The common belief that multitasking boosts productivity is largely a misconception. Human brains are designed for monotasking—focusing on one task at a time. What we label as multitasking is actually rapid task-switching, which significantly impairs performance. Neuropsychologist Cynthia Kubu explains that this constant switching reduces efficiency and increases the likelihood of errors, especially in complex tasks.

Empirical studies reinforce this: “switch costs” can consume as much as 40 % of your productive time, as your brain repeatedly refocuses between tasks. Heavy media multitaskers fare worse on working memory and sustained attention, suggesting long-term multitasking harms cognitive performance.

Additionally, continuous partial attention - constantly scanning for new stimuli - elevates stress, reduces focus, and weakens decision-making. A diary-based workplace study found that task fragmentation reduces “flow” - a key state of deep engagement - and lowers job performance, especially when employee engagement is low.

The takeaway? Embracing single-tasking - dedicating full, uninterrupted attention to one task - enhances productivity, reduces mistakes, and protects mental well-being.