Absenteeism in the construction industry: A diagnostic study

Absenteeism among construction workers is a major deterrent to higher productivity. Yet, this topic has not received substantial attention from researchers in the construction area. This study was designed to identify major factors affecting absenteeism in the construction industry. The first part of this study involved a careful review of literature on employee absenteeism. The research design was based on the literature review, the researcher's experience with the construction operations, and consultation with experts. This research was conducted through a short written questionnaire that could be completed by a worker in about five to ten minutes. Information concerning the projects and management policies was obtained through a questionnaire completed by the project managers. Workers in two different companies were surveyed. The first study included the voluntary participation of 116 workers. Results show that absenteeism was higher when the following conditions exist: (1) poor interpersonal relationships between crew members, (2) greater travel distance to work, and (3) workers feel their job is not challenging. On the other hand, absenteeism was lower when: (1) foremen criticize workers for being absent, (2) foremen encourage workers to work as a team, (3) workers help each other do their job, and (4) foremen encourage workers to develop better ways of doing work. The second study included the voluntary participation of 65 workers. Absenteeism rates are higher in Company Two when one of the following conditions exist: (1) pressured work climate, (2) dissatisfaction with the job situation, (3) poor interpersonal relationships in the crew, (4) high competition between crew members, (5) high percentage of rework, (6) availability of other jobs, (7) high satisfaction with pay, and (8) less children in the family.