Energy and stamina levels of employees at work are crucial, especially for tasks that require persistence or concentration to complete. 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 worthwhile considering alternative ways in which work shifts or hours, break scheduling and task set up can be organised as a means of managing this.
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.
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:
partitioning
position the worker in an area that is close to all amenities such as rest rooms and kitchen facilities to minimise physical fatigue
alterations to either job role or tasks to allow concentration on one task at a time rather than attempting to multi-task
work simplification and joint preservation techniques as a means of energy conservation. More information on work simplification and joint preservation techniques can be found below:
adjust workstations appropriately for individual needs. The links below provide more information:
a comprehensive workplace assessment from an Occupational Therapist, physical and mobility specialist and information supplied by a General Practitioner (GP) will assist with the development of strategies and supports to assist people to maintain their work pace without tiring.
alternative times to take medication if appropriate, to minimise the experience of symptoms during the working day.
Some workers may require disability specific equipment within the workplace as a means of conserving energy and remaining productive throughout their shift. Workers with disability requiring equipment or workstation changes specific to their disability may be eligible to apply for funding under the Employment Assistance Fund:
References
Better Health Channel 2010, Fatigue fighting tips, Victorian Government, Melbourne, viewed 25 March 2010, http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/bhcarticles.nsf/pages/Fatigue_fighting_tips?OpenDocument.
Brain Injury Association of Queensland Inc. 2009, Information for employers - Fact Sheet, Brain Injury Association of Queensland Inc., Brisbane, viewed 25 March 2010, http://braininjury.org.au/portal/content/view/81/323/.
Brain Injury Association of Queensland Inc. 2009, Returning to work - Fact Sheet, Brain Injury Association of Queensland Inc., Brisbane, viewed 25 March 2010, http://braininjury.org.au/portal/content/view/115/321/.