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Multi-tasking skills at school and work
Multi-tasking is the ability to handle more than one task or responsibility at the same time.
It’s a useful skill, whether you're studying for exams, working on multiple projects or trying to balance work with your personal responsibilities. Anyone can do it badly – multi-tasking well is a skill that will stand you in good stead at school and work.
‘Anyone can multi-task badly – doing it well will stand you in good stead at school and work’
What is multi-tasking?
Multi-tasking is the ability to manage several tasks at the same time – and doing them all well! It is made up other skills, such as adaptability, organisation and time management.
It involves:
- Knowing which tasks to tackle first based on importance and deadlines.
- Efficiently using your time to switch between tasks and complete them on schedule.
- Being able to switch focus based on unexpected changes or interruptions and still complete your work.
- Maintaining attention on each task even when balancing multiple ones at the same time.
- Organising tasks and knowing when to switch between them to keep everything moving forward.
Multi-tasking is an important skill – but it isn’t always the best approach. If you have the time to focus on just one activity, you may find you’re able to achieve better results. If circumstances allow, it may be better to prioritise your tasks and do them one at a time.
This isn’t always possible – and identifying when multi-tasking is appropriate is part of the skill!
Multi-tasking at school
At school, you may sometimes need to multi-task to get your work done on time. This may be particularly appropriate during exam season, when you need to revise for multiple subjects at the same time.
Multi-tasking may also be called for when trying to get your homework done. If you’ve got three assignments all due in tomorrow, you may need to spend a bit of time on each to make sure you have something to hand in to your teacher. Doing them all to an acceptable standard may be better than doing one of them really well and forgetting about the other two!
Using multi-tasking at work
You may produce your best work by focusing on one task to the exclusion of everything else. However, that isn’t always the priority in the workplace. Sometimes we have multiple projects on the go – with tight deadlines. If this is the case, you may need to allocate time to each task and work to the best standard possible within the time allowed.
Other examples of when multi-tasking skills come in handy include:
- Handling phone calls, emails, and meetings: In an office setting, you may need to respond to emails, take phone calls and attend meetings all in one day. Being able to multi-task effectively allows you to handle these without feeling overwhelmed.
- Customer service: Whether you’re working in retail, hospitality or another customer-facing role, you’ll need to juggle multiple customers or tasks. Multi-tasking skills help you provide a good service to everyone.
- Adapting to changes: The workplace can be unpredictable, with last-minute changes and new priorities popping up. Multi-tasking can help you stay flexible and adjust to these changes without getting flustered.
How to improve your multi-tasking skills
There are lots of multi-tasking techniques you can practise in your schoolwork in preparation for the workplace.
Here are a few strategies to help you develop your multi-tasking skills:
- Break tasks into smaller steps: Instead of tackling a large project all at once, break it into smaller tasks. Each smaller task can be tackled alone – perhaps on different days.
- Prioritise your tasks: Make a to-do list and prioritise tasks based on urgency and importance. Tackle the most important or time-sensitive tasks first.
- Use tools to stay organised: Tools like calendars, task lists and project management apps can help you stay on top of multiple responsibilities.
- Set clear goals: Instead of having unclear – and unrealistic – expectations, know what you need to achieve for each task. Having specific goals will stop you wasting time.
- Give yourself a break: Take frequent short breaks – go outside, stare out of the window or get up and walk around. When you return to your work, switch to a different task.
- Limit distractions: Distractions – like TikTok, Snapchat or WhatsApp – are one way to waste loads of time, leaving you with less time available for your to-do list. Switch off your notifications and plug in your headphones with calming music to stop people interrupting you.
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