The term originated in the computer industry and has entered the vernacular. Young people multitask doing homework on computers while listening to music and checking their cell phones. Their grandmothers soothed fussy babies, answered school-age children’s questions pertaining to homework assignments and cooked suppers before the process had a name.
Scientists have recently found multitasking turns out to be a myth. Only computers are capable of multitasking–the human brain doesn’t do two things simultaneously. People just switch tasks quickly according to a Psychology Today magazine article written by Nancy K. Napier, PhD., a professor at Boise State University. Older brains have more difficulty changing gear rapidly.
The start/stop/start process costs time instead of saving time. Switching may add just a few tenths of a second, but this can add up. For example, if you’re driving a car while texting on a phone, eating an ice cream cone or applying makeup, the accumulated time could cause you to miss a turn-off, run a stop sign or crash into another auto.
Multitaskers make more mistakes and have more trouble tuning out distractions than people who focus on one task. Multitasking may reduce productivity by as much as 40 per cent. Over time, it can sap energy.
Still, most bosses expect their workers to be able to handle multiple priorities to maneuver through a busy day. Employees must balance competitive demands for their time and energy.
Do you attempt several tasks at once or complete one chore before starting another?