Persistence is to continue with something even when tired, frustrated or having difficulty. Individuals who have reduced energy or stamina due to illness or injury may find it difficult to persist with certain tasks in the workplace. Reduced energy and stamina can be a result of many illnesses or injuries such as arthritis, asthma, chronic fatigue, back pain, multiple sclerosis and many more.
Workplace solutions and adjustments
Modifications and supports are available to help people persist at tasks by reducing the strain and stamina required, scheduling breaks to re-focus and maintain concentration, and also to support people with their physical and medical needs.
Energy conservation and task simplification are key strategies in assisting a person to complete tasks in the easiest possible way, using the least amount of energy. Strategies include:
Energy conservation is a common intervention used by Occupational Therapists and is important in enabling a person to conserve physical energy and improve functional endurance throughout the working day. The principles of energy conservation are:
- plan and organise tasks effectively
- prioritise tasks
- maintain good posture
- use correct body mechanics
- avoid unnecessary energy expenditure
- use assistive devices
- take frequent breaks—balance work tasks and rest
- eliminate unnecessary tasks.
Task simplification is also often used by Occupational Therapists to enable reduction of energy consumption during a task, enabling an individual to persist with the task at hand. Task simplification involves analysing the specific task, breaking it down and finding a more manageable way for the person to complete the task whilst using less energy.
A comprehensive assessment from an Occupational Therapist or workplace assessor and information supplied by a General Practitioner will assist with the development of strategies that help people with physical disability or illness to persist with tasks.
Other areas that may be beneficial in assisting a person who is having difficulty persisting with work tasks are:
References
Independent Living Centre of WA 2005, Work simplification and energy conservation, Independent Living Centre of WA Inc, Perth, viewed 25 March 2010, http://2e.cdn.auroracms.com/resources/2/0000/0462/br_34_work_simplification_and_energy_conservation.pdf.
Tipping, L. 2002, Multiple Sclerosis, in Turner, Foster and Johnson (Eds), Occupational therapy and physical dysfunction: Principles, skills and practice, Churchill Livingstone, London.