ASSESSMENT OF THE IMPACT OF STRESS ON THE PERFORMANCE OF CONSTRUCTION PRACTITIONERS IN KADUNA STATE

Abstract

Stress at the workplace has become one of the main problems in the modern world and is one of the world's most common health concerns. Workplace stress affecting the success of construction firms because it affects the productivity and efficiency of employees. Many industries, not to mention the construction industry, need to receive substantial attention. In view of this, the study assessed the impact of work stress on the performance of construction practitioners with a view to suggesting strategies for effective management of stress. This study was quantitatively conducted via questionnaire survey. The research instrument was administered to construction practitioners in the study area. The respondents were selected using simple random sampling technique. Data was analysed using descriptive statistic such as percentage, mean item score, and inferential statistic such as Pearson product correlation. The study identified the major three (3) most prevalent factors contributing to stress among practitioners’ as Poor working conditions (MIS = 3.72), Work overload (MIS = 3.72), and financial problem (MIS=3.64). The study also identified Work stress (MIS = 3.98), Subjective Stress (MIS = 3.80) and Chronic Stress (MIS=3.52) as the three (3) most common types of workplace stress experienced by construction workers and also the major Stressors are identified to be; Task Stressors (MIS=3.98), Personal Stressors and Organisation Stressors (MIS=3.84). The study also identified Task performance (MIS=3.80), Technical performance (MIS=3.76) and Organisation performance (MIS=3.68), as the three (3) major measure of performance of stressed construction practitioner. The most significant stress factors having impact on a construction practitioner’s performance are; Reduced job satisfaction (MS = 3.90), Inefficiency in performance (MIS=3.86) and Absenteeism from work (MIS=3.82). The study reveals a positive and slightly strong (0.393) correlation between stress factors and measures of performance of construction practitioners with a P value (p=0.0) at 1% (0.01) level of significance. Therefore, a significant relationship between work stress and the performance of construction practitioners. Stress has positive impacts on the performance of professionals in construction. The study recommends that management should ensure that employees are up-to-date and get sufficient training in order to effectively execute their jobs and track their progress. Management should also make sure to implement flexible working hours e.g., hybrid that allow the employees to work in office and from home and also make provision for employee relaxation; by organising picnics, games and vacations.