Why EAs should avoid multitasking

Management assistants are often given a multitude of projects to work on at one time, as well as keeping up with their daily tasks and supporting their boss with anything that crops up unexpectedly. However, research shows that multitasking can be detrimental to a PA’s ability to work effectively.

While many people claim they can handle several responsibilities at once, a recent report in The New Yorker reveals that only 2% of the population are actually able to multitask successfully. In addition, an article in Time Magazine says those who repeatedly take on more tasks tend to find ways to distract themselves, even if they’re working on a single project.

A researcher at Stanford University in California, Clifford Nass, found in a study of students that those who multitask more often use their brains less efficiently than ones who avoid tackling two or more activities at once. Clifford recommends finding a better solution to completing multiple tasks to reduce the amount of stress and distractions employees face at work. He says team members should be forced to spend an afternoon away from distracting emails in order to devote quality time to a single project.

Because PAs and other administrative professionals have so much to deal with in a day, Entrepreneur suggests working on related items at the same time. This allows you to engage more effectively while maintaining a high level of productivity. It’s also a good idea to keep an updated to-do list in a visible place on your desk and add to it as tasks crop up so you can review it in your down time.

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