Energy and stamina levels of employees at work are crucial, especially for tasks that require persistence or concentration to complete. Some people with physical, cognitive or neurological impairments may experience some difficulty with energy levels especially towards the end of their work shift due to either their disability or effects of medications. Stress, difficulties within the workplace, poor diet and lack of exercise can also contribute to low energy levels.
Within the workplace it is therefore worthwhile considering alternative ways in which work shifts or hours, break scheduling and task set up can be organised as a means of overcoming this barrier (Better Health Channel 2007; Brain Injury Association of Queensland Inc 2007).
Workplace solutions and adjustments
There are a range of supports available to assist people maintain their work pace without tiring, depending on the individual needs of the person and their job.
On the job strategies:
For people finding they are physically tiring, struggling to concentrate or maintain attention to task especially towards the end of their work shift, the following strategies can be considered:
- consider the use of flexible work hours i.e. start earlier or later in the day dependent on when energy levels are best
- consider working part time or job sharing i.e. work a greater number of days, but shorter hours each day
- consider working from home to reduce the fatigue of travelling to and from work
- allow for flexibility in break times i.e. frequent shorter breaks throughout the day or a couple of longer breaks to allow substantial rest time
- allow work to be undertaken in a quiet area such as a private office or through the use of partitioning to minimise distractions
- position the worker in an area that is close to all amenities such as rest rooms and kitchen facilities to minimise physical fatigue
- consider alterations to either job role or tasks to allow concentration on one task at a time rather than attempting to multi-task
- consider work simplification and joint preservation techniques as a means of energy conservation
- adjust office based work station or other workstation (link to new job requirement ‘Adjusting workstations – general’) appropriately to conserve energy
- a comprehensive workplace assessment from an occupational therapist, physical and mobility specialist or general assessor and discussion with the person’s general practitioner (GP) will give a range of strategies and supports to assist people to maintain their work pace without tiring.
Some workers may require disability specific equipment within the workplace as a means of conserving energy and remaining productive throughout their shift. Workers with disabilities requiring equipment or workstation changes specific to their disability may be eligible to apply for funding under the workplace modification scheme. Please refer to the Workplace Modifications Scheme Guidelines (PDF 178KB) for eligibility criteria.
(Brain Injury Association of Queensland Inc. 2007; Better Health Channel 2007)
References
Brain Injury Association of Queensland Inc. 2007, Information for employers - Fact Sheet, Brain Injury Association of Queensland Inc., Brisbane, viewed 8 September 2007, http://braininjury.org.au/portal/content/view/81/323/
Brain Injury Association of Queensland Inc. 2007, Returning to work - Fact Sheet, Brain Injury Association of Queensland Inc., Brisbane, viewed 14 September 2007, http://braininjury.org.au/portal/content/view/115/321/
Better Health Channel 2007, Fatigue fighting tips, Victorian Government, Melbourne, viewed 8 September 2007, http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/bhcarticles.nsf/pages/Fatigue_fighting_tips?OpenDocument
Other job requirements and solutions:
Being punctual
Energy level
Energy and stamina
Managing attendance