Factors Affecting Job Stress in Construction Workers

Abstract

Introduction: In the SDG Point 3, which is to “Ensure Healthy and Promote Wellbeing for all ages", it is hoped that the workforce is not only free from illnesses but also free from psychological disorders, one of which is job stress. Job stress gives negative impacts to workers jobs, especially in dealing with situations and demands that exceed the workers’ ability to cope. Job stress arises because workers’ knowledge of problem solving is not in accordance with job demands in the organization or company. Job stress can degrade workers’ ability to solve problems. In fact, workers’ ability to cope with job stress is not same. Job stress may occur in construction workers whose jobs are monotonous. This study aimed to analyze factors that affect job stress in construction workers. Internal factors included exercise habits and social support. External factors included job demands, work period, and non-work activities. Methods: This was observational study with a cross-sectional approach, held in a construction company. The number of samples of this study was 55 workers. This study used the National Institute Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Generic Job Stress Questionnaire instrument. The variables in this study were internal factors, including exercise habits and social support. External factors included job demands, work period and non-work activities. The data were analyzed statistically with the Ordinal Regression Test. Results: Internal factor that had a significant effect was exercise habits (p=0.014). Meanwhile, external factor that had a significant effect was job demands (p=0.045). Conclusion: Exercise habits can affect the ability of workers to deal with job stress. Moreover, the job demand factor can affect the job stress.