When Scientific Studies Disprove It

A week ago, I submitted my resume for a job that intrigued me. I carefully reviewed the job requirements, but there was one aspect that truly annoyed me: the expectation to multitask.

The reason for my apprehension stems from my previous employment, where I was laid off—not just due to the pandemic, but also because I struggled with multitasking. Upon starting that job, I was aware of my limitations in focusing on multiple tasks at once. I assumed I could adapt over time, but I soon realized that writing scripts while answering phone calls was simply too distracting. I would have preferred having a receptionist handle calls, allowing me to focus on crafting radio commercials instead. Unfortunately, I was only trained in basic tasks and was frustrated by the lack of training on specific software that other companies required for similar roles.

The Myth of Multitasking

It's a common misconception that individuals can effectively handle more than one task at a time. Numerous scientific studies have demonstrated that multitasking is, in fact, a myth. Yet, employers continue to list multitasking as a requirement on job postings. Why do they cling to this belief? Do they think it will save them time and resources?

Research indicates that attempting to juggle multiple tasks simultaneously can actually reduce productivity, leading to mistakes and costing businesses approximately $450 million annually. Rather than being a time-saver, multitasking can increase stress levels and hinder efficiency.

Many might think they can simultaneously text, sip coffee, work on their laptops, and scroll through social media. However, there are some tests designed to challenge this belief:

• A test can identify ‘supertaskers’, but only a few pass it — BBC Future
• Multitasking Test (labinthewild.org)

If you find these tests challenging, don't be discouraged; they're meant to provoke thought about the pitfalls of multitasking.

The scientific consensus is clear: multitasking is detrimental to both mental and physical well-being. Our brains are simply not wired to switch tasks seamlessly.

Why Employers Remain Stuck in the Past

So, why do employers continue to overlook the evidence that multitasking doesn't yield savings in time, energy, or finances? The reality is that it often leads to the opposite effect, contributing to the ongoing trend known as "The Great Resignation." Workers are feeling overburdened and underpaid.

If you’re in a hiring position or work in HR, now is the time to eliminate the term "multitasking" from your job descriptions on platforms like LinkedIn and Indeed. No one can genuinely perform multiple tasks at once, despite perceptions to the contrary. If an employee is unable to manage a specific task, consider hiring someone else to fulfill that role.

A discussion on Quora highlighted that many employers are slow to adapt, expecting their staff to enhance efficiency by doing more. What they fail to grasp is that multitasking does not achieve that.

My hope is that this article reaches an employer who will recognize the need for a more effective approach to enhance productivity without overwhelming employees. Focusing on single tasks can create a healthier and more productive work environment.

References

Bryan College. (n.d.). How Are Multitasking Millennials Impacting Today’s Workplace? Bryan College. http://www.bryan.edu/multitasking-at-work/

BuzzFeedVideo. (2016, August 3). Can You Get Through This Multitasking Test? YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=txWeSnJBT-M

Cleveland Clinic. (2021, March 10). Why Multitasking Doesn’t Work. Cleveland Clinic. https://health.clevelandclinic.org/science-clear-multitasking-doesnt-work/

Crenshaw, D. (2011, January 14). Think you’re good at multitasking? Take this test. (2014 Version — See Description for new video!) YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HHQv1KdpI-8

Crenshaw, D. (2021, January 19). Try the Myth of Multitasking Exercise! | Updated Version of Multitask Test. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5eQyfirx2HA

D’Angelo, M. (2019, February 6). How Does Multitasking Impact Productivity? Business News Daily. https://www.businessnewsdaily.com/4019-multitasking-not-productive.html

Hamilton, J. (2008, October 2). Think You’re Multitasking? Think Again. NPR. https://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=95256794

Hammond, C. (2017, February 12). Only a small percentage of the population can multi-task well — could that be you? bbc.com. https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20170210-a-test-can-identify-supertaskers-but-only-a-few-pass-it

MacKay, J. (2019, January 17). The Myth of Multitasking: The ultimate guide to getting more done by doing less. Rescue Time: blog. https://blog.rescuetime.com/multitasking/#:~:text=The%20problem%20is%2C%20there%27s%20no,t%20actually%20getting%20more%20done.

Malin, J. (2019, June 4). Why Multitasking Is A Myth, Backed By Science. Start it up. https://readmedium.com/heres-why-multitasking-is-a-myth-backed-by-science-7bfc833aaf31

MindfulThinks. (2020, May 6). Can You Pass This Multitasking Test? | Psychology of Attention. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z-8JdsNWZiM

Napier Ph.D., N. K. (2014, May 12). The Myth of Multitasking. Psychology Today Canada. https://www.psychologytoday.com/ca/blog/creativity-without-borders/201405/the-myth-multitasking