I just found this great description of our perception of “multi-tasking” at work, particularly the practice of using a Blackberry to check emails and whatever while others are present, such as during a meeting:
I often hear this rationalization: It’s a way to multitask and increase efficiency. But neuroscientists tell us that dividing our attention between competing stimuli instead of handling tasks one at a time actually makes us less efficient.
Still, the illusion that multitasking can aid productivity is powerful. And it’s abetted by the fact that splitting our attention between real and virtual worlds can produce a kind of neural intoxication, research shows.
Through our devices, we find a way to disappear without leaving the room. By splitting ourselves off and reaching out electronically, we fill empty interpersonal space and ignite our senses. We can find relief and a fleeting sense of freedom. [emphasis added]
This is a video of a Hooters employee who has been told that her uniform doesn’t fit properly because she’s 5′8” and 132 pounds. They gave her an ultimatum involving losing weight to keep her job. But please enjoy the appearance of the manager, who is interviewed toward the end of the video clip.
Yes, in suburban Atlanta in 1994, bonuses totalling $39,000 were given by mistake.
Somehow I think they are still going have a hard time collecting this money.
The Productivity Myth is a good dissection of the notion that we are more productive in the recession. Why are we more productive? Because we’re scared of being laid off! Additionally, the entire notion of productivity is a bit warped:
Getting more tasks accomplished — say writing and responding to scores of emails in between other activities — may technically represent higher productivity, but it doesn’t necessarily mean adding greater value.
Instead, the ethic of more, bigger, faster ultimately generates value that is narrow, shallow and short-term.
At the end of a long workweek, 20 Jobs that Have Disappeared can put your work life in perspective. Not only did your job most likely not exist 100 years ago, it might not exist 100 years from now! At least that’s true from where I sit.