This article is part of a series published on our LinkedIn account by guest writers. Today's article was written by Andrea Kömöcz, IMA Norway  on 27th August 2024.

Management assistants and EAs are often praised for their ability to multitask. In fact, job descriptions frequently highlight multitasking as a key skill, suggesting that the ideal candidate must excel at handling multiple tasks simultaneously. 

Imagine this: You’re on a Teams call, trying to follow an important discussion. At the same time, your inbox is overflowing, so you start replying to an urgent email. As you’re typing, a Teams chat message pops up that needs your attention, and you quickly glance at your calendar to confirm your next meeting. You’re multitasking like a pro, right? 

This scenario is common. While multitasking might feel like we’re achieving more by handling multiple tasks at once, research indicates that this split attention can actually decrease our productivity and increase stress. 

So, the question worth asking is: Is this celebrated skill truly helping us, or is it quietly wearing us down? 

Research shows that: 

• Multitasking leads to a “switch cost,” which can significantly disrupt our efficiency. Each time we shift our attention from one task to another, it takes our brain time to catch up, reducing the quality of our work. 

• The burden of multitasking isn’t just mental; it’s physical too. It can lead to elevated stress levels, higher blood pressure, and a faster heart rate, which over time may weaken our immune system. 

• Studies have shown that the human brain has a limited amount of cognitive resources. When we attempt to do several things at once, we spread these resources too thin, leading to errors and burnout. 

So, next time you’re tempted to multitask, ask yourself: Is this really the best way to get things done? Because sometimes, the real superpower lies in giving one thing your full attention. 

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This article is penned by Andrea Kömöcz, Management Support at Equinor and member of IMA Norway. 

The Guest Writer series features contributions from IMA members worldwide, showcasing the diverse experiences and expertise of management assistants within our network. Each piece offers unique perspectives, practical advice, and personal reflections from professionals in the field. The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author.