Struggling to focus at work? Stop multitasking to improve productivity

By Kirstie McDermott

With traditional business hours between 9 am. and 5pm, Monday to Friday, the official U.S. working week comes in at 40 hours in total.

But many Americans work far longer than this, with a report from the International Labour Organization (ILO), finding that U.S. workers typically put in 400 more hours at work every year compared to their counterparts in Germany, for example.

Americans put in more hours every year than Australia, the UK, Sweden, Belgium and France, too. In the U.S., workers clock an average of about 1,750 hours annually, and while the perception is often that this has increased over time, in fact during the 1950s and '60s, you could expect to be working around 2,000 hours a year.

That said, many people are working more than ever, with the ILO saying that "regular long hours of work remain a serious concern in most of the world today".

It also says that "overemployed" workers tend to struggle with work-life balance, and can suffer more health issues, alcoholism, or family conflict, for example.

As of 2023, there were 7,605,892 people employed in the finance and insurance industry in the United States, and many feel that there is a culture of overwork in the sector.

Research published last year highlighted widespread burnout across the accountancy industry, with its working hours failing to create a sustainable working culture. The report also found that 99% of accountants experience some level of burnout during their career.

These figures in part explain the requirements many employers have for their staff to be good at multitasking. This can start with job advertisements, which often mandate that if you want to apply, you should be a "good multitasker in a fast-paced environment".

The expectation of employees is that they should be doing the most, all of the time. But many experts will say it isn't possible to do two things at once, let alone do them well.

One study found a tiny 2.5% of people are able to multitask effectively, but as for everyone else, it can reduce productivity by as much as 40%, according to the American Psychological Association.

The Association also found that multitasking can increase the likelihood of making mistakes and can lead to poorer decision-making, and it can have negative effects on your ability to learn and retain information, which can ultimately impact on long-term memory.

If you find yourself rushing from task to app, meeting to deadline and getting nothing done, the solution could lie in what's called monotasking.

As the name suggests, you'll perform one single task or activity with undivided attention, deliberately avoiding multitasking. If you are used to switching between emails, instant messaging, spreadsheets and phone calls for example, it can be a challenge to get used to.

But this method can deliver improved productivity, greater efficiency and effectiveness across your tasks and working day. The net effect is work that's of higher quality along with lower stress levels.

If your current employer expects you to multitask as a default, you could consider a new role where you can set your work-style benefits from the start. If that appeals, then the Accounting Today Job Board is a great place to start your search.

It contains thousands of jobs all across the U.S., like the three below.

Spotify is hiring a Senior Accountant, General Ledger Accounting in New York to be responsible for preparing delivery for all aspects of the general ledger processes, validation and analysis of reported results, and support of information needs across a diverse financial reporting user base.

You'll need a Bachelor's degree in accounting or finance with CPA, four plus years' of accounting or finance month-end close or general ledger experience with a global public company, including understanding of IFRS.

The Great West Casualty Company in Sioux City is seeking an Accounting Manager. This is a leadership role, and you will be responsible for overseeing and helping to manage reporting functions, and will play a vital part in supervising and guiding a team of professionals while helping drive change in efficiencies and strategies.

A Bachelor's degree in accounting is required, along with an active CPA license, experience with analyzing complex data sets using financial reporting related to insurance, and three years' supervisory or management experience, preferably within the insurance industry.

If you're in Irving, then this Accountant Senior-Accounting role at Christus Health may appeal. You'll be responsible for general ledger stewardship and month-end close, along with reconciling balance sheet accounts, and the review of the income statement, balance sheet and other reports as needed for variance analysis, support or explanations.

A Bachelor's degree in accounting, plus five years' experience is required.

Ready to put your interview skills to the test? Visit the Accounting Today Job Board to find your next role