Cons Of Multitasking

Question 3: Examine the pros and cons of multitasking.

The advent of modern electronic communication via multiple methods, mechanisms and devices has led to the pervasive, and in some cases, encourages the practice of multitasking in the work and business environment. As pointed out by Durbin (2017), “It has become standard communication practice for many workers to read e-mail and text messages while listening to a presentation” (p. 208). Staunch supporters of multitasking claim it bolsters productivity. In contrast, there is significant research supporting the contrary. By detailing the various aspects of multitasking, this essay helps to articulate the concepts, advantages and disadvantages related to the practice. To briefly summarize, multitasking involves performing multiple functions at once, typically using an array of communication devices and mechanisms. A worker may
simultaneously be jockeying between a cellphone text conversation, participating in an online webinar, on one personal computer screen, while working on a spreadsheet financial report on another screen. Furthermore, it’s becoming increasingly prevalent in office settings that workers have three or more screens. An example may be in a customer care office setting where the third screen is used for monitoring incoming phone center call activity. With this in mind, advocates that are pro multitasking believe workers are able to be tremendously more productive by being able to complete many assignments and duties at once, thus being more efficient. The practice of multitasking continues to grow and accepted as a normal part of business, specifically for members of Generation Y. Additionally, increased accessibility while workers are out of the office, or even on vacation are more accessible and have the ability to weigh in on solving problems and challenges, reducing the workload when returning back to work. Although it may be true there are advantages in multitasking, correspondingly there are many cons and disadvantages.
The vast majority of workers simply cannot function in this manner effectively. As indicated by Durbin (2017), “About 2.5 percent of the population is successful at multitasking” (224). In many cases, people feel they are very capable in handling multiple tasks at once, unfortunately, the result in most cases are reduced accuracy and productivity. Additionally, the interruptions associated with multitasking activity are a financial drain as well. According to Durbin (2017), “Multitasking cost the U.S. economy an estimated annual productivity loss of $997 billion and a minimum of 28 billion hours of lost work time” (p.224). The reduced accuracy in conjunction with the constant interruptions and the statistics regarding the expense associated with ineffective multitasking not only affects business life but encroaches on the separation between business and home life as well as modern communication devices can make people available virtually anywhere,
anytime. In summary, modern communication methods and mechanisms have led to widespread adoption and practice of multitasking in many of today’s work settings. It’s important to realize the many pros and cons of multitasking when it pertains to productivity. There are certainly benefits multitasking, however, research shows the vast majority of individuals are not capable of multitasking productively. As cited by Dubrin (2017), “Performing more than one demanding cognitive activity at once lowers accuracy and productivity , because you can devote 100 percent of your attention to only one task at a time” (p.224). Thorough understanding of the demands and expectations in today’s work

settings and their associated multitasking challenges can help one make informed decisions regarding how to truly be more productive.

References
Durbin, A.J. (2017). Human Relations For Career & Personal Success: Concepts, Applications, and Skills (11th ed.). Boston, MA: Pearson.