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MULTITASKING AND ITS IMPACT ON 21 ST CENTURY PROFESSIONALS

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Jilin Daxue Xuebao (Gongxueban)/Journal of Jilin University (Engineering and Technology Edition)
ISSN：1671-5497
E-Publication: Online Open Access
Vol: 42 Issue: 03-2023
DOI 10.17605/OSF.IO/AZDRW

MULTITASKING AND ITS IMPACT ON 21ST CENTURY PROFESSIONALS

TANZINA HALIM*
Lecturer, Department of English, Faculty of Languages & Translation, King Khalid University, Saudi
Arabia.*Corresponding author Email: thlem@kku.edu.sa
SHANJIDA HALIM
Lecturer, Department of English, Faculty of Languages & Translation, King Khalid University, Saudi Arabia.
Email: shalem@kku.edu.sa

Abstract
This paper tried to investigate the effects of multitasking on 21 st century professionals. Multitasking has
been a trend for several decades now. Students and professionals are equally engaged in it. In this study,
(N=40) participants in different professions, including doctors, engineers, teachers, bankers, project
managers, officers in a multinational company, and the army, were chosen to participate. They were
working in Bangladesh, Saudi Arabia, Australia, and the United States. A questionnaire was administered
to them. Statistical analysis was applied. Based on the study results, the paper concludes with some
recommendations about how 21st century professionals can meet the challenges of multitasking.
Keywords: Attitude, Challenges, Impact, Multitasking, Professionals, Stress, Work

1. INTRODUCTION
We live in a universe that is speedily evolving through technology. This progress has led
to changes impacting how we function daily. The impacts of technology have become
pervasive in almost every field of our society. This has led to what we call the surge of
multitasking. Multitasking, by definition, involves more than one task, each of which is
associated with different goals and sub-goals (Adler & Benbunan- Fich, 2012). In their
study, Kirschner & Bruyckere (2017) defined human multitasking as the ability to process
two or more tasks simultaneously. In other words, 'simultaneously and/or concurrently
carrying out two or more information processing (or thinking) tasks.' Each task would
require information processing, such as reading email, chatting on mobile, or talking to
someone. This is similar to the view stated by Ruthruff et al. (2003), who refer to it as dual
tasks which are given equal importance.
In the 21st century, the concept of multitasking is not new. Dual tasking, task switching,
or multitasking has been a topic of discussion for several decades. Numerous studies
have been conducted on them. According to Lin et al (2013), multitasking has become
very common in the contemporary work environment. It is seen that the professionals of
the 21st century were not born as ‘digital natives’, a term coined by Prensky (2001). As a
result of being exposed to these digital technologies, these people have been forced to
keep pace with the growing demand for being skilled at multitasking. Being constantly
under pressure at work and family, most people are used to completing more than one
task at a time. It takes place while being in classroom, workplace, or at home. As stated
by (Duggan, Johnson & Sorli, 2013), task switching in real life is more complex because
people 'interleave' two or more tasks by switching back and forth between the tasks prior
to finishing any one task. According to Carrier et al. (2015), people multitask

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Vol: 42 Issue: 03-2023
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simultaneously, monitoring their cell phones, Facebook, and surfing the Web. The same
goes for people who multitask in restaurants, classrooms, boardrooms, stores, and
anywhere where smartphones can be used. In a study by Sanbonmatsu et al. (2013), it
is stated that multitasking enables people to achieve more goals and experience more
activities. However, engaging in multiple attention-demanding tasks may be very
challenging, which may lead to more errors. Modern lives require multitasking at the
workplace and also at home. It is not uncommon for people to multitask in everyday
situations (Ophir, Nass, & Wagner, 2009). With the increasing demand to keep pace with
fast life, people have come to think that they can perform more than one task at the same
time. A person may attend a conference, Email or chat via text message, or surf the Web
simultaneously. Similarly, while being at home, he/she may watch tv, talk on the phone
and prepare meals. Thus, the human brain distributes its attention to several tasks at the
same time. The more people give attention to several tasks at the same time, they tend
to take time to complete the tasks. In a study by Sanbonmatsu et al. (2013), it is pointed
out that sometimes people are compelled to multitask because they are unable to block
out distractions and focus on a singular task. Some scholars believe that multitasking
leaves no scope for reflection, a skill that is critical for problem-solving in all corners of
life. (Jackson, 2008).
With the increasing demand to incorporate the use of technology in everyday life, the
young generation is getting addicted to technology. It is claimed that young people are
skilled at multitasking, and even education should adapt and accept this as a way of life.
(Clark & Ernest, 20011; Barnes et al. 2007). The current education system pressurizes
students to be digitally equipped in and outside the classroom. Prensky (2001) claims
that the younger generations, or digital natives, growing up with new media and
technologies, operate at faster-than-normal speeds. They are comfortable and capable
of parallel rather than sequential or linear access to information, can access information
randomly, and can multitask. There are many debates regarding this issue that claim that
everyday multitasking has made these people skilled at it, while others state that it has
made them less focused and slow in processing information. (Watson &Strayer, 2010:
Carr, 2011). At workplace, some employers consider multitasking activities to be
necessary skills while others view them as distractions and cause for loss of attention.
(Lin et al. 2013).
1.1 Rationale of the Study
The use of technology has made people learn to keep pace with the fast speed of modern
life. As much as multitasking has helped people to be skilled at completing several tasks
at the same time, it has also created situations in which people find themselves suffering
from loss of attention, stress, and less productivity. Hence, the researchers were
interested to conduct a study on 21st century professionals working in seven different
sectors to find out their attitudes toward this phenomenon. It is to be mentioned that very
limited research has been done specifically on the multitasking of professionals. More
research is necessary to address the burdens of the majority of professionals in the
workplace and at home.

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Jilin Daxue Xuebao (Gongxueban)/Journal of Jilin University (Engineering and Technology Edition)
ISSN：1671-5497
E-Publication: Online Open Access
Vol: 42 Issue: 03-2023
DOI 10.17605/OSF.IO/AZDRW

1. This study results will help decision-makers design plans to avoid multitasking to help
people be productive and efficient.
2. The study will guide the professionals how to handle more than one task at the same
time as people need to work religiously and harmoniously for the welfare of their
society.
1.2 Objectives of the Study
The objectives of the present study are to
1. Find out the perspectives of 21st century professionals toward multitasking
2. How do 21st-century professionals combat the challenges?
1.3 Research Questions
1. What is the attitude of 21st-century professionals toward multitasking?
2. How do 21st-century professionals cope with the everyday challenges of multitasking
at the workplace and at home?

2. LITERATURE REVIEW
Everyday multitasking can take place almost in all places at all ages. Studies show that
for the younger generation, online worlds play a very important role. (Rosen, 2007).
Several studies have been carried out on multitasking and its effect in the classroom and
education. According to Alkahtani et al. (2016), there is a negative connection between
multitasking between using laptops in class and grades. Their analysis stated that
multitasking during class has a negative impact on college GPA. This is similar to the
study conducted by Bellur et al. (2015). Their findings showed that those who frequently
multitask in class have lower college GPAs. A similar view is shared by (Junco& Cotten,
2012) who claim that students who surf the Web and follow Facebook for both related
and unrelated information to the class, have lower GPs. Moreover, Sana et al. (2013) in
their study found that one student's distraction in class because of multitasking can
influence other students in the class. In short, one student's multitasking during a lesson
can cause a distraction to other peer students, and this causes significant distraction to
both. From a sensory point of view, technology has become indispensable with ‘beeps,
reminders, follow-ups, alerts, etc.al customized to a specific person.’ (Armstrong, 2003).
As a result, some of the distractions are even self-created.
However, there are debates regarding the issues related to multitasking by youths. Some
researchers claim that there are positive results of everyday multitasking. Youths who
multitask a lot perform better at multitasking or other attentional skills. (Foehr, 2006).
Watson & Strayer (2010) question in their study if all these multitasking abilities have
made the youth’s effective multitaskers or even 'supertaskers.' On the other hand, Carr
(2011) states that rapid attention shifting with devices leads to loss of attention and a poor
level of processing information. In other words, multitasking for a long time leads to
increased stress and anxiety, reducing creativity and problem-solving ability.

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Jilin Daxue Xuebao (Gongxueban)/Journal of Jilin University (Engineering and Technology Edition)
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E-Publication: Online Open Access
Vol: 42 Issue: 03-2023
DOI 10.17605/OSF.IO/AZDRW

Similarly, professionals are no exception. Today’s generations who are joining the
workforce have grown up in an age in which graphical web browsers surround them
including laptops, cell phones, text messaging, broadband, wireless, and video games.
(Geck, 2006). Multitasking is considered to be a constitutive characteristic of modern work
(Freude & Ullsperger, 2010). Time and productivity pressure make professionals feel that
they can perform more than one task simultaneously, making them efficient and saving
time (Lin et al.2013). Their study found out which careers needed multitasking and which
did not. They came to the conclusion that some job clusters such as “Business
Management and Administration, Finance, and Human Services required multitasking
skills while other job clusters, such as ‘Architecture and Construction, Information and
Technology, Law, Public Safety, Corrections and Security and Transportation,
Distribution and Logistics’ needed very little multitasking. In a study conducted by Paridon
& Kaufmann (2010), it was shown that multitasking in the workplace should be minimized,
at least for certain tasks, to prevent mistakes and potential accidents as well as mental
strain. Similarly, The American Psychological Association (2006) has found that
multitasking is no longer a skill people should feel proud of. They suggest that it causes
us to actually make more mistakes, retain less information, and change the way our brain
works,
Moreover, performance generally decreases when two tasks are carried out concurrently.
In a study by Walker (2019), it is stated that Multitasking which was supposed to be the
best asset of the Millennials is becoming their weakness. In fact, instead of boosting
productivity, multitasking reduces the workforce's productivity. His study shows that it has
increased the risk of obesity and drug use. Sanbonmatsu et al. (2013) investigated why
people multitask by examining who tends to multitask. In their study, it is pointed out that
when people feel that they are good at multitasking, they should engage in multitasking
more. The study also shows that people sometimes engage in more than one activity
because it is not boring and more challenging. In some cases, they may take up more
than one task just because they enjoy performing them, though their productivity may
suffer. According to Spink et al. (2008), workers may listen to music or news while being
engaged in a boring job even though it may distract them.
In recent years, people not only multitask in the workplace but also carry out several tasks
simultaneously, even at home. This happens mainly because of the increased work
pressure and time constraints. When people do simple tasks like watching T.V. and
cooking, it doesn't negatively affect them because their concentration level is low. But
when they engage in more complex tasks, the results are not satisfactory, and it delays
them in the process.
However, there are contradictory views shared by some experts who claim that
multitasking can have positive effects on human beings. According to Robson (2021),
multitasking can energize us and make us more alert. This is reflected in our physiology
because the more tasks we attempt to do, our heart rate increases. That energy can lead
to improving the generation of ideas. A similar view is shared by Srna et al. (2017) that
the mere perception of multitasking actually improves our performance. Their findings
showed that participants who were engaged in multitasking outperformed those who

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Vol: 42 Issue: 03-2023
DOI 10.17605/OSF.IO/AZDRW

perceived that same activity as single-tasking. Moreover, Kapadia & Melwani (2020), in
their study claim that multitasking behavior influences creativity on subsequent tasks and
that it does so through a serially mediated process in which multitasking increases
activation, which increases cognitive flexibility, resulting in a positive effect on
downstream creativity. Lin et al. (2013) support that practices and training increase brain
processing speed, improve working memory, and improve our ability to multitask. This is
mostly applicable to the young generation who are growing up surrounded by digital
technologies, which will help them use special skills in the workforce.
Goodrac (2015) stated that workers' multitasking is an inevitability that is expected to be
available and respond promptly to the demands of the higher authority. The continued
workflow that comes from the frequently switching tasks lies with workers. Still, workers
must make sure to be productive when being simulated with the variety of responsibilities
that comes from multitasking. For example, improving the ability to quickly jump between
responsibilities can lead educators to improve the skills needed to successfully navigate
a flood of information and ideas.
From a professional viewpoint, Reckin (2016) stated that multitasking is not at all what it
is cracked up to be. In fact, multitasking has been confirmed to lead to higher levels of
stress, lower levels of creativity, and a higher reduction in cognition than people who are
using prohibited drugs. When people multitask, their brains jump back and forth from one
subject to another. The human brain can concentrate on two subjects at a time before
losing cognitive abilities at most. When multitasking, the brain becomes taxed and does
not have the faculties to be creative or solve problems. A study by Rovick (2014) shows
that multitasking can lower intelligence quotient (IQ), which all start when people try to
handle more tasks and be more productive. Multitasking can decline efficiency and can
make the problem worse. Another study led by Travina (2013) shows that people who
multitask have a higher heart when multitasking and an increased stress level.
It is seen that most of these researches have been conducted on college students or
people in the workplace. But these studies did not focus on the attitude of professionals
toward multitasking and how they view this phenomenon. Hence the present study
intends to investigate the attitude of 21st century professionals towards multitasking and
how they can combat the challenges.

3. METHODOLOGY
3.1 Participants
In conducting this study, (n= 40 professionals) (19 females and 21 males) who were
doctors, engineers, teachers, bankers, project managers, officers in a multinational
company, and army were chosen randomly to participate. Their age ranged from 20 to 59
years. They worked in four different countries: Bangladesh, Saudi Arabia, Australia, and
The United States. Their work experience ranged from 5 years and above. See table (1)

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Jilin Daxue Xuebao (Gongxueban)/Journal of Jilin University (Engineering and Technology Edition)
ISSN：1671-5497
E-Publication: Online Open Access
Vol: 42 Issue: 03-2023
DOI 10.17605/OSF.IO/AZDRW

Table: 1
Gender Number of Work experience
participants
0-5 years 6-10 years 11-15 years 16 and above
Males 21 0% 15% 15% 22.5%
Females 19 7.5 % 0% 10% 30%
3.2 Instruments
The research participants were given a questionnaire consisting of 16 closed items. All
ordinal variables in the questionnaire were prepared on a 5-point Likert Scale, starting
from strongly disagree to strongly agree. The researchers compiled the questionnaires
with the help of the pre-existing literature. They were valid, as they were judged by five
professionals in Saudi Arabia and Bangladeshi contexts. Proper modifications were done
due to their comments. Moreover, the researchers conducted a pilot study that lasted one
month. The pilot study aimed at ensuring the clarity of instructions for the tools of the
study. The samples of the pilot study were chosen randomly from the professionals. The
questionnaires proved reliable through Cronbach's alpha of 0.83 and 0.79, respectively.
3.3 Data Collection Procedure
The questionnaire was constructed on Google forms and the link was forwarded to the
professionals through emails and mobile SMS. Within two weeks the data was collected.
The questionnaire was based on the experiences of the professionals regarding
multitasking at the workplace and at home.
3.4 Hypothesis
The research validated the negative impacts of multitasking at the workplace and home.
Based on the attitude and experiences of the professionals, the researchers formulated
the hypothesis that multitasking negatively impacts the professions both at the workplace
and at home. If these negative impacts are not resolved, the aims of the whole pedagogy
are lost and there are many challenges to overcome them.
3.5 Limitations of the Study
The study has some limitations. The study was conducted only on the professionals
working as doctors, engineers, teachers, bankers, project managers, officers in a
multinational company, and army professionals. The results might have differed if the
study had been conducted on more professionals from other areas.
3.6 Ethical Consideration
The names of the participants in the study were kept anonymous. The participants were
assured that the confidentiality of the respondents would be maintained. This
questionnaire would be used only for data collection and analysis. There would be no
pressure if the questionnaire was unfilled.

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Vol: 42 Issue: 03-2023
DOI 10.17605/OSF.IO/AZDRW

4. FINDINGS
After gathering the data, it was analyzed statistically using SPSS (Version 20.0). A
tabulation of descriptive statistics: minimum, maximum, mean, and standard deviation
was prepared to determine the professionals’ views regarding the effects of multitasking
on their everyday life.
Table (2) presents the views and attitude of 21st century professionals toward
multitasking.
Table 2: Professionals’ attitude toward multitasking
Items Mean Std.
Deviation
1. As a professional of the 21st century, I find multitasking
4.09 1.044
indispensable to everyday life.
2. I am used to multitasking at home and also workplace 3.91 .831
3. Multitasking affects my social relationship. 3.73 1.489
4. The use of smartphones, laptops, and tabs are the main
4.00 1.414
sources of multitasking
5. Young people, such as teenagers or university students,
3.73 1.421
multitask more than professionals
6. When I do more than one task at the same time, it affects my
4.27 .905
level of concentration
7. At the beginning of my career, multitasking was not essential. 3.82 1.079
8. I can give equal time to all the tasks I set to complete 2.18 1.328
9. When I carry out more than one task and give attention to
4.27 .786
several of them, I feel stressed.
10. It takes more time to finish my work when I engage myself in
4.18 .982
more than one task
11. Multitasking gives me satisfactory results for every task 2.36 1.120
12. Time management is very important while multitasking. 5.00 .000
13. I find it challenging to retain or absorb most information while
4.45 .688
multitasking.
14. When I have more than one task to finish, I have to prioritize
4.82 .405
my work and set out to finish the most important one first.
15. I need breaks before I switch from one task to the other. 3.82 1.168
16. It affects my mood and health when I have to complete
4.27 .905
several tasks simultaneously and meet deadlines.
Out of the 16 variables, 14 variables supported the view that multitasking causes stress,
time management becomes essential, and tasks should be prioritized. Moreover, the
participants agreed that it affects their social relationships, mood, and health. The highest
mean score was seen in variable 12. Time management is very important while
multitasking, and 14. When I have more than one task to finish, I have to prioritize my
work and set out to finish the most important one first with a mean value of 5 and 4.82,
respectively on a 5-point Likert Scale. On the other hand, the lowest score was seen in

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Jilin Daxue Xuebao (Gongxueban)/Journal of Jilin University (Engineering and Technology Edition)
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Vol: 42 Issue: 03-2023
DOI 10.17605/OSF.IO/AZDRW

variable 8. I can give equal time to all the tasks I set to complete and 11. Multitasking
gives me satisfactory results for every task with a mean value of 2.18 and 2.36,
respectively.
The data reveals that the participants agree with the view about the negative effects of
everyday multitasking. The findings go with the hypothesis that multitasking causes the
professionals of 21st century to be under pressure and stress. In order to combat the
challenges of multitasking at the workplace and at home, time management plays a very
important role. Multitasking depends on how efficiently people divide their time between
the workplace and at home. They have to be skilled in prioritizing their work. They agree
that engaging in various activities simultaneously takes more time to finish and affects
their concentration level. It affects their mood and health when they have to finish several
tasks and meet deadlines. On the other hand, achieving satisfactory results and giving
equal time to all tasks becomes difficult.

5. DISCUSSION
The results reveal that most professionals agree with the view that multitasking is
indispensable to their everyday life and affects them negatively. They view it as a bane in
today’s digital world. Due to the work pressure, they have to do more than one task at the
same time both in the workplace and at home. This view is similar to the view shared by
Lin et al. (2013) that productivity pressure makes professionals feel that they can perform
more than one task at the same time which makes them efficient and saves time.
However, they are unable to give equal time to all the tasks they perform, so they fail to
achieve satisfactory results. This is similar to the study where it is stated that multitasking
is considered to be a constitutive characteristic of modern work (Freude & Ullsperger,
2010). Time and productivity pressure make professionals feel that they can perform
more than one task simultaneously, making them efficient and saving time. (Lin et
al.2013). (Watson &Strayer, 2010: Carr, 2011) in their study state that there are many
debates regarding this issue which claim that everyday multitasking has made these
people skilled at it while others state that it has made them less focused and slow in
processing information. Engaging in more than one task simultaneously fails to bring
satisfactory results for all.
The professionals agree that the use of smartphones, laptops, and tabs are the main
sources of multitasking. They have to prioritize their work and manage their time. As a
result, they are stressed, affecting their concentration, mood, and health. In addition,
when they engage in several tasks, they fail to retain and absorb information. Moreover,
they claim that they need breaks in between tasks. This is similar to the study by Walker
(2019) that multitasking which was supposed to be the best asset of the Millennials is
becoming their weakness. In fact, instead of boosting productivity, multitasking reduces
the workforce's productivity. Similarly, The American Psychological Association (2006)
has found that multitasking is no longer a skill people should feel proud of. They suggest
that it causes us to actually make more mistakes, retain less information, and change the
way our brain works.

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Jilin Daxue Xuebao (Gongxueban)/Journal of Jilin University (Engineering and Technology Edition)
ISSN：1671-5497
E-Publication: Online Open Access
Vol: 42 Issue: 03-2023
DOI 10.17605/OSF.IO/AZDRW

Moreover, the participants also agreed that while performing several tasks
simultaneously, their attention is less, making the tasks tedious and long. In addition, the
professionals opine that young people, such as teenagers or university students,
multitask more than professionals. Some researchers claim that there are positive results
of everyday multitasking. Youths who multitask a lot perform better at multitasking or other
attentional skills. (Foehr, 2006). On the other hand, Carr (2011) states that rapid attention
shifting with devices leads to loss of attention and a poor level of processing information.
In other words, technology-induced multitasking for a long time leads to increased stress
and anxiety, reducing creativity and problem-solving ability. (Stone, 2007). Some of the
participants stated that at the beginning of their career, multitasking was not essential.
This is supported by the study of (Geck, 2006) who point out that today’s generation who
are joining the workforce has grown up in an age in which they are surrounded by
graphical web browsers, laptops, cell phones, text messaging, broadband, wireless and
video games. As a result, it has become necessary for all employees in the workforce to
be used to multitasking.

6. CONCLUSION
In the 21st century, people of all ages and almost all professions are multi-taskers. They
belong to an era in which shifting from one task to another task or performing a
simultaneous task is obligatory. Whether they are forced to do it or engage in it by choice
depends on the circumstances. It’s a skill that people have opted to acquire because of
the tremendous pressure at the workplace and also at home. The phenomenon has
drawn the attention of researchers to investigate the pros and cons of the effects. With
the development of digital technologies, people find it almost impossible to stay away
from their devices and keep their attention on one task for a long time. Some professionals
who were not used to multitasking at the beginning of their careers have also become
skilled at it because of the current lifestyle. They have learned to handle the challenges
in a highly distractible world. In spite of the distractions, stress, and the delays, people
feel that multitasking enables them to achieve more goals and to experience more
activities saving time.
Hence based on the findings, the researchers have come up with some recommendations
on how 21st century professionals can handle everyday multitasking. The professionals
must train themselves to be more focused and set realistic goals. They can work on
managing their time and allocating time for different daily tasks. People can finish their
work while being in the office instead of opting to take them home. In addition, in case of
a home task, they should discuss it with their partners/ family members and share it. They
can work on the tasks in due time and not keep any work pending. They should learn to
prioritize work and not feel crammed with tasks. They should take breaks between tasks
not to be stressed out. They should shut down distractions from chat messages or emails
and set out to complete the tasks first without getting distracted. If the tasks do not involve
using digital devices, they should keep them aside.

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DOI 10.17605/OSF.IO/AZDRW

Future research
1. This study can be replicated with different participants and other occupations.
2. Future research can test the effect of multitasking on factors such as motivation, efficiency, and
achievement.
3. Future research can test the relationship between multitasking and other factors such as age,
experience, gender, and level of education.
Funding and Acknowledgements
"The authors extend their appreciation to the Deanship of Scientific Research at King Khalid University for
funding this work through Big Groups Project under grant number (66/1443)".
Declaration of Conflicting Interests
The author(s) declare no potential conflicts of interest.

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