Banter with the boys (and girls) behind the tools could actually be the key to shaving down the country’s blown-out project timelines.
Turns out the time-old tradie tradition of ‘taking the piss’ is doing management a favour after research, led by Bond University Professor of Management Ahmad Siddiquei, found that leaders with “a good sense of humour” are far more likely to inspire workers to attempt “creative goals” that help speed up projects.
The findings come from a survey of 165 workers in 45 construction teams in China where employees face tight schedules, high stress, safety concerns, and poor work-life balance – all of which will sound eerily familiar to tradies working on Aussie soil.
Dr Siddiquei said the results from China’s market, which is the world’s largest construction industry valued at US$1049 billion, make it clear that humour needs to play some role in the sector across the globe.
“It’s also a sector that contributed 25.7 percent to the country’s GDP in 2021 alone and it’s a place where innovation is not just a buzzword, but a necessity to navigate the challenges of rapid urbanisation,” he said.
“The research reveals the delicate balance project managers must strike between meeting deadlines and fostering an atmosphere where creative risks and radical ideas are welcome.
“It argues that a leader’s sense of humour is a social cue, encouraging workers to think outside the box without fearing consequences.
“The findings are clear – humour in construction is more than just a punchline; it is a catalyst for creativity.”
While Australia’s construction industry might pale in comparison to the size of China’s, Dr Siddiquei said both are known for their challenges in workplace culture – including bullying, skilled labour shortages and environmental concerns.
“Leaders are urged to embrace a good laugh and cultivate strong interpersonal skills to inspire their teams,” he said.
“While laughter is sometimes viewed as disruptive or even threatening on construction sites, the research suggests that it can positively reduce conflict and improve decision-making during project team meetings.”
Humour in hard hats
The study recommended three major changes to Aussie industry that could help construction projects find their funny bone:
- Project managers should see humour as a critical communication strategy, making interactions with tradies more engaging to “enhance” the workplace atmosphere.
- A sense of humour should become a key part of the hiring process for project managers (better to brush up on your stand-up routine).
- Workplaces use humour to open up communication, creating a safe space for bold ideas to be shared amongst the team and discuss culture problems that continue to plague the industry.
Dr Siddiquei also said a harmless joke on the job could go a long way to breaking traditional ‘toxic’ stoicism associated with the tradies in the past, paving the way for a ‘lighter approach’ to discussing mental health.
According to research by Central Queensland University, people who work in the building and construction industry are at a significantly higher risk of mental health problems due to a deadly cocktail of long hours and work that could be both dangerous and lonely.
“Humour is a vital skill for anyone who wants to grab attention and convey profound or complicated ideas,” said Dr Siddiquei.
“So, next time you are on a construction site, don’t forget to share a joke; it might just be the key to unlocking innovation and success.”
