Effect of changes in the construction economy on worker’s operating rates and productivity

This paper examines the effects of changes in the construction economy (e.g., upturns and downturns) on labor operating rates, labor productivity, and cost productivity. The paper investigates the effects of sharp changes in Korea’s construction economy over the last two decades by using the well accepted leading and coincident economic indices such as the annual contract volume and total employment at the national level and assesses operating rates, labor productivity, and cost productivity for three groups of workers working with reinforced concrete (rebar workers, carpenters, and concrete workers) by using the work sampling method, the job site operation measurement, and interviews with field personnel. The results have important implications for effective job site management strategies and provide some guidelines for responding to changes in workers’ behaviors and attitudes.