Relationship between rework of engineering drawing tasks and stress level measured from physiological signals

This study investigates the relationship between stress levels and rework of engineering drawing tasks by using physiological signals and surveys. Managing excessive stress at the workplace is critical, as occupational stress adversely impacts the work performance as well as the work–life balance of employees. This study hypothesizes that rework can be a severe occupational stressor. This hypothesis was tested by measuring the stress responses of subjects before and after a rework order using two physiological signals, namely electrodermal activity (EDA) and electroencephalogram (EEG). In addition, a survey was conducted to serve as a supplementary measure for the relationship. It was found that the three measures consistently showed that rework was a stressor. The findings emphasize the importance of managing rework in the construction industry, which will eventually help construction managers control the stress levels of employees effectively. •We investigated the relationship between rework and stress level.•The stress level was measured by physiological signals from EDA, EEG and a survey.•Three measures consistently showed that rework was a stressor.•EDA results showed a stronger correlation with the stress level than EEG results.