With your workload piling up, multitasking may seem to be the only way to get the job done.

But hold up. Research by the University of Michigan reveals that what we think of as multitasking may be nothing more than skipping about between multiple tasks, forcing our brains to refocus with every new subject. This reduces productivity by 20% to 40%.

“Attempting to multitask is one of the single greatest ways to undermine productivity, work quality and quality of life,” declares Deanna Davis, an author and motivational speaker.

Here are some job tips to break the counter productive habit of multitasking:

* Avoid constantly checking your email. Set a timer to take a look every two hours.

* Establish deadlines. Schedule blocks of time to concentrate on specific tasks. Prioritize.

* If possible, complete the task at hand, or a significant defined part of it, before moving on to another project.

* Take regular breaks to clear your mind.

* Maintain a to-do list. Update it as new ideas and task come to you.