Art of Multitasking

Are you someone who has to juggle several tasks at once during your workday? Does multitasking actually work? What do you feel? It matters who you ask. For most of us, a workday involves a lot of multitasking. It is very important how well you can manage your tasks when there are deadlines that need to be met. It is part of our busy lives. Multitasking is the art of managing your tasks through your busy day so you don’t fall behind on any.

But, not all tasks can be multitasked. Only the tasks that are routine, familiar, or easy are the ones you should try to multitask, e.g., listening to music while you do your work or online shopping on your phone while watching television.

There are ways to manage multiple tasks effectively:

1. Choose What to Multitask and What Not to Multitask

We think that all tasks are created equally which is not correct. It is up to us to evaluate tasks prior to starting them. Prioritizing your tasks first, is important. Some tasks require your undivided attention.

2. Use a Task Management Tool

We all know that irrespective of being at home or at work, there is a lot more to do in a day than we can ever get accomplished. So, if you are planning to do more than one thing at a time, then it makes more sense to maintain a task management tool to plan and manage your tasks properly. The first thing you can do is to make a clear list of tasks that needs to be completed. Secondly set a time frame for each of your tasks.

3. Maintain a Checklist

Another good way to manage your tasks is by creating a personal checklist which can also be shared with your other work colleagues if required. Write them on a piece of paper, to organize your tasks. You can set a time limit for each of your tasks, so you know when they must be completed. This makes it easier to update your tasks as and when they are done.

4. Set Reminders

When balancing multiple tasks, it is essential to set reminders so you are aware of your deadlines. It is obvious when you get involved in one task, you might lose track of time and other things might get affected.

5. Keep Tasks in Sight

One of the best ways to keep track of all your tasks is by keeping your task list clearly visible because it shows what must be done and what can be delayed.

 

Pros of Multitasking:

1. Saves Time

One of the most important benefits of multitasking is that it saves time. Rather than doing one thing after the other is completed, it is better to work on suitable tasks simultaneously to get things done faster.

2. Increases Productivity

Multitasking increases productivity for everyone in both the workplace as well as at home. Employees who are good at multitasking can get more work done compared to those who do not multitask.

3. Saves money

Multitasking can save money in the workplace too. Rather than hiring multiple people to do small tasks, it makes more sense to hire a limited set of people who are good at multitasking. Instead of appointing too many people for minor jobs, we can appoint just one person who is good at taking responsibility and who can work under pressure while multi-tasking other tasks.

 

Cons of Multitasking:

1. Quality of work could suffer

When you work on two or more things simultaneously, you are not giving your full attention to any one of the tasks. With less focus, you might end up making mistakes. You won’t do either of the tasks accurately because you’re not truly focused. By focusing on each task separately, you are more likely to give each task the attention it deserves.

In the end, we can conclude that the best way to organize your day to day tasks is by maintaining a list of tasks and prioritizing them based on its urgency and importance.

Then decide which can be multi-tasked and which can’t…Organize and start (and run) them as per that schedule and chart…

All the best at Multi-Tasking!

Nifa Colaco

Blog written on: 27-03-2019