The effects of constant multitasking on workplace stress levels

In today's fast-paced work environment, we all know how overwhelming the demands of multitasking can be. Managing emails, attending meetings, meeting deadlines, and dealing with frequent distractions has become second nature to many of us.

While we might think that juggling these responsibilities boosts productivity, the toll it takes on our mental and physical health, as well as on overall organizational performance, is undeniable.

Over the years, we have come to recognize the strain of trying to balance so many tasks at once, which often results in physical, cognitive, and emotional stress.

We covered this topic in part in our article on the science of burnout with identifying early signs and addressing prevention strategies, which emphasizes how chronic multitasking can lead to burnout if left unchecked.

We have witnessed how heightened stress levels don't only affect individuals. That is why we created a separate article that addresses workplace stress and its effect on team dynamics with the emphasis on building resilient teams, which sheds light on how constant task-switching can erode collaboration and productivity. Furthermore, stress in high-stakes jobs with a view on coping mechanisms for high-pressure careers reveals how high-demand environments intensify the stress caused by multitasking.

As leaders and managers, we can also draw from our article that discusses the role of leadership in reducing workplace stress and views the best practices for managers. It shows how effective workload management can mitigate multitasking pressure. We know firsthand how employees can benefit from leveraging emotional intelligence to manage workplace stress, which helps them handle the cognitive overload multitasking often brings.

The culture we foster in the workplace plays a pivotal role in reducing the pressures of multitasking. Our work on understanding the role of corporate culture in stress management reminds us that a supportive and flexible culture can help ease the strain of constant task-switching. Moreover, observing how flexibility can reduce stress and increase productivity reinforces our understanding of how allowing employees to work in a more focused manner, without interruptions, can significantly lower stress.

These insights all point to the importance of managing multitasking-related stress effectively within our organizations.

The Effects of Constant Multitasking on Workplace Stress Levels

We all know the significance of multitasking in modern work environments, and yet, we can’t ignore its negative effects.

Despite the attempt to handle multiple tasks at once, we’ve seen how constant task-switching leads to heightened stress, cognitive overload, and lower productivity.

Research continues to show that multitasking triggers a stress response in the body, impairs cognitive function, and creates emotional strain, all of which negatively impact both individual well-being and overall organizational performance.

1. Physiological Stress Responses

From our experience, we understand that multitasking triggers notable physiological stress reactions. When switching between tasks, the brain activates the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) and the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, producing more cortisol—our stress hormone.

As cortisol levels increase, so do heart rates and blood pressure, signaling stress. This state of heightened stress can cause long-term health issues if left unmanaged, such as cardiovascular problems, weakened immune responses, and greater vulnerability to illness.

We know that this isn’t just a temporary spike, but a strain that accumulates over time, affecting our overall health.

2. Cognitive Impairment

We’ve all experienced how multitasking leads to cognitive overload, diminishing our ability to perform tasks efficiently.

Research supports that our brain has a limited processing capacity, and when we attempt to focus on several tasks simultaneously, our attention gets divided. As a result, tasks take longer to complete and accuracy suffers.

This mental fatigue forces us to put in extra effort to correct mistakes and get back on track. Over time, this cognitive decline contributes to burnout, and we’ve seen firsthand how it spirals into chronic stress.

3. Emotional Toll

The emotional consequences of constant multitasking are not just theoretical—they’re something we all feel.

The pressure of juggling numerous responsibilities, dealing with interruptions, and meeting tight deadlines can quickly lead to feelings of anxiety and overwhelm. The stress is amplified when multitasking doesn’t lead to the desired results, causing us to feel inadequate or frustrated.

Many of us have experienced the emotional exhaustion that comes with being forced to multitask, which eventually leads to burnout and deeper mental health issues, such as anxiety and depression.

How Multitasking Triggers Stress in Employees

Multitasking isn’t just about managing different tasks—it’s a complex interaction between our brains, bodies, and the environment around us.

In the workplace, the constant juggling of emails, meetings, and responsibilities can trigger significant stress in employees. Let’s explore in more detail how multitasking impacts employees on a physiological, biochemical, and behavioral level.

1. Physiological and Biochemical Reactions

We understand that multitasking doesn’t just affect us mentally, but it also has serious biological consequences.

Research, like that of Becker et al. (2022), explains how switching between tasks triggers repeated biochemical responses, raising cortisol levels, and pushing our bodies into a constant state of stress.

Over time, this chronic activation of the fight-or-flight response leads to a higher risk of stress-related illnesses, such as heart disease and gastrointestinal problems, which we’ve observed in colleagues under high pressure.

2. Workplace Dynamics and Behavioral Impact

From our observations and research, we know that multitasking can disrupt workplace dynamics.

As Reddy and Kumar’s (2020) study explains, employees who feel compelled to multitask often experience more distress than eustress (positive stress).

Eustress drives motivation and performance, but constant multitasking fosters negative stress, leading to frustration and exhaustion.

We’ve seen how this creates a work culture where productivity is valued over individual well-being, straining relationships and decreasing job satisfaction. This not only lowers morale but also impacts employee engagement and overall performance.

3. Decreased Creativity and Focus

We've observed how multitasking diminishes our ability to engage deeply with our work.

As Marter (2024) points out, the fragmentation of attention caused by multitasking makes it difficult to focus and think creatively. Employees are less likely to fully immerse themselves in complex tasks, and this shallow engagement stifles innovation.

The results? Missed opportunities for problem-solving and a lack of fulfillment in the work we do. This disengagement also leads to a sense of dissatisfaction among employees.

Strategies to Address Multitasking-Induced Stress

Recognizing the negative impact of multitasking on our stress levels, we can implement strategies to reduce its effects and promote well-being across the organization.

These approaches have proven effective in managing multitasking-induced stress

1. Emphasizing Single-Tasking

One of the most effective ways we’ve found to mitigate the stress of multitasking is by encouraging single-tasking.

Studies have shown that when we focus on one task at a time, we not only improve our accuracy and efficiency but also increase job satisfaction while reducing cognitive strain.

We’ve seen the benefits firsthand when employees are given the time to dedicate themselves to a single task without interruption. Time management and prioritization training are key in helping employees adopt this approach.

2. Implementing Structured Workflows

Organizational change is crucial in reducing the need for multitasking. By introducing clear workflows, schedules, and priorities, we help employees focus on one task at a time.

Time-blocking—dedicating set periods for specific activities like meetings, email management, and deep work—has been an effective method for minimizing distractions and improving focus.

We've also introduced "no meeting" days or time slots for uninterrupted work, enabling employees to concentrate without constant communication disruptions.

3. Encouraging Breaks and Mindfulness

From our collective experience, we know that taking breaks and practicing mindfulness can counteract the physiological stress caused by multitasking. Simple activities like deep breathing exercises, brief walks, or even meditation can help us regain focus and reduce mental strain.

Research confirms that taking regular breaks leads to improved productivity and mental clarity, while mindfulness helps us stay present and calm, reducing anxiety.

The Organizational Role in Reducing Multitasking

Organizations play a crucial role in shaping the workplace environment and in mitigating the negative impacts of constant multitasking on employees.

By creating a culture that values focus and clarity, organizations can help employees prioritize their well-being and productivity.

Let’s examine how organizations can make a significant impact in reducing multitasking-induced stress and fostering a healthier work environment.

1. Promoting a Culture of Focus

As organizations, we play a vital role in combating the negative effects of multitasking by fostering a culture of focus. By setting the tone and encouraging employees to dedicate time to deep, uninterrupted work, we can reduce the pressure to multitask.

Promoting focus-intensive tasks and discouraging constant task-switching has improved productivity and well-being in many organizations.

We also know that clear communication about expectations and workload management can help ease the strain on employees, making multitasking less necessary.

2. Training and Awareness Programs

We’ve found that educating employees about the detrimental effects of multitasking is crucial.

Training programs can help employees understand the science behind multitasking and how it negatively impacts stress levels. When we raise awareness, employees are better equipped to organize their workdays in ways that avoid cognitive overload.

Time management workshops have proven valuable in helping employees prioritize tasks and establish effective work patterns.

3. Leveraging Technology

While technology often seems like the root cause of multitasking, we’ve also discovered how it can be harnessed to reduce task-switching.

Tools like project management software, task automation systems, and collaboration platforms can streamline workflows, allowing employees to focus on one task at a time.

By utilizing technology to support structured work, we can decrease the pressure of multitasking and help employees stay organized and focused.

Conclusion

The paradox of multitasking in today’s workplace is clear: while it promises efficiency, it often results in heightened stress, decreased productivity, and diminished mental well-being.

Through years of experience, we’ve come to understand the physiological, cognitive, and emotional toll multitasking takes. However, by promoting a culture of focus, implementing structured workflows, and encouraging single-tasking, we can mitigate the negative effects.

By doing so, we not only foster a more balanced work environment but also enhance the ability of employees to thrive and succeed.

At the end, we must say it is rather sad that for more than two decades multitasking was considered something of a virtue. Moreover, those who had, let us say so, the ability to multitask were considered more preferable workers than those who didn't possess such abilities. Even today, when applying for some jobs, you may see the questions related to multitasking. Unfortunately, that is one of the signs that such organisations do not recognize the bad nature of multitasking and that it is probable that human capital isn't worthy enough for them.

If you remember the earlier days, people would often speak of coping with the challenges of multitasking or skill of multitasking. Today, any reasonable employer should evade using such language if the intent is to keep a good and dedicated worker.

As always, below you will find the articles that helped us shape this very article and filled some gaps we had in understanding ot the nature of mutitasking and its effects on the workplace stress:

• Butt, Nadia & Warraich, Nosheen. (2022). MULTITASKING BEHAVIOR IN THE WORKPLACE: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW. Journal of Social Research Development. 3. 229-247. 10.53664/JSRD/03-02-2022-08-229-247.

• Reddy, D. S., & Kumar, S. V. S. (2020). Multitasking – A source of workplace stress. Journal of Critical Reviews, 7(15), 3777.

• Becker L, Kaltenegger HC, Nowak D, Weigl M, Rohleder N (2022) Physiological stress in response to multitasking and work interruptions: Study protocol. PLoS ONE 17(2): e0263785.

• Friedman, R. (2024, February 1). The pitfalls of multitasking at work. Psychology Today.