A Study of the Reduction of Fatigue Impact on Productivity through Optimal Rest Break Scheduling

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Abstract
The variable-k with penalty (VKP) model was developed to determine optimal individual rest break policies. The goal is to maximize worker output over a specified time horizon. A rest break policy consists of the number, duration, and placement of rest breaks. This study examined the validity of the VKP model in an experiment that involved 10 subjects engaged in the demanding physical task of riding an ergometer. In separate sessions, the subjects first used a self-determined rest break policy and then the model's policy. A comparison of the results indicated that, on the average, work output increased by nearly 13% when the subjects used the model's policy.