Why Context Switching is Bad (and How to Fix It)

Balancing multiple tasks in a day is common for many people, whether it involves writing emails, taking calls, attending meetings, or creating reports. However, if you do not manage your time effectively, you may find yourself constantly switching between tasks and not making any progress at the end of the day. This is called “context switching” and it can significantly impact productivity. In this article, we will examine the concept of context switching, the reasons why it is harmful to productivity, the reasons why we engage in it, and ways to address it.

What is Context Switching?

Context switching, which is a term originally used in computer science to describe the process of storing and continuing a task at a later time, allows multiple tasks to share a single processor and enables multitasking by switching between programs.

In the context of work, context switching refers to the act of switching focus between tasks. For example, if you are working on a proposal and then stop to check an email, you are engaging in context switching.

However, unlike computers that are designed to handle context switching, the human brain is not as efficient at it. Even a brief task switch like checking an email can have a negative impact on productivity.

Continuous context switching can lead to a variety of issues, including a lack of focus, loss of energy, confusion about priorities, and even a decline in cognitive function. Therefore, it is important to try to minimize context switching in order to maintain productivity.

Why is Context Switching Bad for Productivity?

Getting tasks done as soon as they hit your desk may seem like an efficient way to do things. Similarly, multitasking can ostensibly look like a time-saving approach. However, they are both examples of context switching and are very harmful. Let’s take a look at why.

If Context Switching is So Bad, Why Do We Do It?

So at this point, you may be asking yourself: If context switching is so bad, why is it such an easy pattern to fall into? Unfortunately, there are some human traits as well as common work cultures that push us towards it.

Always on Mentality is Encouraged

In many workplaces, there is an expectation that employees will be “always-on” and responsive to any messages at any time, even outside of work. This culture often leads to context switching, as employees feel pressured to interrupt their current tasks to respond to messages, especially if they are from a higher-up. Research from the University of California Irvine found that this type of task switching occurs across all professions, regardless of an individual’s position or role. This suggests that the pressure to be constantly connected and responsive is a widespread issue in the modern workplace.

Life Is Longer When Experiences Are New

As humans, we generally like new things and find the humdrum repugnant. Our brains are stimulated by new information, situations and experiences, so we crave and encourage them. This is why you can often find yourself context switching with no external stimulation at all—you’ll find yourself opening an app to scroll for new content.

When experiencing new things, our brains serve up pleasure chemicals, and at the same time, form more memories than if they were staring at the same thing as always (like that word document). This draws out our perception of time, making life seem longer, and during those times, more pleasurable—is it any surprise that we context switch?

Modern Platforms Want Your Attention

Human brains are wired to catch movement and follow things that twinkle in the bushes. In the modern age, this is exactly what apps deliver—blinking lights and half-visible messages. They are designed to capture and keep our attention and become increasingly aggressive in their pursuit as the competition for our focus intensifies.

Remember that many of the apps that people procrastinate on, such as social media platforms, generate their revenue by keeping you as engaged as possible for as long as possible in order to deliver ads. Every ping and notification is designed to make you context switch from the work at hand.

Unfortunately, even some of the most popular workplace apps, which are explicitly designed to help you be more productive, use similar UX principles, which can result in just as much context switching. Just think about the last time you were distracted by a Slack chat popping up or an update from your calendar.

How does context switching affect the creative process for design teams?

Context switching can have particularly negative effects on creativity for design teams. When designers are constantly switching between tasks, it can be difficult for them to fully immerse themselves in the creative process and generate new ideas. Here are a few ways in which context switching can harm creativity:

In order to support creativity within a design team, it’s important to minimize context switching as much as possible. This might involve setting specific times for checking emails and notifications, using tools to block distractions, or adopting time management techniques such as the Pomodoro Technique to stay focused on a task. By reducing context switching, designers can improve their ability to generate creative ideas and solve complex problems.
 

Spike’s digital workspace is designed to help designers and creative teams minimize context switching and improve their productivity. Here are a few ways in which Spike’s digital workspace helps prevent context switching:
 

Overall, Spike is designed to help designers and creative teams stay focused on their work and minimize context switching, which can lead to improved productivity and creativity.

What Are Some Ways to Tackle Context Switching?

Here are some strategies you can use to address context switching and improve your productivity:

Context Switching: Let’s Focus In

In order to combat the negative effects of context switching, it’s important to identify the reasons behind it and take steps to minimize it. This might involve setting specific times for checking emails, using tools to block distractions, or setting clear priorities to stay focused on the most important tasks. By reducing context switching, we can improve our productivity and get more done in less time.

Luckily, the tools and practices to combat context switching are already out there and can be applied to your work and business today. Just remember that ultimately, the fewer distractions (both internal and external), the less context switching you’ll suffer, and the more productive you’ll be.

For more information on context switching and other workplace productivity tips, check out the Spike blog here. Alternatively, tweet us @SpikenowHQ and tell us how you stay focused at work.