The effects of workplace stress upon construction professionals in South Africa: a survey

Workplace-induced stress has ramifications in terms of its side effects. Besides the threat risks these pose to the health and well-being of individual workers, more general issues arise in terms of performance and occupational health and safety. Negative coping mechanisms give rise to similar risks. As part of a larger opinion survey-based investigation into workplace stress, the perceived effects upon professional architects, engineers, quantity surveyors, and project and construction managers working in the construction industry in South Africa were explored, together with the coping mechanisms used to deal with them. A web-based online survey yielded 676 responses. Few survey respondents find it easy to relax after hours. More than a quarter claim that stress at work puts a strain on family life, and constrains social relationships and activities. Consumption of alcohol is widespread, with 40% of respondents consuming 3-9 units per week. Cigarette smoking is reportedly moderate overall but heavy among a minority. Appropriate stress management measures should be implemented within the construction industry, and the nature of professional work explored in greater depth with a view of ameliorating stress =hotspots`. The construction professions can play a significant part in this.