Labour productivity: causes, measures, control

Labour productivity

Labour productivity is the output of work done by labour in a unit of time, e.g. m³ of concrete or m² of plastering per man-day; that is, the ratio of output to labour input.

$$\text{Productivity} = \frac{\text{Output (quantity of work)}}{\text{Input (labour hours or man-days)}}$$

Measurement

1. Work sampling: many random observations of workers to find the percentage of productive, supporting and idle time.
2. Time study / stopwatch study: timing the activity over a standard cycle.
3. Output per man-hour comparison: actual quantity completed ÷ labour hours used, compared with the norms in the rate analysis (e.g. DUDBC norms).
4. Productivity ratings and daily output records from site records and muster rolls.
5. Questionnaire or foreman delay survey to find the reasons for delay.

Causes of low productivity

• Poor planning and scheduling, lack of drawings or materials, waiting for instructions.
• Unskilled or untrained workers, poor supervision.
• Low motivation, poor wages, delayed payment, unfair treatment.
• Bad working conditions: heat, rain, noise, poor site layout, no toilet or drinking water.
• Equipment breakdown, wrong tools, rework due to errors.
• Fatigue from overtime, absenteeism, labour unrest and strikes.
• Poor communication between management and workers.
• Unsafe working conditions and accidents.

Control and improvement

1. Plan the work properly and issue drawings, materials and tools on time.
2. Select and train workers; use skilled gang combinations.
3. Provide incentives, bonuses and timely payment; recognise good work.
4. Improve working conditions: shade, safety gear, welfare facilities.
5. Use suitable equipment and better methods (prefabrication, standardisation).
6. Provide proper supervision and clear instructions; measure output daily and compare it with norms.
7. Avoid excessive overtime and keep good relations with the labour union.
8. Reduce rework through quality control and good communication.