Multi-tasking leads to inefficiency
Oct 06, 2009
OFFICE TALK<br><br>THERE are days which seem shorter than usual. This can leave one with a lot of uncompleted work at the desk. Consequently, some people resort to multitasking, thinking that it will help them catch up with time as well as get their
OFFICE TALK
BY AIDAH NANYONJO
THERE are days which seem shorter than usual. This can leave one with a lot of uncompleted work at the desk. Consequently, some people resort to multitasking, thinking that it will help them catch up with time as well as get their work done.
Julius Kateega, a human resource consultant at Competitive Choices Limited, says although multitasking maximises the quantity of work, it reduces the quality of output.
“When you do more than two things at ago, you lose concentration. Errors are likely to occur hence affecting the quality,†Kateega says.
He, however, adds that since different jobs have different requirements, there are jobs where multitasking is not a problem. Receptionists, waiters and ladies who work on switchboards multitask daily without any problem because it is part of their work.
But in areas where a person does things that are not related to their work, errors are likely to occur.
“Unless the discussion on phone is related to what one is typing on a computer, the output will be affected,†Kateega says.
He adds that multitasking should be done when working on less important issues. One should know which tasks can be lumped together and which ones cannot. Kateega advises that if both tasks require much attention, it is better to put one aside until the other is finished.
It is obvious that anyone can answer the phone call and filter emails at the same time. But a person cannot plan the next meeting’s agenda and finalise the monthly expense report at the same time.
“If you really need to multitask, then do so with non-urgent tasks. Carrying on two important tasks simultaneously will not give either of them the full attention they require,†Kateega warns.
Although some people think multitasking saves time, it actually consumes it. If you are typing a document that takes 30 minutes, with multitasking it will probably take about 45 minutes because there is no concentration.
“To think that more can be done by tackling different tasks simultaneously is a misconception. Technically, tasks can only be done one at a time, so loss of efficiency comes from the switch-time between tasks,†Kateega adds.
However, psychologists say a person can multitask and still do their work efficiently.
Rogers Nsereko, a Psychologist at Butabika Referral Hospital, says multitasking depends on an individual and the functions of the brain.
“A human being can serve seven tasks at ago. A phone on the left ear will be guided by the part of the brain on the left hand side while typing on a computer will be guided by both ears,†he says.
Nsereko however says the efficiency will be affected since there is lack of concentration.
Based on the functions of the brain, women can multitask more than men. That is why they are called good managers.
“When a woman looks at one side, she also wants to see the other, while men look at only one side and their decision is once and for all,â€Nsereko adds.
If multitasking is not overdone, it can increase productivity. Many employers prefer people who can do several things in the shortest time possible.
BY AIDAH NANYONJO
THERE are days which seem shorter than usual. This can leave one with a lot of uncompleted work at the desk. Consequently, some people resort to multitasking, thinking that it will help them catch up with time as well as get their work done.
Julius Kateega, a human resource consultant at Competitive Choices Limited, says although multitasking maximises the quantity of work, it reduces the quality of output.
“When you do more than two things at ago, you lose concentration. Errors are likely to occur hence affecting the quality,†Kateega says.
He, however, adds that since different jobs have different requirements, there are jobs where multitasking is not a problem. Receptionists, waiters and ladies who work on switchboards multitask daily without any problem because it is part of their work.
But in areas where a person does things that are not related to their work, errors are likely to occur.
“Unless the discussion on phone is related to what one is typing on a computer, the output will be affected,†Kateega says.
He adds that multitasking should be done when working on less important issues. One should know which tasks can be lumped together and which ones cannot. Kateega advises that if both tasks require much attention, it is better to put one aside until the other is finished.
It is obvious that anyone can answer the phone call and filter emails at the same time. But a person cannot plan the next meeting’s agenda and finalise the monthly expense report at the same time.
“If you really need to multitask, then do so with non-urgent tasks. Carrying on two important tasks simultaneously will not give either of them the full attention they require,†Kateega warns.
Although some people think multitasking saves time, it actually consumes it. If you are typing a document that takes 30 minutes, with multitasking it will probably take about 45 minutes because there is no concentration.
“To think that more can be done by tackling different tasks simultaneously is a misconception. Technically, tasks can only be done one at a time, so loss of efficiency comes from the switch-time between tasks,†Kateega adds.
However, psychologists say a person can multitask and still do their work efficiently.
Rogers Nsereko, a Psychologist at Butabika Referral Hospital, says multitasking depends on an individual and the functions of the brain.
“A human being can serve seven tasks at ago. A phone on the left ear will be guided by the part of the brain on the left hand side while typing on a computer will be guided by both ears,†he says.
Nsereko however says the efficiency will be affected since there is lack of concentration.
Based on the functions of the brain, women can multitask more than men. That is why they are called good managers.
“When a woman looks at one side, she also wants to see the other, while men look at only one side and their decision is once and for all,â€Nsereko adds.
If multitasking is not overdone, it can increase productivity. Many employers prefer people who can do several things in the shortest time possible.