Efficiency Methods
An Introduction to Scientific Management

102 EFFICIENCY METHODS A remarkable case of decrease of fatigue owing to a change in the arrangement of rest periods is given by Mrs. Clark and Miss Wyatt in their study of women workers.1 The girls employed on rather monotonous work in a bleachery were allowed two periods of |-hour rest in the day besides their dinner- time of three-quarters of an hour. Under Mr. H. L. Gantt’s management they were given spells of i hour 20 minutes’ work, 20 minutes’ rest, throughout the working-day, with an arrangement of “ spare hands ” which obviated any break in the work of the machines. The girls’ output was increased about 60 per cent, and they were able to earn about 50 per cent, more wages. The authors observe that in another part of the factory the girls were allowed to choose their rest- period, and chose two long ones, during which they usually did fancy-work. The result was not as satisfactory. We have already said that Mr. Gilbreth advises works managers to make the question of fatigue their own immediate personal concern, and work it out for the special conditions of their own works. If carried out with tact and real consideration the enquiry should certainly make for much better understanding between tnanagement and workers. It may be suggested that the adjustment of an in- dustrial operation with the aim of eliminating un- * " Making Both Ends Meet," by S. A. Clark and E. Wyatt. Quoted in Mr. H. L. Gantt’s paper, “ The Task and the Day's Work,” read at a Dartmouth College Conference on Scientific Management in 1911.