A HUMAN-CENTERED APPROACH TO REFRAMING JOB SATISFACTION IN THE BIM-ENABLED CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY

Abstract

As the construction industry undergoes rapid digital transformation, ensuring that new technologies enhance rather than hinder human experience has become essential. Building Information Modeling (BIM) plays a central role in this shift, yet its influence on job satisfaction remains underexplored. In response, this study developed a human-centered measurement model for evaluating job satisfaction in BIM-enabled work environments by adapting Hackman and Oldham's Job Characteristics Model (JCM) for the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry to create a survey that captured industry perspectives on BIM use and job satisfaction. The model uses Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) to analyze the survey results and identify which dimensions of BIM-related work affect job satisfaction. While it was hypothesized that BIM use increases job satisfaction, the results show that only some dimensions of BIM use positively impact BIM job satisfaction; the use of BIM alone does not guarantee an increase in overall job satisfaction. Additionally, more frequent BIM use was not directly associated with Overall-JS; however, it was positively associated with BIM-JS and had an indirect effect on Overall-JS through BIM-JS. These findings suggest that in the BIM-enabled workplace, Sustainable job satisfaction in BIM-enabled workplaces depends less on technological autonomy and more on collaboration, meaningful engagement, constructive feedback, and the reduction of workflow pain points.