Multitasking and Its Impact on Mental Health and Work Performance
Multitasking - The Illusion of Efficiency in the Modern World
In today's fast-paced world, the term multitasking has become synonymous with productivity. Job advertisements often feature the requirement for the “ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously,” and in everyday conversation, multitasking is often regarded as a skill worthy of admiration. But what exactly is multitasking, what is its real meaning, and how does the human brain function when trying to handle multiple activities at once?
While technologies such as smartphones and computers handle multitasking without visible hesitation, for humans, the situation is somewhat more complex. Although many believe they can work on multiple tasks simultaneously, scientific studies repeatedly show that human multitasking is actually more of a myth than a functional strategy.
What is multitasking and why do we love it so much?
The term multitasking originally comes from computing. It denotes a computer's ability to perform several operations simultaneously. When this term made its way into common parlance, it began to be used to describe a person's ability to engage in multiple tasks at once – for example, writing an email, making a phone call, and simultaneously checking social media updates.
At first glance, it seems like an ideal way to get more work done in less time. In a culture that often rewards speed and performance, multitasking has become a kind of testament to productivity. People feel more efficient, important, and productive. However, as psychological research shows, the effect of true focus is often exactly the opposite.
Multitasking in the human brain - how does it (not) work?
The brain is not designed to process multiple conscious tasks at once. What is practically referred to as human multitasking is more akin to rapid attention switching between individual activities. And this switching is very demanding – both energetically and time-wise.
According to a study by Stanford University, people who attempt to multitask have a worse ability to filter out irrelevant information, take longer to transition between tasks, and make more frequent errors. In other words, when you try to write a work email and simultaneously respond to a colleague on chat, the result is often lower quality work and higher stress levels.
This is confirmed by research from the American Psychological Association, which found that switching between two mental tasks can cost a person up to 40% of their productive time. So instead of saving time, you're actually losing it, and also exposing yourself to a higher risk of mental fatigue.
Examples from everyday life
Consider a common situation: you sit at your computer, responding to emails, glancing at your phone every few minutes to see if someone has messaged, and trying to attend an online meeting. The result is that you don't remember much from the meeting, forget to attach an important file to an email, and end up feeling exhausted rather than saving time.
Now imagine another scenario. Picture a driver who is on the phone while driving – even if using hands-free. According to a study by the British Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents, talking on the phone while driving slows your reaction time more than driving under the influence of alcohol. This is a frightening but telling example that the human brain really cannot effectively divide attention between two demanding activities.
Why do we think we can handle multitasking?
Part of the answer lies in the fact that we ourselves feel we are being efficient. The human brain is equipped to notice results, not necessarily quality. We can process more simple, mechanical tasks (like listening to music and folding laundry), but when it comes to activities requiring deeper focus, multitasking slows us down.
Another problem is that we often confuse multitasking with rapid attention switching, which gives the brain the illusion of productivity. As neurology expert Earl Miller from MIT says: “The brain is not wired to be multitasking. Task-switching is demanding, and we often don’t realize how draining it is."
Multitasking in the workplace
In office culture, multitasking is often considered a key skill. People are pushed to handle emails, meetings, phone calls, and Slack messages within an hour. The result is stress, burnout, and a decline in work quality. Some companies are becoming aware of this and are introducing so-called "deep work" blocks, where employees can focus on one task without interruptions.
An interesting example is the German software company SAP, which has introduced "quiet times" during which meetings cannot be scheduled and emails should not be answered. Employees thus have the space to truly concentrate. The result is not only higher work efficiency but also better mental well-being.
Human multitasking vs. technology
While a computer can run an update, play music, and open a document simultaneously, the human brain operates differently. It has limited working memory capacity and is sensitive to interruptions. Each shift in attention requires the brain to "clear" previous information and replace it with new – which costs time and mental energy.
It is no coincidence that the concept of monotasking – the ability to focus on just one task at a time – has become popular in recent years. This approach is supported by applications that block distractions, such as Forest or Freedom. Users set a time block during which they cannot access social media or other distracting sites. The result is usually a higher completion rate of tasks and a lower sense of being overwhelmed.
How to learn to work without multitasking?
Changing your approach to work and everyday activities can be challenging but rewarding. Start by dividing your day into blocks and during each block, focus on only one activity. When writing a message, don't simultaneously read emails. When on a call, avoid browsing the internet.
A good helper can be the Pomodoro technique – work for 25 minutes with maximum focus and then take a 5-minute break. This rhythm helps maintain high concentration without feeling overwhelmed.
And if you're tempted to multitask during downtime, try a simple rule: do things fully. Eating? Don't send SMS simultaneously. Going for a walk? Don't respond to work emails while doing so.
Multitasking and a healthy lifestyle
Interestingly, the connection between multitasking and lifestyle also affects our physical and mental health. Constantly switching between tasks increases levels of cortisol – the stress hormone. This can lead to fatigue, sleep disorders, and an increased risk of anxiety disorders.
A healthy lifestyle is thus not just about food and exercise, but also about how we manage our attention. Mindful focus and the ability to be "here and now" are emerging as one of the pillars of mental well-being. This is where the popularity of mindfulness, meditation, or digital detox stems from.
Experience shows that when people reduce distractions and start doing things with full attention, not only does their performance improve, but so does their quality of life – at work, in relationships, and in their relationship with themselves.
At a time when multitasking seems indispensable, the greatest challenge – and at the same time the greatest advantage – may be the ability to turn off notifications, close ten open tabs, and focus on just one thing. And therein lies the true art of efficiency.
