Many multitaskers mistakenly believe working ‘simultaneously’ on tasks results in faster execution of a high standard of work.
However, studies show multitasking not only makes you slower, but also causes the quality of your work to suffer. This is because only 2% of people are capable of working simultaneously, while the rest of us merely switch between tasks.
The most effortless way to increase your organisation’s productivity is to abandon your daily struggle to perfectly accomplish a hundred tasks at the same time, and encourage the new phenomenon of single-tasking.
“The challenge is to implement strategies, which will create an environment conducive to single-tasking, changing the behaviour patterns of multitaskers and enhancing our collective productivity” - Director of R & G Technologies, Mimi Tan.
Construct conditions where single-tasking can thrive by shutting off email, phones and other electronic media, when it isn’t relevant to the task. Delegate tasks to avoid an overwhelming workload, and use meditation to put the days of your fluttering attention span behind you.
Read more to learn these strategies to stop multitasking, and start single-tasking today:
1. Shut off your notifications
Those who consider themselves capable multitaskers are the most susceptible to distractions from electronic media. Shut off the whirring, pinging and popping of technology to increase the speed at which you work, and develop the deep focus necessary for creativity and problem solving.
Staying connected is essential to running an organisation. However, when you’re confronted with a complex task requiring the finer points of your intellect, it’s important to disengage with these distractions.
"When [heavy multitaskers are] in situations where there are multiple sources of information coming from the external world, they're not able to filter out what's not relevant to their current goal," Associate Professor of Psychology, Anthony Wagner.
If you know you’re at risk of multi-tasking, sign out of chat programs, disable notifications in social media and signpost your presence as ‘Do not disturb’.
If you struggle with self-control, restrict Internet access using Internet blocking productivity software like Freedom. Use a less heavy-duty solution like StayFocusd or Anti-Social to target and block distracting websites from anywhere between 15 minutes to 8 hours, remembering access is only restored when the designated time period has elapsed, or the computer is rebooted.
Completing tasks one by one may sound daunting at first, but the improved pace at which you work, and sharper attention to detail, guarantees greater productivity.
2. Delegate tasks
Don’t try to conquer your overwhelming workload by multitasking. If there are too many tasks for you to accomplish in the apportioned time, delegate them.
Many people try to conquer their mounting assignments by multitasking, not realising this can lead to taking 50% longer to complete tasks, with up to 50% more errors, potentially creating more work further down the line.
The upfront effort required to delegate tasks is a deterrent for some, yet when you transfer knowledge and skills to a junior member of the company, you’re enriching your workforce’s capabilities. As well as this, the investment into your organisation’s future frees your day up to dedicate to developing and growing the organisation.
Also, since you’re delegating to reduce your workload, not increase it, avoid micro-managing employees, and use an online task management service like Producteev.
The application is free for an unlimited number of users, projects and tasks. You’re able to share collaborative to-do lists, track tasks and tailor privacy. You can assign labels and priority, as well as set reminders and deadlines.
Working through tasks one at a time ensures all your mental resources are concentrated on bringing about the best outcomes for the business, in as little time as possible.
3. Work on your attention span
Your best weapon against the perils of multitasking is a honed sense of concentration. Use meditation techniques to develop the laser-like focus necessary for single-tasking, and you’ll achieve deeper insights in a lesser amount of time.
Today’s average worker has an attention span of eight seconds, reinforcing the fact that concentrating on a single task for a sustained period is more arduous than it sounds. In order to improve your attention span, add meditation to your routine.
According toUniversity of Washington researchers, ‘meditation training helps workers concentrate better,’ leading to improved productivity at work.
Organisations such as Google, AOL and Apple have embraced the ‘Mindfulness Revolution’, offering meditation classes for employees to increase focus, concentration and more.
Meditation practitioner and former CEO of Medtronic, Bill George believes meditation empowers executives to “think clearly and focus on the most important opportunities.”
Try to develop your ability to focus by meditating daily. Online application, Headspace was designed by a monk to help users stick to a feasible routine. After ten days of two ten minute meditations, you can subscribe for guided and unguided exercises.
Meditating will develop your attention span, reducing the time spent flitting between tasks, and enhancing your daily productivity. Encourage the practise in your organisation to empower your workforce, and you’ll acquire collective skills money can’t buy.
Start single-tasking
Help your organisation achieve its greatest potential by refining the practise of single-tasking and cultivating it within your workforce. When razor-sharp focus is required, remove unnecessary electronic media. Act preventatively, and delegate tasks before you feel overwhelmed by your workload, and meditate to improve your ability to focus. Start leveraging technology to build single-tasking proficiency in your workforce, and give your company a competitive edge in the business world.
Do you need help evaluating the best tools to make help you to stop multitasking?
We can help you make better use of new technologies - like Freedom, Trello and Producteev. Call us on 1300 562 886 or contact us via this page.