Decent work is a human right that every worker must attain; nevertheless, the construction industry is facing decent work deficits, especially in developing countries. However, these deficits and consequent interventions are undermined. Therefore, this study sought to review literature on decent work deficits in the construction industry of developing countries and reveal future research interests. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) protocol guidelines were used. A preliminary search of the Scopus and Web of Science databases using keywords produced 152 papers, which were found and examined. Twenty-two (22) papers that are pertinent to the research field, period, and developing countries were found after additional screening. This study utilised a thematic analysis to derive the emerging themes of the decent work deficit. Synthesis of the findings in this SLR revealed 5 core themes, namely work-life integration, safe working environment, skills development and enhancement, organisational commitment and social support. The major highlighted deficits include job dissatisfaction, a poor work environment, long working hours, a lack of work-life balance, and inadequate social support. The literature on decent work deficits highlights the gap and contributes to interventions aimed at resolving decent work deficits in developing countries. The identified interventions included establishing robust and well-resourced decent work support systems that respond to the existing decent work policy frameworks. In addition, widespread consciousness of decent work objectives among construction operatives is encouraged through awareness campaigns.