Perceptions of work-related stress level indicators, and the relative importance of contributory stressors, among South African construction professionals

Levels of work-related stress are known to correlate to the stressors imposed by the demands of the work environment. Field administered interview surveys explore these factors at greater depth among professionals working in the construction industry in South Africa. The response data from 36 interviewees are analysed. For physical indicators of stress levels, the mean transition points (where positive stress is perceived to change to negative stress) between positive (contributing to job outcomes) and negative (not contributing to job outcomes) stress were lower than those for other types of stress, for all professional groups. The mean transition points for emotional indicators of stress were higher than those for either physical or mental indicators; but for this indicator female respondents recorded a significantly lower transition point value than male construction professionals. Critical project time constraints; level of cooperation from other project stakeholders; having to work long hours; critical project cost constraints; and having to skew the work/family life balance were found to be the top five project-related job demand factors in terms of perceived importance in contributing to stress, with no significant differences emerging between professional groups or between genders. However, female respondents recorded significantly higher mean values than males for three lower-ranked factors: disruption of meals patterns; disruption of leisure activities and disruption of exercise or sports activities. The findings suggest that stress management (mitigation) strategies by organisations could more carefully target the type of stress encountered. Strategies should also carefully monitor employee working hours, and recognise the particular needs of female construction professionals. Continuing administration of the survey is planned to improve validation of the results.