Investigating the Effectiveness of Stress Management Strategies in the Construction Industry: A Developing Country’s Perspective

Abstract The construction industry is one of the most demanding sectors, characterised by high levels of occupational stress among workers. This study investigated the factors contributing to stress and the effectiveness of stress management strategies employed in developing countries, using Zambia as a case study. The methodological approach adopted was quantitative, with data collected using a self-administered structured questionnaire containing closed-ended questions. Using simple random sampling, 69 respondents were sampled and participated in the study. These included skilled and unskilled workers on construction sites drawn from contractors registered with the National Council for Construction in grades 1 to 3. Data collected were analysed using descriptive statistics with relative importance index, as well as exploratory factor analysis. The findings revealed that the leading factors contributing to stress among construction workers included long working hours (RII = 0.748), high workload (RII = 0.707), unrealistic deadlines (RII = 0.696), unsafe working conditions (RII = 0.693), and low salaries (RII = 0.693). Further, results of factor analysis reveal that effective stress management strategies should be centred on improving communication and working hours, as well as on the provision of counselling and social activities for employees. The study recommends enshrining stress management in occupational health and safety regulations as a way of enhancing employee well-being.