multitasking increases productivity.
3. Increased Resilience
Multitasking is demanding. A person has to be truly focused on the different tasks at hand to get them done. This helps in strengthening mental focus. One gets trained to switch from one task to another, thus enabling flexibility in focus. Such level of focus and ability to switch also increase the resilience. Given the world we live and work in, there is constant chatter everywhere. With distractions galore, one can do with a bit more focus and resilience.
4. Flexibility and Adaptability
The ability to switch from one task to another swiftly and working on different stuff simultaneously enhances the adaptability of the human mind. The focus of a person is then flexible. One develops the habit of adaptability.
List of Cons of Multitasking
1. Declining Quality
Multitasking demands haste. In some cases it can become efficiency and increased production but in some cases it can lead to a compromise in quality. There can be plenty of mistakes too.
2. Chronic Distraction
Multitasking is distracting. While a person is focused on multiple tasks at hand, she or he is distracted from everything else. This distraction can become chronic. The person may not be able to focus on anything else. Simple or singular tasks may not draw enough focus and one may be drawn to minor tasks that are repetitive and what can be automated or done swiftly without much brainwork.
3. Procrastination & Misplaced Priorities
Multitasking doesn’t segregate tasks based on priority or significance. It enables a misconception that a person can get a task done anytime and anyway. This sows procrastination.
Brandon Miller has a B.A. from the University of Texas at Austin. He is a seasoned writer who has written over one hundred articles, which have been read by over 500,000 people. If you have any comments or concerns about this blog post, then please contact the Green Garage team here.