What Is Multitasking?

In the context of productivity, multitasking is the practice of performing several tasks at once. Multitasking involves constantly switching between multiple tasks instead of focusing on one. The practice often feels more productive than working on one assignment at a time, however, it can lead to mixed results.

How does multitasking affect productivity?

Although multitasking is often perceived as an efficient method to manage one’s workload, research shows it frequently results in reduced performance. Maintaining full focus on multiple tasks at once is very challenging. As a result, instead of handling multiple tasks simultaneously, people often end up rapidly switching between tasks. This decreases the accuracy of the work and increases stress levels.

Over the long term, multitasking can cause productivity issues like a poor work-life balance and burnout.

How to detect multitasking in your team?

One of the best ways to detect multitasking is with a productivity suite that tracks your team’s workflows. An app like WebWork can help you with its App and Website Usage Monitoring tool. If one of your employees is constantly switching between multiple apps or websites, they’re likely multitasking.