Multitasking reduces productivity and irritates colleagues, according to Jeremy Hunter, PhD, Assistant Professor at Drucker School of Management. His Executive Mind course reveals powerful alternatives to constant task-switching.

Why Multitasking Destroys Workplace Productivity

Research by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi shows:
- Flow states require concentrated attention
- Modern workplaces discourage deep focus
- Constant task-switching creates dissatisfaction

3 Effective Ways to Reduce Multitasking

1. Practice Mindful Recollection

Simple mindfulness techniques can help:
- Pause for 1-2 minutes periodically
- Focus on your breath
- Regain present-moment awareness
- Discreet enough for office environments

2. Change Distracting Habits

A CIO student implemented these changes:
- Phone-free meetings (collected devices at door)
- Reduced open browser tabs
- Scheduled email response times
- Turned off personal phone for work hours

Results: Gained 2-3 productive hours daily (40+ hours monthly)

3. Set Clear Attention Expectations

Initiate team discussions about:
- Meeting multitasking policies
- Email response protocols
- Focus time guidelines

Hunter notes: "We lack cultural norms around attention etiquette - creating these can be liberating."

Key Takeaways for Better Focus

Multitasking reduces effectiveness and annoys colleagues
Brief mindfulness breaks can reset attention
Habit changes create significant time savings
Team agreements prevent distraction traps

How do you manage multitasking at work? Share your strategies in the comments.

This post summarizes insights from Jeremy Hunter's discussion in the Working with Mindfulness webinar. Original content appeared on Daniel Goleman's LinkedIn.

Articles tagged "focus-strategies"

Articles tagged "focus-strategies"

How to Stop Multitasking at Work for Better Focus