The Effect of Stress on the Job Satisfaction and Productivity of Construction Professionals in the Ghanaian Construction Industry

Abstract

The economic conditions prevailing in Ghana currently is making it increasingly difficult than ever for workers to cope with job challenges. Most often stress starts from the house and continues at the workplace and all workers feel the added pressure. This is because most employees experience stress as the demands made on them do not match the resources available to meet their needs, thereby negatively affect productivity. This paper seeks to study professionals in the Ghanaian construction industry and determine if they are undergoing any form of stress. If so, to determine if they are adopting the right strategies to solve their stress challenges. The survey method included a structured questionnaire and semi structured interviews and site visits. Questionnaires were sent to 180 construction professionals selected through simple random sampling as they are knowledgeable and qualified enough as respondents for the study. 115 were returned and used for the analysis. The research findings indicate that 62% of the respondents believe their job satisfaction and productivity will increase if stress is reduced. It is recommended that the workload of the construction professionals must match their abilities and resources whilst unrealistic targets must be avoided. The construction professionals must make effective stress management an ongoing process.

Keywords: Stress, Job satisfaction, Productivity, Construction professionals, Ghana