DRIVING WORKFORCE EFFICIENCY THROUGH EMPLOYEE-FOCUSED PRACTICES IN THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY IN CHENNAI CITY

Abstract

Human Resource Management (HRM) is essential in the construction industry to ensure productivity, safety and timely project completion. Effective HR practices help overcome challenges such as high turnover, skill shortages, and poor working conditions. The purpose of the study is to examine the perceptions of job opportunity sources and selection methods of the middle-level employees. It identifies key factors shaping views on candidate training programs and variations in skill-set programmes. It also measures employee satisfaction with allowances, safety provisions and welfare facilities provided by the organization. The survey was conducted using a structured questionnaire with 201 middle-level employees in the construction industry and the data were analyzed using SPSS. The study findings indicate that the workforce is mainly young, male and technically qualified and that the organization follows a strong five-factor HR structure for selection, assessment and training. HR practices show varying maturity levels across employees, with managers displaying distinct perceptions, and statistical tests confirming significant differences across HR dimensions. The study concludes that strong recruitment, effective training, adequate safety and welfare measures significantly enhance employee satisfaction, motivation, and productivity in the construction industry. However, inconsistent compensation and weak accountability in employee well-being negatively affect morale, highlighting the need for a strategic, integrated HRM approach to sustain long-term organizational growth.