Impact of COVID-19 on Social and Psychological Well-Being of Workers in Construction Projects: A Comparative Analysis of Managers and Laborers

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic brought challenges such as social distancing, health fears, reduced interaction, and increased stress for construction workers. Understanding their changing social and psychological states is crucial for effective management and performance. This study investigated the impact of the pandemic on the managers’ and laborers’ social and psychological well-being states and identified the changes in their social and psychological well-being states affecting project performance before and after the pandemic. Construction professionals, including construction managers, superintendents, and laborers, participated in a survey exploring thirteen social and psychological well-being variables and three performance variables. Data analysis involved paired t-tests and multiple regression. The findings revealed increased levels of anxiety and depression among both managers and laborers after the pandemic, with laborers more severely affected. Managers considered a broader range of variables, while laborers primarily focused on social factors influencing project performance. These disparities suggested that managers should prioritize health and safety measures, fair compensation, team cohesion, and stress management, while laborers’ motivation, work environment, knowledge acquisition, and sense of belonging should receive priority attention. This study contributes to providing managerial implications and guidance for improving the construction workforce, including managers’ and site laborers’ performance in the post-pandemic period.

Psychological Distress and Work Engagement of Construction Workers during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Differential Study by Sex

“…Moreover, small companies may perceive COVID-19 risk-reduction measures as less effective compared to their effect in larger companies [13]. Highly educated workers have shown greater satisfaction with their organisation's response to the pandemic, yet they experienced heavier workloads and increased anxiety and depression, particularly among labourers [14,15]. Similarly, stress related to workplace safety measures can affect participation, with psychological factors acting as moderators [16].…”