Are you Working Faster to Produce Less?
Avoid the Multi-Tasking Monster to be More Productive
Chances are good that you stopped an important task to read this article. If this is the case, you have come to the right place! While we’re honored that you’re interested in what we have to say, we understand that multi-tasking is not the road to productivity. Click here to print this article out, go finish your task, and then read the rest of the article…
Multi-tasking has taken possession of our lives. We think nothing of watching T.V., texting on our CrackBerry, checking our email, surfing the web, all while trying to converse with our family. It’s never been easier to be connected 24/7 to our cell phone, computer and any other technology we might use to enhance our overall productivity and effectiveness.
However, findings from studies too numerous to mention all point to the same conclusion: We are actually working less, not more effectively, when we multi-task. Many studies have reached the same conclusion: When people are multi-tasking and frequently diverting their attention from one task to another, they do indeed work faster. A sense of urgency is noted. But, while they do work faster, they produce less. More telling, participants in these “interruption” studies reported feeling significantly higher levels of stress, frustration, pressure to get things done and a feeling that the workload was unrealistic. Some studies even suggest that constant multi-tasking, leading to prolonged levels of stress hormones being released, can even make us be disposed to rage, aggression and impulsive behavior, as well as raise our risk of cardiovascular disease.
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Filed under: Peter's Blog on December 27th, 2010 No Comments »