Effects on pay, productivity and wellbeing
Interviews showed some workers were initially concerned the shorter work week would impact project deadlines and reduce pay.
But, for the most part, those views changed once people experienced working a five-day week, Lingard said.
Participants found the five-day work week had minimal impact on productivity, even when site-based construction activity ramped up.
“Many workers we interviewed said Saturday was typically not a productive work day across the construction industry,” Lingard said.
“Some participants said they were more productive working five days because they knew they were not working on the Saturday.”
Some participants thought working longer hours actually reduced productivity, instead of increasing it.
“I think, when you do stupid hours, like 70 to 80 hours, I don't think you get any more work done. I think you're just less effective and you're tired,” said one worker.
One supervisor said they preferred to have a happy and well-rested team, which produced a net improvement in productivity.
“When you start the week tired, there’s more risk of things going wrong, accidents and stress,” they said.
Concerns about pay reductions were also substantially reduced once the projects began.
“Many of those who were concerned about pay actually indicated in their second interview that the slight reduction in pay was worth it because they could spend more time with their families during the weekends,” Lingard said.
However, Turner said some of the younger workers liked having the option to work on a Saturday.
“Younger workers who are establishing their careers and do not have family responsibilities expressed a preference to work on Saturdays to earn more money,” she said.
“All these findings point towards the crucial need for more choice and flexibility for workers in construction, which can have positive benefits to wellbeing.
“A flexible workplace can enable families to share the caring load better, which will help to attract women to the industry and also men who want to participate more actively in family life.”
