Migrant workers' productivity in Abu Dhabi

Occupational stressors account for as much as 60% of lost work time and productivity. Guided by the demand-control-support theory, this phenomenological study explored occupational stressors relevant to workers' safety and productivity. This exploration took place in the United Arab Emirates where occupational stressors have affected 25% of the migrant workforce. Interview data emanated from a purposive sample of 20 migrant workers who lived and worked in the construction sector. Data analysis entailed inductive coding and sequential analysis of the interview transcripts. Member checks and data saturation ensured trustworthiness of the data. Three prominent themes emerged from the analysis: (a) management, (b) lack of support, and (c) performance pressure. The findings of this study may help construction leaders effectively manage occupational stressors in order to increase worker productivity. This study may contribute to positive social change by increasing awareness among migrant construction workers about occupational stressors and leading to improvements in their health, safety, and well-being.