There are very few employees who can make it through a day without multitasking. Employers are asking their teams with doing increasingly more amid far less resources, and long to-do lists and short deadlines have become the norm. Multitasking can be extremely stressful, but when you learn how to approach it with focus, you’ll be able to accomplish more in less time.
Make a Plan
When you’ve got five things to do at once, you won’t be able to tackle any of them without a plan. Sit down and prioritize your task list. Decide what you need to get done first, and what can wait. It can also help to set a timer for each task. Work on one for 30 minutes, then move on to the next for another 30 minutes, etc. It doesn’t matter what type of plan you make, just make one and stick with it.
Close Your Email
We’ve all been plugging away on a project when something pops up in the right corner of our computer screen: a new email. We drop what we are doing to read the email and then deal with the email. This can take ten seconds, or it can cost us two hours of our day. Instead of keeping your email open at all times, set designated times to check it. Spend 15-20 minutes dealing with what you find, then close it back up until the next designated time. If someone needs something quickly, they’ll come and find you..
Turn off Your Phone
Multitasking is hard enough without getting interrupted by text messages from friends or family. Like email, set specific times when you’ll check your phone for incoming texts or personal emails. Let your family know about your new policy, so that they can adjust their expectations if they are used to an instant response from you.
Take Breaks
Multitasking is stressful. Don’t try to do it for more than an hour at a time. Get up and take a walk, and if possible go outside and take in some fresh air. Stepping away from your desk will allow your brain to recharge and will help you approach your tasks with more focus when you return.
Delegate
There is no sense in worrying over tasks that can be delegated to others. If you need help getting something completed, put your hand up and ask for help. There is no shame in delegating work to others. In fact, it will help reduce your stress levels and decrease the chances that you’ll miss a deadline.
At CERS, we work with some of the most dynamic organizations in Miami and all across Florida. Our experienced recruiters seek out and connect highly skilled professionals with opportunities at those organizations that will help them advance their careers. If you’re looking for IT opportunities in Miami and you want something more from your career, contact CERS today!
