Multitasking doesn’t work—here’s what does.
Summary
Even if you’ve heard that multitasking is a myth, it can feel productive. But the science behind multitasking is clear: the brain isn’t built to do two things simultaneously. You're just task switching, which decreases focus and leads to more mistakes. We break down common multitasking myths and show what actually works instead.
”
What is multitasking?
Multitasking is handling multiple tasks at once or switching tasks rapidly. While it may feel efficient, multitasking is a myth: your brain regions responsible for cognitive control can’t manage more than one focus-demanding activity at a given time. Each switch fragments your attention, increases mistakes, and drains your working memory. Tools and triggers like notifications, text messaging, and social media keep this cycle going, making it harder to focus on a single task.
Examples of multitasking
Some multitasking is obvious. Other times, it’s disguised as productivity. These behaviors are actually just task switching in disguise, and they chip away at your cognition:
Responding to text messages during a phone call
Listening to a podcast while writing an email
Jumping between tabs or tools mid-task
Checking a to-do list while in a meeting
Scrolling social media during a virtual presentation
Reading docs while replying to Slack
These habits can feel harmless, but they scatter your focus and interrupt the flow of deeper work.
What are the effects of multitasking on cognition and productivity?
Multitasking affects more than just speed. It changes how your brain works. Every switch taps your executive control, building up switch costs that slow decision-making and cause mental fatigue. Over time, this can reduce short-term memory, lower output, and increase the risk of burnout. Our research shows that 71% of
knowledge workers felt burned out in the past year, with the highest rates among those who feel uneasy without their phones: 65%, compared to 45% who don’t. The result is less clarity, lower output, and more stress.
5 multitasking myths
Many of us think we’re good at multitasking or that it helps us get more done. But most of what we assume about it doesn’t match how the brain works. These multitasking myths help explain the gap.
Myth 1: Humans can multitask
Is it possible to multitask? Not really. Studies show the human brain isn’t built to focus on multiple tasks simultaneously. What feels like multitasking is actually rapid task switching, which drains working memory, increases mistakes and creates measurable switch costs. In reality, we’re wired for single-tasking, doing one thing with full attention before moving on.
”
Myth 2: Multitasking isn’t that bad
Does multitasking really cause problems if you’re good at it? Yes. Many people believe they’ve developed multitasking ability, but research shows little connection between confidence and actual performance. Over time, the negative effects of multitasking can feel normal, even if they're still hurting your focus. But just because task switching feels normal doesn’t mean it’s not slowing you down.
How to find focus & flow in a distracted world
Get science-backed tips from experts in psychology and neuroscience. Learn how to minimize distractions and focus on high-priority tasks, so you can flourish at home and at work.
Myth 3: Multitasking increases productivity
If you’re doing two things at once, doesn’t that mean you’re getting more done? Not quite. Studies by Dr. David Meyer and Dr. Joshua Rubinstein found that context switching can reduce productivity by as much as 40%. Each shift between cognitive tasks uses up working memory and slows your ability to complete either task well. So, while multitasking may feel efficient, it often makes you less effective.
Läs: Effektivitet vs ändamålsenlighet i näringslivet: Varför ditt team behöver bådaMyth 4: There are different types of multitasking
Are there really different types of multitasking? Not exactly. Terms like task switching, context switching, and attention residue don’t describe separate forms of multitasking—they describe what happens when you try to do multiple tasks simultaneously.
Multitasking is the attempt to juggle two activities at the same time.
Task switching is the mental act of shifting between them.
Attention residue is what lingers from the last task, which clouds your cognition as you move to the next task.
Myth 5: Multitasking at work is ok
Is multitasking at work really a problem? Yes, even when it feels routine. According to our research, the average knowledge worker switches between 10 apps up to 25 times per day. This constant toggling leads to missed messages, overlooked tasks, and lower efficiency. One common form, media multitasking, involves bouncing between tools like email, chat, and project software. In addition to typical switch costs, media multitasking has been linked to weaker working memory and poorer long-term mental health.
How to find focus & flow in a distracted world
Get science-backed tips from experts in psychology and neuroscience. Learn how to minimize distractions and focus on high-priority tasks, so you can flourish at home and at work.
6 ways to be productive without multitasking
The myth of multitasking suggests we can juggle a number of tasks at once, but the human brain isn't wired that way. These six strategies show how single-tasking can help you reclaim your full attention and find your flow.
”
1. Try timeboxing
Timeboxing helps you commit your full attention to a task by assigning it a fixed block of time. When the timer starts, you focus on that task alone: no checking emails, no switching tabs. Research from UC Berkeley’s Becoming Superhuman Lab found that “Focus Sprint” participants who avoided switching tasks during work sessions felt 43% more productive.
Läs: Testa timeboxing: den målinriktade tidshanteringsstrategin2. Schedule time blocks
Time blocking helps heavy multitaskers reduce task switching by grouping related tasks. Instead of jumping between tools or reacting to every notification, set focused blocks to handle similar work, like checking email once in the morning and once before signing off. This keeps you in control of your time and protects your working memory from constant interruptions.
”
3. Use do not disturb features
Turning on do-not-disturb mode helps minimize switch costs caused by digital pings. Use it across devices—computer, phone, chat apps—to stay focused during deep work. You’re not ignoring your team; you’re giving your human brain space to think clearly and finish one task before starting a different task.
Distraktioner är kostsamma, så vi har fokuserat på att eliminera dem där vi kan. Asana är utformat för att man ska kunna arbeta smidigt och utan störningsmoment. Alla ser vad som behöver göras och vad de är ansvariga för.”
4. Try the Pomodoro Technique
The Pomodoro Technique encourages short bursts of focused work followed by intentional breaks. You work for 25 minutes, then take five to reset. After four cycles, take a more extended break. This method helps manage cognitive tasks without burnout and gives you structured time to check social media, reply to text messages, or make a phone call without derailing your momentum.
Läs: Pomodoro-tekniken: Så höjer den produktiviteten i teamet5. Align your priorities
Multitasking is a myth, especially when everything feels urgent. Clarifying task importance helps you focus on what matters now. Keep going if a new request is less important than what you’re doing. If it’s more important, make a conscious switchback instead of reacting to it mid-task.
6. Set MITs
Identify your most important tasks (MITs) daily to focus your energy where it counts. According to Dr. Sahar Yousef, setting daily MITs can cut procrastination and lower burnout. Sharing your MITs with teammates adds accountability and reduces the urge to chase every phone call, ping, or pop-up.
From switch tasking to single tasking
It’s not easy to stop multitasking, especially if this is a common part of your day to day. But when you stop trying to do multiple things at once and instead focus on one thing at a time, you’ll find you’re more engaged, productive, and impactul.
How to find focus & flow in a distracted world
Get science-backed tips from experts in psychology and neuroscience. Learn how to minimize distractions and focus on high-priority tasks, so you can flourish at home and at work.
