A lot of people pride themselves on multitasking. Some can do work while having their lunch, or some are able to answer calls while organizing their calendar. While it is commendable for a person to be capable of handling multiple responsibilities, multitasking can be costly for law firms. In a field where missing evidence could cause the entire outcome of a case, the quality of one’s output always takes precedence over how much they can do.
The Science Behind Multitasking
According to a study, multitasking means trying to perform two or more tasks concurrently. This typically leads to repeated task switching, or leaving one task unfinished in order to do another. In law firms, this can be seen in paralegals who are doing legal research and then pausing to answer client calls. Although some people believe that multitasking can lead to increased output, science says that the constant task switching comes with a cost.
Psychology and neuroscience indicate that our minds are taxed by multitasking. When we attempt to switch from one task to another, we place increased demands on neurocognitive systems that support control and sustained attention. As a result, it takes longer to finish the task and it becomes more prone to errors.
Multitasking: More Harm Than Good
Despite what we commonly think, multitasking should not be the standard of productivity. Science has proven that when we try to do more by task switching, we’re not really accomplishing what we need to. According to an article, multitasking reduces productivity by up to 40%. Furthermore, the quality of work is affected when it is constantly distracted by task switching, leading to errors and subpar outputs.
In law firms, this could mean having typos in legal briefs or missing attachments. At worst, they would miss deadlines, overlook crucial evidence, or submit incomplete filings. This is because our brains lack enough concentration to prioritize preciseness. When the purpose of doing tasks is to finish them, efficiency and quality are put at risk.
Additionally, multitasking is also confirmed to have a negative effect on one’s workplace wellbeing. While multitasking itself may not be the exact cause, the stress induced by it plays a critical role in diminishing workplace wellbeing.
The Solution to Piling Workload: More Manpower
As they say: two heads are better than one. In this case, since our brains are hardwired into doing one task at a time for maximum efficiency and quality, firms need more people to help them out. However, one challenge law firms face is the high cost of employing locally. That is why it is best to seek outsourcing firms who can provide professional services without the high financial or management cost.
When we stretch ourselves too thin, it is easier for us to rip and break. That is why we utilize our brains the way they should be: by focusing on one task at a time. Especially in the legal field where errors could affect someone’s life, liberty, and property, the cost of multitasking is not silent, it screams the loudest.