Builders are less productive than they were 50 years ago, with smartphone use among workers a key factor, according to Mark Reynolds, executive chairman of construction firm Mace.
Productivity decline and phone distraction
Reynolds warned that builders only spend about two to three hours of a seven-hour workday on actual building activity, such as bricklaying. He described the time lost to smartphones as "really not helpful" and noted that while the exact impact is unmeasured, it is a growing problem on sites.
"The other problem we've had at some jobs is people on their phones," Reynolds said. "The problem that we've got in society, with everyone looking at their phones, is really not helpful. I've not measured it. But [we're losing time to it]. Everything is about balance, isn't it?"
Broader issues affecting construction productivity
Reynolds also highlighted other factors behind the productivity slump, including the rising complexity of projects, more time spent on safety inductions, and higher workforce turnover. A landmark report by Mace, based on the company's own data and industry statistics, found that productive work has plunged by 20% over the past five decades.
The report also revealed that 98% of construction firms now employ fewer than 50 people, leading to a fragmented industry with more contractors and staff turnover. This causes delays as new workers must be brought up to speed. On a 2,000-person site, Mace calculated that this fragmentation results in an average of £20,000 in lost output per hour, equivalent to £34 million per year.
Comparison with other countries
Britain is building at a slower rate than its peers. The UK takes double the time to build a block of high-rise flats compared to Australia, according to the report.
Call for standardised designs
Reynolds acknowledged that modern safety standards are higher than 50 years ago, which is appropriate, but stressed that construction sites must compensate by using standard designs for public works to improve efficiency. He has been involved in major projects including HS2, the London Eye, and the 2012 Olympics.
