Torku, Alex, Bayrak, Turker, Ogunlana, Stephen, Chan, Albert Ping Chuen, Darko, Amos and Owusu-Manu, De-Graft (2020) Impact of construction work environment on quality of life of ageing workforce. In: Joint International Council for Research and Innovation in Building and Construction (CIB) W099 & TG59 International Web-Conference 2020 : Good Health, Wellbeing & Decent Work; 10 Sep 2020, Glasgow, U.K. (Held online).

Abstract

Purpose: The birth of an ageing population has been one of the most significant social transformers in the twenty-first century with the implication in all sectors, including the construction industry. Consequently, there have been advances in knowledge about elders living in built facilities; however, research about the older workforce that played vital roles in building these facilities is still in its infancy. This research aims to understand the impact of the construction work environment (CWE) on the quality of life (QOL) of the older workforce. Design/methodology/approach: The study adopted a quantitative approach and data was sourced from 38 older construction workers in Edinburgh, Scotland using a questionnaire. World Health Organisation QOL-Brief guidelines, bivariate correlations and multiple regression modelling were employed to achieve the aim of the study. Findings: The salary of older workers, payment structure, shift-work pattern and career opportunities and advancement positively impact the QOL of the older workforce in the construction industry. Practical implications: The findings suggest that the construction firms should avoid using age to fix the starting salary, and the salary of older workers should compensate for the deteriorating ageing changes the older workers experience. Also, older workers’ shift pattern should be flexible and convenient. More importantly, the construction firms should maintain structured career opportunities and advancement system for the older workforce. Originality/Value: The study will promote active ageing among older construction workers. The developed model builds on and supports the active ageing framework developed by the World Health Organisation on age-friendly cities and community. The study further confirms the validation of the WHOQOL-BRIEF assessment instrument, adding considerably to the reliability of the instrument.

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