Concentration fatigue is a term for the feeling of being tired and unfocused. It can be caused by a lack of sleep, stress, or even an illness.
It is common for people who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing to experience concentration fatigue due to their reliance on sign language, lipreading and in order to understand what’s being said.
Imagine trying to make two separate jigsaw puzzles, but all the pieces are mixed up together – you’ll need extra concentration to make sure you’re doing it correctly. The same concept can be applied to people who are Hard of Hearing when they’re communicating with others.
They’ll potentially be listening and trying to understand while looking at lip patterns, body language and sign language all at once.
Here, we take a closer look at concentration fatigue, how it can affect your Deaf employees and how you can support them in the workplace.
Side effects of concentration fatigue
Concentration fatigue is a real phenomenon that can affect anyone who pushes themselves too hard mentally. The side effects can be both physical and mental, and they can range from mild to severe. If you’re feeling any of the following symptoms, it may be time to take a break and give your brain a rest:
Headaches
When your brain is working overtime, it’s natural to get more frequent headaches, particularly if you’ve not taken a break.
Zoning out
Daydreaming and zoning out into a blank space is a common side effect of concentration fatigue and often happens without you even realising.
Missing important information
When you’re worn out, it’s easy to disconnect and unintentionally stop listening to those around you. You could end up missing out on key information from your peers.
Deaf anxiety
Whether you’ve lived with Deafness your whole life, or have recently been diagnosed with hearing loss, it’s not uncommon to feel anxious. If you suffer from concentration fatigue, in some cases, it can lead to anxiety, especially in social situations.
How to help your employees manage concentration fatigue
The work environment for everyone is becoming more and more demanding with the rise of technology, longer screen times and busier schedules. But for Deaf people these challenges are even more heightened. Businesses need to encourage their Deaf employees to look after themselves, both physically and mentally, and can implement the following steps to help them manage concentration fatigue so it doesn’t get out of hand.
Regular breaks
Encouraging staff to take regular breaks and not sit still for long periods of time won’t just tackle concentration fatigue, it’ll also boost morale and productivity within your team.
Fresh air
When employees take breaks or go for lunch, offering an outdoor space or encouraging them to go out on walks for some fresh air will help them clear their minds and regain some grounding.
Hydration
Water is key in keeping the brain functioning properly. With proper hydration your employees’ ability to concentrate will become easier.
Low background noise
There’s nothing worse than trying to concentrate in a room full of noise, particularly for employees who rely on hearing aids or other hearing devices. When planning meetings and conferences, make sure to have a specific room where background noise is significantly reduced.
Quiet spaces
After a lengthy meeting, long day or difficult task, employees will want a space to relax and take a break, perhaps to even remove their hearing aid or cochlear implant for a moment or two. Giving access to a quiet space or room where people can take a break helps improve productivity when they are working.
Sign language interpreters
Deaf employees have to work harder than hearing employees when it comes to communication and concentration. Offering a solution to aid in this, like
sign language interpreters, will take some of the pressure off. It will mean they don’t have to rely as heavily on just their hearing aids and lipreading.
Concentration fatigue is a very real issue many people face, whether they’re Deaf or can hear. As a business, it’s important to recognise when your Deaf employees need a break or support and to encourage open conversations about how they’re feeling.
You can help your employees combat concentration fatigue by providing them with regular breaks and giving them access to resources that promote mindfulness and relaxation.
By taking these steps, you can create a
more productive and healthier workplace for your employees.
