Identifying the Key Factors Affecting Labour Productivity in Construction Projects: A Comprehensive Review

Labor productivity remains a pivotal determinant of overall project success, directly influencing cost control, completion schedules, structural quality, and site safety. This synthesis of recent literature systematically analyzes the underlying drivers and operational bottlenecks affecting workforce efficiency across diverse construction environments. The reviewed studies demonstrate that construction labor productivity is a complex, multi-dimensional issue shaped by human capabilities, managerial competence, material logistics, environmental conditions, and economic stability. Workforce skill levels, practical experience, targeted technical training, and fair compensation consistently rank among the most critical labor-related determinants. Conversely, operational disruptions including ambiguous technical specifications, excessive overtime fatigue, delayed payments, material shortages, and poor supervisory coordination serve as the primary catalysts for productivity losses and project rework. Furthermore, the literature highlights how productivity dynamics vary across geographic regions and firm sizes. While large-scale construction enterprises rely heavily on equipment availability and technological automation, small-to-medium enterprises depend more on supervisor oversight and effective stakeholder communication. Ultimately, optimizing labor performance requires a holistic approach that pairs workforce welfare and skill development with streamlined material logistics, modernized site management practices, and stable project financing.