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Evaluation of Gamification on Labour Productivity in Construction Sites in Abuja, Nigeria
Subject area: Science,Engineering and Technology · Area of research: Building Construction
DOI: https://doi.org/10.64388/IREV9I11-1717624
Abstract
Labour productivity in the construction industry remains a global concern, especially in developing nations such as Nigeria, where inefficiencies, delays, and low worker engagement undermine project delivery outcomes. The problem of poor motivation and underutilization of human resources persists despite modern construction methods. This study aimed to identify approaches for integrating game-based elements into construction site practices and investigate the impact of gamification on labour productivity in construction projects. A quantitative research design was adopted using purposive sampling technique which is a non-probability technique. Data were collected from 60 construction professionals in Abuja through structured questionnaires. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics such as frequencies, percentages, mean item scores, and standard deviations. The findings revealed that gamification approaches— daily challenges and task completion (MIS = 4.07), leaderboards (MIS = 4.03), and real-time feedback (MIS = 3.98) —significantly enhanced worker motivation, engagement, safety compliance, and knowledge retention. However, the study found that ‘enhanced learning and development’ (MIS = 4.12) was ranked as the highest potential impact of gamification. Virtual Reality safety drills, gamified quizzes and level-based skills modules improve workers ability even though with limited formal education. The study concludes that gamification is a promising, innovative, and human-centred approach for addressing productivity challenges in construction projects. It recommends integration of gamification into site management practices, starting with simple, low-cost strategies such as visual progress boards, peer recognition, and team competitions before scaling up to digital platforms
Keywords
Construction, Gamification, Labour Productivity, Project Delivery, Workers’ Motivation
References
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How to cite this paper
@article{1717624,
author = {Umesi, O. R., Aisha, M. L., Mamman, J. E., Mukoro, E. E.},
title = {Evaluation of Gamification on Labour Productivity in Construction Sites in Abuja, Nigeria},
journal = {Iconic Research And Engineering Journals},
year = {2026},
volume = {9},
number = {11},
pages = {1752-1760},
issn = {2456-8880},
url = {https://www.irejournals.com/formatedpaper/1717624.pdf},
abstract = {Labour productivity in the construction industry remains a global concern, especially in developing nations such as Nigeria, where inefficiencies, delays, and low worker engagement undermine project delivery outcomes. The problem of poor motivation and underutilization of human resources persists despite modern construction methods. This study aimed to identify approaches for integrating game-based elements into construction site practices and investigate the impact of gamification on labour productivity in construction projects. A quantitative research design was adopted using purposive sampling technique which is a non-probability technique. Data were collected from 60 construction professionals in Abuja through structured questionnaires. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics such as frequencies, percentages, mean item scores, and standard deviations. The findings revealed that gamification approaches— daily challenges and task completion (MIS = 4.07), leaderboards (MIS = 4.03), and real-time feedback (MIS = 3.98) —significantly enhanced worker motivation, engagement, safety compliance, and knowledge retention. However, the study found that ‘enhanced learning and development’ (MIS = 4.12) was ranked as the highest potential impact of gamification. Virtual Reality safety drills, gamified quizzes and level-based skills modules improve workers ability even though with limited formal education. The study concludes that gamification is a promising, innovative, and human-centred approach for addressing productivity challenges in construction projects. It recommends integration of gamification into site management practices, starting with simple, low-cost strategies such as visual progress boards, peer recognition, and team competitions before scaling up to digital platforms},
keywords = {Construction, Gamification, Labour Productivity, Project Delivery, Workers’ Motivation},
month = {May},
doi = {https://doi.org/10.64388/IREV9I11-1717624}
}