In the previous article we laid down some firm foundations for the purpose of forrming the story around the term major stressors at work.
In order to highlight the importance of the close and meticulous observation of major stressors at work, we took the liberty to skip over to the frequent and most vivid examples of the consequences of work related stress.
While thinking of a list of major stressors at work which we wanted to lay out, we also put some though into the succession of these major stressor.
And, to be honest, it really wasn’t hard to decide what shall be discussed first, for we deem it so obnoxious and the insisting on it in the labor market so ill starred that it really deserved to be listed first.
We are talking of the myth of multitasking.
How is multitasking a myth?
We would bet on it that some hardcore „multitasker“ (it isn’t even a work by the way, but is it useful to keep it in a need), if he would suddenly peep on this article, would be astonished and deeply offended by the blasphemy of this headline.
However, we never did have a good relation with sheep nor did we try to keep it, so we won’t waste our precious time on the multistaskers.
We are also aware that to the rest of you this headline could be a little puzlling, beacuse you may be telling yourself simething like „What are they babbling about, of course multitasking is real.“
We are not even going to try to oppose to statements like these.
So is multitasking a myth or paraphrased does multitasking exist?
It is an undisputable fact that multitasking really exists and that is it often applied in practice.
The usual day of most workers in a modern world is filled with tasks and chores they are expected to accomplish.
Usually those have to be accomplished right away or in a narrow time frame and simultaneously.
Therefore, for most of the workers multitaskng is just an unwelcome routine.
Please do not try to poison us with claims that multitasking makes things done in a quicker manner and in general in a more efficient manner.
That is where is becomes too much for our sensitive stomachs.
When we stated that multitasking is a myth we really meant it.
However, we did not mean it as a negation in a way that multitasking does not exist.
It does exist, but our statement was made regatding its content and quality that is being ascribed to it.
This is how multitasking really is a myth.
If you, my dear reader, are a fanatic with a dogmatic belief in multitasking that you are on a good trajectory to mess things up.
Multitasking only leads to an ache of the mind and to the people in your surroundings.
Bravo to you if you would like to practice something that is related to such consequences, we would rather not…
From our view, multitasking only leads to stress.
For simple and everyday protection against stress take the Anti-stress app.
We shall elabroate that more deeply briefly.
But, for now, let us amuse with finding the proper multitasking definition and multitasking synonyms, to make things even clearer.
Multitasking definition
Multitasking was not initially connected with humans.
The term was made up during the 60’s with the looming of the computer revolution.
Therefore, this term was coined in relation to computers, beacuse they are programmed to operate in a certain way.
They are on purpose built for multitasking.
Without this feature they would not be of such help to us as they are today and with reasonable expectiations that they will be able to do much more for us in the future.
In such a way, multitasking definition, in regard to computers is the execution of at least two or more programmes or tasks at the same time, meaning simultaneously.
This alone should be enough to draw some conclusions.
As I stated, I have over ten years of experience on a labour market.
I remember every hardship I went through due to my unparalleled ability to multitask (LOL).
Therefore, I am not at all proud when asked to explain how was I able to multitask so well and to be successful at it.
I wasn’t.
That is just a clear paradox, nothing more, nothing les.
Just to note, though.
Even more, when I hear that some other preson is bragging about how she/he is brilliant in multitasking and how she/he excels at it, I usually react with the one same thought: „What a sad, sad person.“
Although bizarre, multitasking is considered a very valuable and a rare skill.
Proven history of multiasking may even get you on the top of the list of the most desired candidates for a certain job.
So to say, multitasking became a standard work requirement.
We just don’t buy this that is it something so unique and disposable just to a special kind of person.
Sad, ugly truth is that multitasking is a question of need.
When some things must be done at the same time, everybody will be able to do them. Periodt (this t is on purpose).
Therefore, multitasking is something that is trending for some time now and like any trend it will faint away eventually and it will be replaced by another trend, perhaps likely bizarre as this, like mindreading.
Actually no, the ones can read minds, doesn’t need a job.
They will have access to all the information needed to be in front of others and thus easilly cummulate a fortune.
It really doesn’t matter what it will be, use your imagination, although it would smarter not to waste your time…
So, how does it all transfer to us humans?
Actually…without any adjustments.
To tell you a story…I was sitting with friends at a caffe bar one evening (when COVID-19 measures still weren’t imposed).
We were talking about work and how there is a lot of pressure to do many things in an instant (a more than a few bottles of beer were already in front each of us).
Then, one friend, trying to make a joke, asked „Are we computers then?“.
The other friend replied „Yeah, maybe, but from the workshop of Charles Babbage.“
We are computers, with the only difference that we are not.
Nevertheless, we are now ready for our definition of multasking.
When talking about us humans, multitasking is to be determined as a requirement or practice (and not skill, ability, talent or anything like this) where there are several or even multiple things being done at the same time.
To say it even simpler, it is the performance of more than one task simultaneously.
For those of you who understood the point, you really do not have to continue reading.
I wish you farewell.
However, do not forget to grab your Anti-stress app.
For the readers who chose to stick around, let us head on to find some words which can be used as synonyms for this myth of multitasking.
Multitasking synonyms
Once that we have covered multitasking definition, we are now equipped with (perhaps useful) understanding of that notion.
This enables us to embark on the quest for search of the work which are often in conversation being used with a meaning same as multitasking.
So, how are the most common ways people express themselves when they wnat to say multitasking in another way?
We will offer some solutions based on our findings of frequency of the usage of different terms.
Multasking as a juggle
One really often used word to describe multitasking is juggle. Therefore, we are to observe the definition of juggle.
We believe there is no need to go into detail with this word. It is enough to say that the notion is being used in its original form when discussing circus shows and agile performers.
Iti is easy to connect such a person with a employee working in a contemporary corporation.
Definition of juggle implies that it is perfromance that consists in throwing into air and than catching more than one object on their way down.
This has to be done under the condition that one of thes objects is always kept in the air, with an aim that none of them fall on the floor.
Although the term is used in the same meaning as mulitasking, we have the point out one logical difference.
Multitasking, as the name suggests, implies a multitude of tasks, while juggling is a single, yet complex task, in which more objects are included.
For the purpose of conversation, you are invited to disregard the last remark.
Balancing your way through
Many different tasks and a tight time frame require some swift handling to get all things done.
(We are still hanging to our opinion that is isn’t anything that you shuld be training.)
By the way, it is required that things are being accomplished successfully.
That is perhaps the best way to describe multitasking.
It requires us to switch from here to somewhere else without none or very little time to get into things, which is similar as to transfer or weight from one to the other end of the pole.
This brings us close to the definition of the term balance, in its meaning of a certain action.
Also, the term balance does its best to point to one of the characteristics of multitasking, which we are to elaborate later.
For that, we shall give the our two definition of the term balance.
As we indicated, regarding the aplication of this term at the workplace, definition of balance takes into account the possibility to keep the given tasks (often even not connected with each other) running, without failing to accomplish even one of these tasks.
On the other hand, different view of the definition of balance highlights the accomplishment.
It does so by stressing that balancing is the possibility to stay in a certain place (on the track to accomplish something), despite the factors, meaning different tasks, trying to make you fall or fail.
Now, with the help of the definition of balance it is visible or better to say clearly visible that the term balance includes struggle, tension and even despair in reach of his majesty The accomplishment.
Have that in mind all the time.
Time for a tea break.
We’ve come a long way and it is time to relax.
Wouldn’t want to get all stressed up.
Take your sample here.
Is multitasking good for you?
Rarely und under certain conditions.
There has been some research on this topic.
However, the purpose of this article is not to be exhausted in picturing the phenomenon of multitasking as such.
We have a goal that needs to be reached and that his goal is concrete and concerns major stressors at work and multitasking as one of such stressors.
Therefore, we are only going to give some basic notes of the main findings.
For the multitasking to be bearable, in a meaning that it doesn’t hinder productivity (note here that multitasking can never ever improve productivity), only maximum of two tasks is allowed to amuse our brains.
That point to the conclusion that our brains are not wired to perform multitasking.
One digression.
Scientists are long in agreement that a dog may concentrate on one thing at the time.
I have a dog.
And my dog is always focused on just one thing.
That way he often accomplishes whatever was on his mind.
Therefore, practice and experience confirm the validity of the scientific conclusion.
And the best part is being concentrated on one thing makes the dog happy.
Why do not learn from a man’s best friend?
So much for a multitasking in practice.
Better leave it for your resumé.
However, multitasking may be engineered to work.
(We could swear that we heard victorious battle cries of „multiaskers“ just now.)
As a prerequisite forget continuous frequent switching from task to task.
The result of such habit is explained further below.
Suprisingly, a less frequent swithcing has the purpose of maintaining productivity.
The frame which is to be aimed is to be at least twenty minutes concentrated on one task before heading over to the other one.
Some simple magic, eh?
Nevertheless, the claim that multitasking does no good still stands.
Is multitasking then bad for you?
Our answer to the question is multitasking good does not automatically imply that multitasking is bad.
Therefore, the next step is to observe are there any measurable bad consequences regrading frequent multitasking at work.
This is to be done with the aim of laying out the fact that it really is the word about a major stressor.
From our own experience we can tell that there are some concerning negative consequences of multitasking.
However, to remove any doubts it is always advisable to resort to the disposable scientific findings.
Again, our first and final premise is that multitasking is a myth, in a way described above and that it cannot bring anything good.
To note one more time, we hang strictly to showing the negative impact of multitasking.
This is why we will skip all the unnecessary information and go right to the point of things.
We will begin there where it hurts the hardcore „multitaskers“.
There are proofs that multitasking is really bad.
It is a significant cause of decreased productivity.
Therefore, its result is less productivity and there is no further discussion.
Write a fairy tale of the benefits of multitasking if in your imagination it still raises productivity.
Related to this, not only does multitasking hinder productivity, it leads to lowering your IQ and contributes to making mistakes.
The latter needs no further explanation.
Furthermore, taking into account that the productivity becomes poorer as the number of tasks which need to be simultaneously taken care of rises, we need more time to accomplish all of them.
Consumation of time then leads to the concerns about the deadlines, which in return may cause anxiety.
Let’s be honest, it usually does.
Anxiety is the pathway to other problems which need to be taken seriously, like the concentration issues and waking up in worry during the night.
Once this pattern is established, it becomes a vicious circle.
Engulfed in the different tasks which need to be managed at the same time and successfully, multitasking is also very hamful to our ability to think in the creative manner, due to the brain space usage and overusage.
There is one other issue rising out of the requirement to multitask and this one actually took the greatest toll on us and it concerns our memory.
Multitasking is great at messing your memory.
For now, it has been proven that it causes problems only with short memory.
As far as it regards workplace, short term memory is of utmost importance in a working environment.
It is vital for the appropriate communication of goals and results and even more important for the establishment and keeping healthy social interactions.
The most troublesome finding is that this issues do not wear down immediately after a person stops multitasking.
No, they may cause temporary hindrances while working and spill over to other parts a person’s life.
The final and the broadest issue pertaining to multitasking concerns the worrisome fact that this behaviour is regarded as normal.
Multitasking is harmful. Focus is good.
To improve your focus, click here to get you Concentration boost app.
Now that we have covered the questions „Is multitasking good?“ and „Is multitasking bad?“, one last thing remaines to be adressed.
Is it possible to be good at multitasking?
No, it is not possible to be good at multitasking.
It is only possible to think that you’re good at multitasking, if that comforts you.
To elaborate, multitasking lowers productivity and it delivers a hit on short term memory.
Science provided a rather simle explanation why this is a no go.
Before the elaboration itself, is it useful to note that the multitude of tasks and the frequent switching of attention from one task to another causess disturbance and therefore cannot contibute to the optimal performance.
Moreover, this constant switching of attention disables or at least hinders the assessment regarding the prioritization of these tasks.
Futther on, this in return lowers are ability to sort out the key elements in each of these tasks. That is the result of divided attention.
And now, let us head to the substance of the claim why it isn’t possible to be good at multitasking.
There are two main reasons why it is not realistic to think that one mght be good in multitasking.
As the first issue, when there are more tasks requiring simultaneous approach, there is mostly a complete lack of criteria which would govern our decision in which order should the tasks be scrolled through.
The decision is just upon the person who is asked to perform this tasks.
This problem is even more highlighted when the assignments are not or are just loosely connected.
In addition, due to the problems which arise with short term memory, a person required to multitask will almost certainly have to address different tasks multiple times which causes a high pressure on attention.
That is time consuming.
The second issue relies on the inability to instantly start working on the next task after switching attention from the previous one.
It is due to the likely different manner in which these tasks need to be handled.
Still, if the method for their accomplishment is the same, the mere difference in their content requires a certain adjustment which is measured in time units.
So, the proof lies in front of you, trying to be successful at multitasking has one main repercussion.
It comes down to wearing down the person’s ability to work effectively.
Glad that you have stayed until the closure. Now grab your Concentration boost app to work on you focus.
Conclusion
I hope that I was very clear about the possible consequences of practising multitasking.
To sum it all up.
Multitasking, in a way in which is expected from a common worker is bad.
If a person wants to maintain productive ability, she or he can handle just up to two different task.
In general, multitasking will wear you out.
Or ever cause some mental issues.
First of those will be stress.
For the first line of defense against stress, we advise you to take the Anti-stress app.
I really hope your daily work routine does not require multitasking more than usual.
I would like to hear you opinions on the subject.
If you have questions, comments or criticism, leave them below.
They will be adressed as soon as possible.