ASEA SEC 02


WORK-RELATED STRESS, RESTORATION AND PURSUIT OF SUSTAINABLE MOTIVATIONAL FACTORS IN CONSTRUCTION

RITA OBIOZO, JOHN SMALLWOOD


Abstract

Work-related stress and consequent poor performance of workers require diligent application of innovative strategies on construction sites to achieve a viable labor resource. Humankind’s desire for contact with nature serves an important adaptive function, in the form of psychological restoration that heals mental fatigue and the lack of motivation in the construction workforce. An underlying practical challenge is hereby offered in the “greening of the construction site”, or the biophilic design concept, as a relevant aspect of construction management and planning. The question explored includes the nature of the biophilic construction site model (BCSM), and the specific design of workplaces to include “dynamic healing gardens” tailored to the project, environment, and construction processes. The methodology surveys, compares, and analyzes construction sites in South Africa with or without the BCSM. Findings indicate that workers actually achieve restoration and rejuvenation in a natural environment in harmony with the promotion of health and safety, ergonomic strategies in construction, and attention-restorative therapy. We recommend that “informal dynamic therapeutic gardens” be included within the construction planning of worksites, the interior of site offices and welfare facilities to enhance productivity and quality in construction.

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