Employee preferences for work-life benefits in a large New Zealand construction company

Main Article Content

Emily Morrison
Derek Thurnell

Abstract

The construction industry is a challenging environment in which to work, with job characteristics that are linked to work-life conflict, and it is important for its future sustainability that initiatives to support employee work-life balance are undertaken. 121 head office and site-based employees within a large New Zealand construction company rated their preferences for work-life benefits, and the results were compared with those of a similar previous (Australian) study. The most preferred work-life benefit factor (as for the previous Australian study) was found to be ‘wellness and personal development’. Results suggest that company provision of a wide variety of work-life benefits from which employees can choose during different stages in their life and career is ideal. Qualitative results suggest some work-life conflict associated with working long hours and weekend work exists. It is proposed that to attract and retain valuable employees, the New Zealand construction industry must provide useful work-life benefits, reasonable working hours, and supportive workplace cultures in line with such initiatives. 

Article Details

How to Cite
Morrison, E., & Thurnell, D. (2012). Employee preferences for work-life benefits in a large New Zealand construction company. Construction Economics and Building, 12(1), 12-25. https://doi.org/10.5130/AJCEB.v12i1.2358
Section
Articles (Peer reviewed)
Author Biography

Derek Thurnell, RICS, NZIQS

Quantity Surveyinbg Lecturer at Unitec Institute of Technology, Department of Construction