7 VITAL TIPS TO IMPROVE YOUR MULTITASKING SKILLS

Multitasking is an important professional skill to bring to the workplace. Learning how to multitask effectively is vital and, when done correctly, you’ll see a dramatic improvement in your performance in the workplace.  

Here are 7 tips to become a better multitasker and improve your workplace productivity:

1. Plan ahead
Planning ahead of time is a great way to manage your workload and set realistic objectives. We’re all guilty of leaving something to the last minute, but with the help of a productivity planner or a simple to-do list, you can boost your time management and organisational skills. 
 
A great place to start is building a weekly plan with micro and macro goals and then creating a daily schedule that will allow you to complete your objectives.

2. Prioritise your tasks
Before you set off, take time to prioritise your tasks and plan accordingly. Either way, knowing where to start and where to direct your attention is crucial – and knowing how to prioritise effectively and where to place your energy first is an excellent way to improve your multitasking abilities in the workplace. 
Before you begin, review your list of tasks and remove any that are unnecessary. 

3. Manage any distractions
While you may do your absolute best to remove potential distractions, some may be unavoidable. If you tend to procrastinate or lose focus at work, try cleaning your workspace and removing stimulus that could distract you. 
 While workplace distractions can sometimes be out of your control, do your best to manage your surroundings. 

4. Find enjoyment in what you do
It’s no secret that productivity soars when we enjoy what we’re doing. According to research conducted by the University of Warwick, happiness makes people 12% more productive. So, anything you can do to make your tasks more enjoyable is worth doing. If you can’t find a way to make the work itself more fun, rewarding yourself whenever you finish a task is another great way to create a more positive experience for yourself as you juggle through different assignments.

5. Plan extra time for each task
Delays happen – and sometimes they are completely out of our hands.  By preparing for the unexpected, you’ll avoid last-minute sprints to complete your tasks, which often results in poor quality work. And if everything goes to plan, you have extra time to review your work or reward yourself!

6. Take frequent breaks
Remember, multitasking doesn’t mean you have to be busy at all times. If you’ve planned your timeline effectively, you should have time to recalibrate and rest. Without rest, you could find yourself experiencing burnout and, as a result, producing work of a lower standard.  Stand up, walk around and make yourself a cup of coffee – even if you spend a 10minute break from your work, you can boost your workflow.

7. Review your progress
Reviewing your progress and crossing out completed assignments is a great way to stay motivated – especially if you have a long list! If you are working on a larger project with a set timeline, this can also help you determine whether you’re on track and can meet your goals within the deadline.