Managing Stressors Faced by Cost Engineers

Abstract

Construction professionals work under stressful conditions. This study examines the stressors faced by cost engineers in Singapore. The specific objectives are to identify the major type of stressors that cost engineers face and to study how stressors affect cost engineers with different demographic characteristics. The research was based on a questionnaire survey and data collected from cost engineers working for consultants and contractors. The main stressors causing cost engineers stress are work overload and work-home conflict. Cost engineers with different demographic characteristics are affected by different types of stressors. The following categories of cost engineers are found to be more affected by certain stressors than others: those who are in a relationship, those who live with elderly dependents or have children, and those who work longer overtime. Cost engineers of different age groups and different seniority levels are influenced by certain stressors to significantly different degrees. The findings may help firms to craft appropriate policies to minimize the stressors that cost engineers face at work, such as limiting overtime work and having timely communication to alleviate their stress.