The hidden costs of multitasking in any job scope can be detrimental
In the fast-paced environment of a newsroom, the ability to multitask is often hailed as a valuable skill, a badge of efficiency in the face of constant deadlines and evolving stories.
Yet, beneath the surface, there lies a delicate balance between productivity and the risk of sacrificing quality. As journalists juggle multiple tasks simultaneously, the question arises: does the pursuit of multitasking excellence come at the cost of fulfilling one’s primary job responsibilities?
Multitasking, undoubtedly, has its merits. In a profession where every minute counts, being able to switch seamlessly between writing an article, responding to emails, monitoring social media, conducting interviews, and fact-checking can enhance productivity and responsiveness.
It allows journalists to stay on top of breaking news while managing ongoing projects, ensuring that no story goes untold.
However, the allure of multitasking can be deceptive. While it may seem like a superpower, the reality is that dividing one’s attention across numerous tasks can lead to a decline in the quality of work.
Research has shown that attempting to multitask can result in various disadvantages in any line of work. This includes reduced productivity according to a study titled The Costs of Task Switching in Multitasking: A Developmental Study in Dual-Tasking, suggesting that multitasking can actually decrease productivity rather than enhance it.
The study, conducted at the University of Michigan, found that switching between tasks can lead to a 40 per cent reduction in productivity levels. This is because the brain needs time to refocus each time it switches tasks, leading to inefficiencies.
It also leads to increased errors. Research published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences titled Multitasking Adversely Affects Brain’s Learning, UCLA Psychologists Report found that even brief interruptions (such as those caused by multitasking) can double the rate of errors in tasks.
Studies have also shown that when people try to multitask, they’re actually less efficient at storing information in their long-term memory according to Multitasking: Switching Costs. This can lead to forgetfulness and decreased retention of important details.
The study Irritating Interruptions at Work Can Lead to Higher Stress, Lower Productivity found that constantly switching between tasks can lead to feelings of being overwhelmed and may contribute to burnout and increased stress levels. The study conducted by the University of California, Irvine, found that office workers are interrupted approximately every three minutes, leading to higher stress levels and decreased productivity.
Most importantly, it’s been found that multitasking can hinder creative thinking. Research published in the Journal of Experimental Psychology: Human Perception and Performance found that multitasking reduces the brain’s ability to filter out irrelevant information, which is crucial for creative problem-solving.
In such an environment, the pressure to multitask becomes not just a choice but a necessity for survival, further exacerbating the risk of burnout and diminishing job satisfaction.
Finding the right balance between multitasking and focused attention is essential for anyone seeking to excel in their craft.
It requires a conscious effort to prioritise tasks, allocate time effectively, and set boundaries to prevent distractions from impeding productivity. Equally important is recognising when to delegate tasks or seek support from colleagues, acknowledging that no one can do it all alone.
In the quest for efficiency, workplaces must also be mindful of the toll that multitasking can take on their staff.
Providing adequate resources, such as training programmes, time management tools, and opportunities for breaks, can help mitigate the negative effects of multitasking and promote a healthier work environment.
Encouraging open communication and fostering a culture that values quality over quantity can empower individuals to focus on producing meaningful content without succumbing to the pressures of multitasking.
Ultimately, multitasking in the newsroom is a double-edged sword – a skill that can elevate productivity but also a potential trap that threatens to compromise the integrity of journalism.
By striking a balance between efficiency and quality, journalists can navigate the complexities of multitasking while staying true to their mission of informing and engaging the public.
In an industry where every word matters, finding moments of focus amidst the chaos may be the key to unlocking true journalistic excellence.
As the saying goes; Jack of all trades, master of none. In my own personal opinion, handling more than two tasks at once can quickly become over-whelming. – Rizal Faisal
