Generational perceptions of freedom-related work values : Hong Kong’s implementation of a No-Saturday-Site-Work policy in construction

Abstract

The world's construction industry is facing an acute labor shortage. As a mature economy in Asia, Hong Kong is experiencing the same grim situation. This paper identifies different generations' perceptions of freedom-related work values in the construction sector in Hong Kong. Opinion surveys were conducted to identify how construction workers, trainees, and high school students would view a "No-Saturday-Site-Work" policy. This initiative was proposed to address the acute labor shortage and aging problems. Logistic regression was used. It was found that the younger generation places more emphasis on having Saturday off than on money. Although older construction workers tend to have more concerns over income, younger construction trainees would want to see the initiative implemented. For high school students, age has an indirect but strong effect on their perception of the initiative through the variable of whether they plan to join the industry. The case of Hong Kong illustrates the need to know what the younger generations want before effective recruitment strategies and policies can be devised. The authors' results would provide the industry worldwide with some insights into addressing the aging labor problem.