ABSTRACT
The construction industry is a vital contributor to socioeconomic development, employing a sizable labor force and facilitating skill acquisition. However, the Nigerian construction industry faces numerous challenges, including low productivity, cost overruns, and project delays, which can be attributed to insufficient worker motivation. The study analyzed responses from 105 construction workers, including 43 supervisors and 62 unskilled workers in Edo State. Supervisors comprised 31% quantity surveyors, 23% architects, engineers, and builders, with 31% having 16-20 years of experience. Unskilled workers were 34% masons, 25% carpenters, 22% electricians, and 19% iron benders, with 38% having 11-15 years of experience. The top non-financial motivators were participation in decision-making (mean = 4.50), recreational activities (mean = 4.25), and good supervision (mean = 4.15). Key drivers of motivator adoption included improving workers' lifestyles (mean = 4.05), retention (mean = 4.00), and preventing disputes (mean = 4.00). A positive correlation was found between participation in decision-making and man-hours spent (r = 0.356), and transportation facilities and work completion rate (r = 0.357), while a negative correlation was noted between recreational activities and presenteeism (r = -0.347).
