Construction workers yearn to be more productive

More than half (59%) of construction industry workers want to be more productive but feel they get too bogged down in dealing with day-to-day detail to ever fully realise their potential. 

Slightly less (54%) find that, on an average working day, they are reasonably rather than highly productive, suggesting there's some way to go to fully realise personal potential in the workplace.

The findings are contained in a poll of 500 UK construction workers which was carried out for the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).

More than half (55%) consider that being in control of their work-life balance is a crucial factor affecting their productivity, 61% admit they would be more inclined to apply for a job with an employer who provided flexible working opportunities, while 58% feel they would be more productive in getting work done if they had greater control and choice in their working patterns. 

The good news is that businesses are increasingly recognising the link between flexibility and choice and employee motivation. Some 94% of employers agree that 'people work best when they can balance their work and other aspects of their lives', with the level of flexible working opportunities offered by employers approximately doubling since the first work-life balance study in 2000. 

Workers want full and fulfilling work too and the poll reveals that more than eight in 10 (86%) employees would be more committed to their company if it helped them realise their full potential in the workplace. 

The DTI has developed a range of business support materials and advice to help employers take practical steps to address issues such as productivity and employee engagement. 

This includes the 'Achieving Best Practice In Your Business' initiative which encourages employers to adopt and integrate approaches that other businesses have found successful.