Abstract:
Construction labour productivity is declining,
due to shortcomings in the Decent Work
Agenda. This research seeks to determine
decent working conditions that could improve
the productivity of skilled and semi-skilled
workers on construction sites in Zimbabwe.
A quantitative research approach enabled a
self-administered questionnaire survey among
site management and workers from selected
trades. The randomly selected respondents
work for construction companies affiliated
with the Construction Industry Federation of
Zimbabwe database. The companies are
based in Harare, Bulawayo, and Shurugwi.
In addition, thirteen building project sites in the
study area were purposively selected through
the National Social Security Authority register.
The results indicate that adequate work-related
health and safety conditions and facilities were
identified through ranking as the most significant
decent work conditions under which improved
labour productivity can be achieved. It is also
notable that all the decent working conditions assessed were deemed significant in terms of improving labour productivity.
A Kruskal-Wallis test ascertained that there were no statistically significant
differences due to the age, gender and experience of respondents. However,
statistically significant differences were found due to the designation and
educational levels of the respondents. The research study recommends that
training on decent working conditions be undertaken and that accentuation
of adequate decent working conditions on sites be encouraged. Adequate
planning and financing for decent work conditions are also proffered.
