Aim: The purpose is to understand more precisely the culture and interpersonal behaviours
associated with stress.
Methods: The research was conducted using a qualitative approach through an ethnographic
methodology in relation to three companies. The greater part of the data collection period was
structured into observations that ranged between 2 and 4 hours per day, 1 to 3 days per week, for
a period of 6 months. A total of 10 sites were explored; and on each site, the observations
involved activities by 5 to 20 people.
Findings: The results showed the pivotal importance of interpersonal relationships in coping with
the uncertainty of working conditions, the coordination of team-work, and managing
responsibilities and power interactions. It was found that the impact of stress is multifaceted,
affecting the physical status, interpersonal relationships, work performance, and emotional wellbeing
of construction workers. The workers who were studied emphasised five sources of support
that help moderate work-related stress: additional tools such as communication systems and
software, a facilitated access to professional help (e.g. psychological services), organisational
changes in leadership, provision of resources for the wellbeing of personnel (e.g. job training) and
better teamwork.
Practical implications: The study underlines the importance of dedicated services for stress
management and specific training-related abilities devoted to reinforcing positive person-organization
dynamics. In particular, the abilities should relate to managing the impact of stress in
terms of physique, interpersonal relationships, work performance, and emotional well-being.
Originality/value: This is one of the first studies to adopt a psychological perspective for
understanding construction scenarios and phenomena and was conducted by a qualified
psychologist.EU Horizon 2020/ Marie Curie. INSTINCT Project (EU Individual Fellowship
