Unravelling the Perception of Women as Masters at Multitasking.

This is debatable.

While some feel that multitasking is something that comes naturally to women, there are others who think that is a gender neutral skill that can be acquired and mastered by anyone.

So, how did this myth of women being the ultimate multitaskers originate?

It’s a stereotype. There’re always two sides of the coin.

Let’s explorer them.

The idea of a multitasking woman

First point in their favour for being efficient multitaskers is their ability to adapt.

They can fit into any situation or role or setting and manage it. That in itself is commendable.

It comes from years of social conditioning where they’re not given the freedom to choose. They have to make the best of whatever situation they find themselves.

Some responsibilities come with the roles they assume. For instance, as a professional who is also a mother, the greater share of managing the house and the family falls on her.

Another place where we see women juggling roles and associated tasks effortlessly is when they are balancing household chores and professional careers.

From planning the meals to the kids activities to meeting a client or creating a report, it’s all part of the day.

The scene from the movie “One Fine Day” captures this constant conflict beautifully when Michelle Pfeiffer walks out of a client meeting to take her son for the soccer match.

This is an everyday struggle for many women and you can’t question her commitment or her professionalism to any of her responsibilities .

Constantly shuttling between the two distinct realms, she’s often seen as the epitome of multitasking. It’s her innate ability to connect on the emotional level that helps her to juggle between the many tasks.

Often the emotional intelligence of women are credited for them being able to navigate complex situations with empathy and efficiency.

The ugly truth

But multitasking is also seen as a skill that’s counterproductive as it impacts the efficiency and productivity of the person.

Is it multitasking or task switching that she is doing?

The constant switching from one task to another, from professional to personal spheres, leads to both her focus and flow getting disrupted.

And of course that does impact the efficiency.

The constant demands from both the personal and professional spheres leads to increase in the stress levels. Studies have indicated that this is a major contributor to their early burnouts.

Women put themselves through the fire to prove their worth, that they’re equally capable of handling the job. One of the reasons why many take a break after having a child. Dealing with both simultaneously can spin out of control without the support of the family and the organisation.

At times, the prevalent misconception of women being efficient multitaskers leads to them getting increased workload without the acknowledgement or compensation.

Add to the pressures at work are the high expectations from the society. Juggling between the different roles and their demands often causes increase in anxiety and fatigue.

Imposter syndrome, hostile work environment, harassments, gender bias, workplace discrimination, pay disparity and constant struggle to maintain work-life balance can lead to stress and other mental health issues.

Women have this constant race against time to finish their work at office. There’s no point getting it back home since there’s a different set of work waiting at home. This is exhausting and affects personal relationships.

Is the role of the multitasker a boon or a bane for women?

It’s a tight rope. Both men and women are multitasking but somehow the societal expectations on women makes it a heavier cross to carry.

The stereotype promoted through the various advertisements and commercials, showing an impeccably dressed woman handling home and kids and the office with a radiant smile, is something that needs to be addressed on priority.

Its these stereotypes that push the women to maintain the standards expected of them.

Conclusion

It’s time to set realistic expectations and promote a balanced approach to the responsibilities. The trend has started, slowly but definitely.

Conscious thought is the need of the hour when understanding the capabilities of women. Unrealistic expectations need to be weeded out, or at least modified to make them more suitable.

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