THE MULTITASKING BRAIN: A DANGEROUS MYTH

HOW MULTITASKING ASSAULTS OUR BRAIN

Multitaskers, capable of doing multiple things at once, are highly sought after by most recruiters. One of the most obvious advantages of multitasking lies in its efficiency gains. Instead of performing tasks one after the other, a person combines them and thus accomplishes multiple things while their competitor does only one.

Multitasking applies particularly well to routine chores such as sorting files, making routine phone calls, checking emails, or exercising. Indeed, several of these actions can be performed simultaneously without compromising their quality. By combining several tasks, the multitasker is also able to free up time for other aspects of their daily life, social activities, or family life.

No matter the field in which they work, multitasking can help reduce expenses: an efficient employer will accomplish tasks that they would otherwise delegate to employees or subcontractors, thus reducing the number of hours worked by the latter. Furthermore, if there are people who can perform multiple tasks simultaneously, it will decrease the costs associated with hiring and training new employees. Finally, as versatile employees can take on various responsibilities, their need for specialists for specific tasks will also be reduced. They tend to procrastinate…