Multitasking Behavior in the Workplace: A Systematic Review

Abstract

The multitasking behavior is burgeoning in today’s work environment which reflects capabilities of individual to manage multiple things simultaneously to attain the efficient work performance. Study examines effect of multitasking on human behavior in workplace and its impact upon work performance. A search strategy was formulated to conduct this literature review-based study, and different databases containing scholarly research material were explored to find related literature. Inclusion-exclusion criteria were defined & included studies fulfilled selection criteria. PRISMA-P (2015) guidelines were followed to complete study. After reviewing literature pertaining to subject, finding established the fact, internal and external interruption triggers the individuals’ working behavior towards multitasking at the workplace. Multitask working behavior exerts an impact on overall work performance particularly, on work quality, productivity, and working memory. In this linking, no prior literature-based evidence is available in this domain in particular context. The scope of study is confined to published literature on human multitasking and human performance, literature on system multitasking and media multitasking is not included.