Study shows a gradual and steady decline in construction employees’ mental well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic

Based on a 2020 study, the paper outlines the health and well-being of construction professional/managerial workers who were either required or encouraged to engage in teleworking during the COVID-19 pandemic in Australia. The study found a gradual and steady decline in participants’ mental well-being between March and June 2020. Data from a multiwave survey revealed positive relationships between workers’ mental well-being and quality of sleep, physical activity, work–life satisfaction, and perceived engagement in work. On the other hand, increased work hours, work interference with social life, and time pressure were found to have a negative impact upon mental well-being. Combining these results with participants’ comments helped to understand their varying experiences during the pandemic and the impact on their mental well-being.

Notably, the study did not find a significant difference between the mental well-being of participants who worked at home, and those still in the office, indicating that the location of work is not always a primary factor in determining workers’ mental well-being. Regardless of their location, many workers singled out the same key issues, noting that a high level of correspondence at irregular times, attending too many online meetings, experiencing additional work pressure, as well as general anxiety in relation to COVID-19 news coverage, all negatively impacted their mental health during this time.

The paper, Working from Home during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Health and Well-Being of Project-Based Construction Workers is available in the Journal of Construction Engineering and Management June 2021 issue and is also included in the ASCE COVID-19 Collection where it can be downloaded for free until the end of the year.