Motion Study
A Method for Increasing the Efficiency of the Workman

32 MOTION STUDY industrious appearance to the casual observer, but to rest, the ioo-per-cent kind of rest. There are cases where chairs and reading tables have been provided with beneficial effect for workers to occupy when delayed for a few minutes. They get the rest, and their presence at the table acts as a danger signal to the management. When a man is fatigued to the point where it is im- possible for him to do his best work he should be made to rest. He must not do anything but rest until he is in that condition that will enable him to fly at his work and per- form it with the fastest standard motions possible. Rest does not necessarily mean idleness. The worker can spend the rest period reading his instruction card, or filling out his record of output on the card, or in some other form of restful work. A change of work is often a rest. By performing the above two tasks well, we secure the greatest output per day and the fewest hours per day without injury to the health of the men. Habits The habits of the workman have much to do with his success in eliminating unnecessary motions and in adopt- ing quickly and permanently standard methods. The term “ habits,” as here used, includes not only personal “ habits,” so-called, but also habits of thinking, habits of working, etc. Habits brought to the work may act as a deterrent or