Employees are increasingly being called upon to handle varied responsibilities simultaneously. But not everyone is a born multitasker. According to experts, multitasking is not about working harder, but working smarter. Here are 5 tips on how to juggle different tasks with aplomb.

1. Plan Ahead

Don’t wait until you are in the middle of the first task to decide what else you want to accomplish. “Have a plan in mind and set goals. Pick tasks that can genuinely be worked on at the same time, because not all tasks are compatible with each other.

2. Don’t Lose Focus

With multiple things demanding your attention at work, it’s easy to lose track of tasks. Deal with the pressure by prioritising. Have a to-do list and decide the importance of your tasks at hand. Classify according to urgency or importance – this matrix will give you a better idea of what needs to be done immediately and what can wait.

3. Divide Your Time

There are certain tasks which you should include among your core responsibilities. “Devote a fixed time of the day – perhaps the first couple of hours of the workday – to finishing these, as they take importance. The important work shouldn’t be compromised on.

4. Use Available Tools

There are lots of tools and apps available to help you accomplish multiple tasks at the same time. Trello is a simple, easy-to-use productivity tool where you can key in your tasks and then follow up accordingly. It helps you have a tangible reminder of the work you need to complete.

5. Manage Distractions at Work In the modern workplace, interruptions are plenty. Avoid distractions like ringing phones and noisy colleagues to get multiple tasks done efficiently. Take your work into a conference room or other quiet space. Turn off email and text alerts and, if your role allows, only check your messages two or three times a day. Reserve your personal calls and errands for the lunch hour.