Job Stress and Job Satisfaction Among Construction Workers in Ernakulam, Kerala

Abstract

Job stress and Job satisfaction significantly impact employee’s productivity, health, and performance in the construction sector, which is a rapidly growing in industries worldwide, including India. Most construction workers are unorganized, despite the sector’s role in industrial development and job creation. They face high workplace stress due to hard labor, tight schedules, hazardous conditions, and unpredictable weather. The construction industry, known for its labor-intensive and high-risk environment, often exposes workers to significant levels of job stress, which can adversely impact their job satisfaction and overall well-being. This study aims to examine the correlation between job stress and job satisfaction among building construction workers in Ernakulam, Kerala. A descriptive research design was used, with data collected via a self-structured questionnaire incorporating job stress and job satisfaction scale and by using a convenient sampling method, 250 respondents were surveyed, and data was analyzed with SPSS software. The findings revealed a negative correlation between job stress and job satisfaction, indicating that higher stress levels influence a construction worker to reside with lower satisfaction. Job stress level differs regarding gender and it is higher in males. Similarly, job stress differs depending on the workers type i.e., skilled and unskilled, and the statistical test shows that unskilled construction workers experience more job stress. Conversely, factors contributing to job satisfaction included monthly income and the type of employment they are involved. The study highlights the need for targeted interventions such as improved working conditions, mental health support, and safety regulations to enhance job satisfaction and reduce stress among construction workers. These findings have significant implications for policymakers, employers, and labor organizations working to improve the quality of work life in the construction sector.