Construction labor and productivity : productivity improvements

Construction productivity has been on the decline in the last decade. Although an important factor in the nation\u27s economy, productivity of construction labor has been given little attention over the years. A review of the literature dealing with construction was performed that revealed the importance of the declining productivity as well as the confusion among construction managers and labor leaders as to what productivity is all about and how it can be improved. It has been found also, that construction labor motivation, which is the most important factor in improving productivity, is almost nonexist. Very few construction companies employ any kind of motivational programs and most of these programs are outdated and inefficient. It is recommended, therefore, that construction companies take immediate action to install motivational programs that are up-to-date and efficient. This paper also examines various ways of improving productivity in construction. The major ones are : (1) Management and unions should work together to establish job security; (2) absenteeism in construction must be controlled; (3) management must establish financial incentives; (4) communication in the construction site must be improved; and (5) management and unions must get themselves seriously involved in productivity bargaining. The paper further concludes that management and unions must work together to improve productivity. The feeling of togetherness, although nonexist , is much needed in construction and much work should be done by both management and unions toward creating this feeling