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Business conditions are such that more and more companies are asking employees to do more with less. This puts a heavy burden on staffs that are already stretched pretty thin. Therefore, multitasking -- implying both doing more than one task at a time as well as switching between tasks -- has become even more important to employees at many companies. Staffs need to be as efficient as possible, and therefore, might have to juggle as many responsibilities as feasible.

However, there could be a problem with multitasking -- studies show that it doesn't seem to work. When you are multitasking, you are actually less efficient.

In a recent study by Eric Horvitz and the University of Illinois, a group of Microsoft workers took, on average, 15 minutes to return to serious mental tasks, like writing reports or computer code, after responding to incoming e-mail or instant messages. One of the problems was they strayed off to reply to other messages or browse news, sports or entertainment websites.

Furthermore, a University of Michigan study showed that multitasking can slow you down by as much as 50 percent. The reason is because you waste time switching back and forth between tasks and need time to get back into each project. Other research shows that the quality of completed tasks becomes severely diminished when trying to do two tasks at the same time.

The dilemma of finding effective time management techniques is that no single method works for everyone. What is successful for one person is useless for the next.

One way to make sure that the most important tasks get finished is to evaluate the work before you, and make a list at the beginning of each day. By working on the tasks in the priority order you determine, you can avoid hopping from task to task. A good way to help evaluate your priorities is to ask yourself: If you could only put one thing on your "to do" list and still be productive, what would it be?

Another way to be productive is to cut out any distractions that can get you sidetracked. If you are at your desk, working on your computer, turn off your instant messenger, lock out your e-mail alerts and let coworkers know you are busy.

Speaking of prioritizing, those of you going to ISSA/Interclean North America, might want to look at our coverage starting on page 14, before leaving. Be sure to stop by our booth (1129) when you are at the show. We would love to hear what's on your mind and listen to any suggestions you might have.

The key to getting the most important tasks done in a timely manner is to prioritize.

Editor's note: This issue marks the beginning of a new, online reader service system for Maintenance Supplies. To get valuable information about products and services seen in this issue, go to www.maintenancesuppliesmag.com and click on the E-inquiry button.