Psychological wellbeing and engagement of architects in South Africa: the role of job conditions and job security

Mumba, Kasonde

Psychological wellbeing and engagement of architects in South Africa: the role of job conditions and job security

Thesis / Dissertation

2024

Abstract

The construction industry has generally been suffering from mental stress issues as a result of a variety of stressors imposed on the employees, resulting in unhealthy behavioural habits, physical symptoms of burnout, chronic stress, and depression. Schedule constraints, challenging job conditions, and a lack of job permanence due to temporary contracts are wellknown characteristics of the construction sector, and these could potentially lead to workplace stress and poor psychological health. Employees and organisations both suffer the adverse effects of stress experienced by members of the workforce. In recent years, the public has become increasingly aware of the importance of mental health and the general wellbeing of workers. Due to its connection to psychological well-being and employee engagement, psychological distress research has gained popularity in recent research studies. The purpose of this study was to examine the factors that influence the psychological wellbeing and work engagement of South African architects. In particular, job security and job conditions were investigated to ascertain their relationship to both psychological well-being and the work engagement of employees. The research method comprised a critical review of the extant literature on psychological distress and workplace stressors, and the collection and analysis of data from a previous online survey questionnaire to architect members of the South African Council for the Architectural Profession (SACAP). Using the 365 survey responses that were suitable for analysis, multiple regression analysis was employed to assess the relationship between the workplace stressors of job security and job conditions, and the potential outcomes of psychological well-being and work engagement. The results indicate that psychological well-being and work engagement are influenced by both workplace stressors analysed. Interventions aimed at improving psychological well-being and the work engagement of architects in South Africa should focus on the promotion of healthy, clean, and safe working environments. In addition, organisations should encourage the improvement of employees' skills through periodic training to prevent the fear of skills redundancy and job insecurity

Keywords

Project Management

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Masters

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