Introduction
In today’s fast-paced world, working longer hours and being fully available are mistaken for efficiency. However, this path leads to wear and tear. While multitasking is a valuable skill in the workplace, it’s no longer enough in our current context. The ability to quickly resolve issues, respond on time, and handle multiple tasks simultaneously is seen as a sign of commitment and efficiency. But what impact does this dynamic have on how we work, relate, and feel by 2025?
The Era of Competitiveness
We live in an era of competitiveness where working more hours is perceived as better, and juggling two or three tasks at once is seen as increasing effectiveness. We’ve fallen into the trap of believing that more is always better – more productivity, more speed, and more multitasking, all with a positive attitude and constant availability. However, at what cost?
Unsustainable Work Culture
Our work culture, without any ill intentions, has normalized certain behaviors that may not be sustainable in the long run. Working while eating, responding to messages outside of work hours, or always having something pending has become part of daily life. For many workers, giving more than expected has become the norm. Meanwhile, companies strive to meet competitive goals, often requiring constant movement.
The Impact on Well-being
The issue isn’t just overwork but the expectation that our bodies and minds should adapt to machine-like speed. We must remember we are people first, parents, spouses, and friends. Technology has enabled greater interconnectedness, but being constantly connected shouldn’t translate to total availability. Today, multitasking has become almost an expectation.
Burnout and Mental Health in the Workplace
The burnout, recognized by the World Health Organization as a workplace phenomenon, is a testament to this issue. Although Mexico has made strides in workplace mental health, from the NOM-035 to flexibility schemes and wellness programs, implementation remains challenging, especially for small and medium-sized enterprises striving with their resources.
Finding Balance: A Shared Responsibility
Discussing mental health at work isn’t about weakness or lack of commitment. It’s about sustainability, genuine productivity, healthy work relationships, and recognizing that degraded employees can’t be creative or make clear decisions. Ambitious companies with high turnover rates must remember that results are achieved by people.
True Efficiency
True efficiency doesn’t come from multitasking but focus. It’s not about working less, but working better – finding ways to grow while nurturing talent and maintaining human focus in achieving objectives.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the main issue discussed? The article discusses the culture of multitasking and how it can lead to confusion between productivity and overload.
- Why is multitasking problematic? While it can be beneficial, constant multitasking can lead to wear and tear, burnout, and hinder genuine productivity.
- What role does work culture play? Work culture that expects constant availability and high productivity can negatively impact employees’ well-being.
- How can this situation be improved? It requires a shared responsibility where both employees and employers communicate boundaries, prioritize well-being, and foster a culture that values balance.
