The Truth About Multitasking and Efficiency

Multitasking seems like the ultimate productivity superpower. Juggling emails, meetings, reports, and side projects all at once? Sounds like a recipe for efficiency. After all, the modern workplace rewards those who can “do it all.”

But here’s the truth—multitasking isn’t the time-saving, performance-boosting strategy it’s made out to be. In fact, research shows that trying to do multiple things at once often leads to more mistakes, lower efficiency, and higher stress levels. What feels like a fast track to productivity is often just a shortcut to burnout.

So why do so many people swear by multitasking, and what’s the better alternative?

The Brain Wasn’t Built to Multitask

Contrary to popular belief, the brain isn’t wired to focus on multiple complex tasks simultaneously. Instead of processing multiple streams of information at once, the brain rapidly switches between tasks, creating an illusion of efficiency.

This “task-switching” comes at a cost. Every time the brain shifts focus, there’s a brief cognitive lag—sometimes lasting only milliseconds, but enough to slow down work over time. Studies suggest that switching between tasks can reduce productivity by as much as 40% and increase error rates.

Ever started answering an email while on a Zoom call, only to realize you missed half the conversation?
Ever bounced between tasks so much that you forgot what you were doing in the first place?

That’s the brain struggling to keep up with task-switching fatigue.

Multitasking vs. Multithreading: What’s the Difference?

People often confuse multitasking with multithreading, but they aren’t the same thing.

Multitasking is trying to do two attention-heavy tasks at once—like drafting a report while having a conversation. It rarely works well.
Multithreading is stacking tasks that don’t require the same type of focus—like listening to a podcast while cooking dinner. This is far more effective.

The key? Pairing a passive task with an active one. Walking while brainstorming? Great. Answering emails while participating in a strategy meeting? Probably not your best move.

The Hidden Cost of Multitasking

It’s not just productivity that suffers when multitasking takes over. It can also increase stress levels, drain mental energy, and reduce overall job satisfaction.

More mistakes: The more often the brain switches tasks, the higher the chance of missing details or making errors.
Slower completion times: Despite the illusion of getting more done, multitasking often extends the time it takes to finish each task.
Increased stress: Constantly bouncing between unfinished tasks creates mental clutter, leading to anxiety and frustration.

Instead of feeling accomplished at the end of the day, multitaskers often feel exhausted, wondering why they were “busy” for hours but didn’t actually complete much.

The Case for Single-Tasking

If multitasking is the enemy of efficiency, single-tasking is the hidden productivity hack. Focusing on one task at a time leads to higher-quality work, faster completion, and lower stress levels.

How to Train Your Brain for Deep Focus

Use the 25-Minute Rule (Pomodoro Technique)Work on one task for 25 minutes, then take a short break. This keeps the brain sharp while maximizing focus.
Batch Similar Tasks TogetherInstead of switching between different types of work, group similar tasks (like responding to all emails at once) to reduce cognitive load.
Eliminate DistractionsPut your phone on silent, close unnecessary browser tabs, and let colleagues know when you’re in a deep work session.
Prioritize the Most Important Work FirstTackle high-focus tasks early in the day when mental energy is at its peak.
Practice Mindfulness in WorkFully engage with one task before moving to the next. It takes practice, but the payoff is worth it.

Working Smarter, Not Just Faster

Multitasking might feel productive in the moment, but over time, it slows progress and drains mental energy. The real secret to efficiency isn’t about doing more things at once—it’s about doing the right things, with full attention, and finishing them faster.

When focus becomes the priority, productivity takes care of itself.