Critical Factors Affecting Construction Labor Productivity: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

This study aims to identify and quantify the critical factors influencing construction labor productivity. A systematic review and meta-analysis of 27 empirical studies published between 2000 and 2024 were conducted in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. This study synthesizes findings from a variety...

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Main Authors: Feihong Jian, Qian Liu, Cong Feng, Qiaoyi Hu, Qishu Yu, Qi Guo
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2025-07-01
Series:Buildings
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2075-5309/15/14/2463
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author Feihong Jian
Qian Liu
Cong Feng
Qiaoyi Hu
Qishu Yu
Qi Guo
author_facet Feihong Jian
Qian Liu
Cong Feng
Qiaoyi Hu
Qishu Yu
Qi Guo
author_sort Feihong Jian
collection DOAJ
description This study aims to identify and quantify the critical factors influencing construction labor productivity. A systematic review and meta-analysis of 27 empirical studies published between 2000 and 2024 were conducted in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. This study synthesizes findings from a variety of global studies and calculates the relative importance index of various factors affecting construction labor productivity. The findings indicate that 66 CFs, categorized into 12 groups, influence construction labor productivity. The results findings underscore the pivotal role of labor-related factors, particularly “worker experience and skills”, and site management factors, such as “competent supervisors” and “effective communication”. Additionally, environmental factors, such as “weather conditions”, have been demonstrated to play a significant role. The meta-analysis identified substantial regional variations and an increasing importance of factors like worker motivation and technological advancements. Moreover, in light of the evident disparities among regional influential factors, including but not limited to climate, economics, and culture, the findings of this study underscore the imperative for customized, localized management methodologies to enhance construction labor productivity, which will provide practical suggestions for project managers in the region and globally.
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issn 2075-5309
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spelling doaj-art-c562be199050498fa8e654512d79659f2025-08-20T03:35:27ZengMDPI AGBuildings2075-53092025-07-011514246310.3390/buildings15142463Critical Factors Affecting Construction Labor Productivity: A Systematic Review and Meta-AnalysisFeihong Jian0Qian Liu1Cong Feng2Qiaoyi Hu3Qishu Yu4Qi Guo5Hubei Key Laboratory of Construction and Management in Hydropower Engineering, China Three Gorges University, Yichang 443002, ChinaHubei Key Laboratory of Construction and Management in Hydropower Engineering, China Three Gorges University, Yichang 443002, ChinaHubei Key Laboratory of Construction and Management in Hydropower Engineering, China Three Gorges University, Yichang 443002, ChinaThe Guangdong No. 3 Water Conservancy and Hydro-Electric Engineering Board Co., Ltd., Dongguan 523710, ChinaShanghai Investigation, Design & Research Institute Co., Ltd., Shanghai 200050, ChinaHubei Key Laboratory of Construction and Management in Hydropower Engineering, China Three Gorges University, Yichang 443002, ChinaThis study aims to identify and quantify the critical factors influencing construction labor productivity. A systematic review and meta-analysis of 27 empirical studies published between 2000 and 2024 were conducted in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. This study synthesizes findings from a variety of global studies and calculates the relative importance index of various factors affecting construction labor productivity. The findings indicate that 66 CFs, categorized into 12 groups, influence construction labor productivity. The results findings underscore the pivotal role of labor-related factors, particularly “worker experience and skills”, and site management factors, such as “competent supervisors” and “effective communication”. Additionally, environmental factors, such as “weather conditions”, have been demonstrated to play a significant role. The meta-analysis identified substantial regional variations and an increasing importance of factors like worker motivation and technological advancements. Moreover, in light of the evident disparities among regional influential factors, including but not limited to climate, economics, and culture, the findings of this study underscore the imperative for customized, localized management methodologies to enhance construction labor productivity, which will provide practical suggestions for project managers in the region and globally.https://www.mdpi.com/2075-5309/15/14/2463systematic reviewconstruction labor productivitycritical factorsmeta-analysis
spellingShingle Feihong Jian
Qian Liu
Cong Feng
Qiaoyi Hu
Qishu Yu
Qi Guo
Critical Factors Affecting Construction Labor Productivity: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Buildings
systematic review
construction labor productivity
critical factors
meta-analysis
title Critical Factors Affecting Construction Labor Productivity: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
title_full Critical Factors Affecting Construction Labor Productivity: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
title_fullStr Critical Factors Affecting Construction Labor Productivity: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
title_full_unstemmed Critical Factors Affecting Construction Labor Productivity: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
title_short Critical Factors Affecting Construction Labor Productivity: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
title_sort critical factors affecting construction labor productivity a systematic review and meta analysis
topic systematic review
construction labor productivity
critical factors
meta-analysis
url https://www.mdpi.com/2075-5309/15/14/2463
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