If you've been reading this blog or many others on time management and productivity, you know that multitasking is bad for you. While it's propped up by human resources departments around the globe as a necessary 'skill' for countless jobs, researchers are finding that people work better and faster when they focus on one task at a time.

Too much multitasking can lead to a loss of concentration, stress, and plenty of other side effects of simply not getting enough done. But does it affect your physical health? A new study suggests that multitasking might be linked to excessive weight gain.

(and when and how to use them)

From small teams to medium size business, collaboration and virtual communication tools would generally include;

1. Email
2. Hosted messages (messages hosted on a web site, for example a project management tool such as Basecamp or some other customized intranet solution)
3. Activity feeds / private social networks like Yammer
4. Instant messaging (Skype, Google Talk, MSN Messenger, etc)
5. Meetings with screen sharing
6. Visual feedback tools
7. Video conferencing

And some old fashion methods of collaboration (still very much in use):
8. Phone calls
9. Face to face meetings

Each of the these different collaboration strategies has benefits and problems - knowing when to use each tool might seem obvious, but it's important that your business has a clear communication strategy in place and that your team understands how and when to use these technologies most productively.

Reuters Life! is currently featuring a business management tip that might come as a surprise to some: increase employee access to social media tools. The article makes it clear that it’s not inviting workers to “run amok tweeting and writing on walls,” but instead recommending that companies invest in alternative social tools with a business-friendly focus. Is this a good idea?

If you are a business owner or manager, I'm sure you have pride in what you do. You probably feel a sense that the business couldn't run without you, that the business needs you and couldn't survive without you. Perhaps it is even true.

It's also a very dangerous way of thinking. If your business truly “needs” you then the business is vulnerable. If you are sick or even if you just want to go on holiday, your business is going to suffer.