Know how Multitasking ruins Productivity and Learn to Deal with It

Multitasking has become a trap for many individuals of lately. The urge to frequently check

on mails, mobile alerts, updating software or other applications, having frequent chat

sessions with colleagues or even taking up more tasks at a time for that matter, are some

activities that have become unstoppable for people. However, the fact remains that these

activities are more taxing on our brains and hurts our ability to get things done.

Recent studies by the American Psychological Association (APA) show that such small

interruptions hinder 40% of an individual’s productivity levels. Moreover, they affect a

project’s performance and may result in a series of costly affairs. Notwithstanding the fact

that a team works on more than one single project at a time. This may result in terrible

consequences and affects the overall reputation of your business. In an excerpt from the

book “The Organized Mind: Thinking Straight in the Age of Information Overload”

published by neuroscientist Daniel J. Levitin, he states that “When we do one thing - uni-

task - there are beneficial changes in the brain’s daydreaming network and increased

connectivity. Among other things, this is believed to be protective against Alzheimer’s

disease.” So if we make efforts on ditching multitasking, it has sure shot benefits on one’s

physical and mental health.

HERE, WE GIVE YOU SOME TIPS ON HOW TO DEAL WITH MULTITASKING

WOES:

FOCUS ON EMPLOYEE’S STRENGTH

Delegating tasks as per employee’s strengths and weaknesses is a good practice.

CREATE A TO-DO LIST WITH PRIORITIES

Plan a to-do list prior to delegation. If every member knows which task is on priority for the

day, it makes it easier to focus on things and accomplishing them faster.

USE THE RIGHT TIME TRACKING TOOLS

A reliable project management software that tracks and assigns tasks to employees saves

time and keeps the project on track. In addition, communicating, sharing and generating

reports and files with mailing options helps employees streamline their work and keep all

details in one location.

CHECK OVERALL TASK BURDEN ON INDIVIDUAL MEMBERS

Never overburden employees with tasks that takes time. This initiates multitasking and in

the process, employees lose their excellence to perform. Every person should be allocated

between 80-100% of their time to accomplish tasks.

GIVE EMPLOYEES THEIR TIME AND SPACE

Each employee has their own skill, knowledge and capacity to perform tasks. Allow an

employee to use his or her pace in doing things with improved concentration and

perfection.

SET CLEAR BOUNDARIES

Setting clear boundaries like proposing a “No technology” rule in the start, lets the

employees stay within limits. If still they respond to emails and texting frequently, conduct

some brain storming sessions that might bring some relief to an otherwise boring working

environment.

The Synquis team have come up with a robust cloud-based project management solution

that enables you to track status and progress of both your employees and projects. Contact

our professionals today to view a demo of our operations management software.

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