Stress Among Construction Professionals: An Analysis of the Evidence from the Construction Sector

The construction industry in India is a significant contributor to the national economy, constituting 13.3% of the GDP and playing a crucial role in infrastructure and industrial development. However, construction professionals often experience undue stress, leading to physiological, sociological, and psychological strains that impact their behavior and safety performance. This paper aims to identify the causes of stress among construction professionals, as well as factors affecting job productivity, work-life balance, stability, and job control within the industry. Focused on Chennai, this study employs a comprehensive approach, drawing from various literature sources and conducting qualitative and quantitative analyses of collected data. A questionnaire survey garnered 130 responses from practitioners, which were subjected to statistical analyses the findings reveal that female professionals experience higher stress levels than their male counterparts, while site engineers exhibit elevated stress levels based on their designation. Importantly, the study suggests that fostering excellent communication and providing robust team support can mitigate stress levels among construction professionals, thereby enhancing overall well-being and performance in the industry.