Abstract

Aims: Efficiency depends on individuals' talent, training and also their work environment. To determine the efficiency, one's performance must be measure and the result should be compared to a standard measure. This study was carried out with the aim of investigating the effects of double work and distraction on the efficiency level among the personnel of a crisis management center in Tehran Methods: This pretest-posttest study was performed in 2011, on 68 employees of a crisis management center in Tehran, Iran. Samples were selected by simple randomized sampling method and Toulouse-Piéron test was applied to verify their talent and performance. The forms were collected and checked after performing the seven stages of the test. Data were analyzed by binominal nonparametric test using SPSS 18. Results: Double work significantly decreased the individuals' efficiency and efficiency was more in women at both normal circumstances and double working. Distraction also decreased the output. The effect of distraction was not the same as double work and double work had more severe impact on efficiency compared to distraction. Conclusion: Double work has impacts on efficiency and reduces the efficiency to about half, but distraction does not decrease the efficiency as double work. Employees are suggested not to do two tasks at the same time. They also shouldn't work in environments that cause distraction.