New Study Explores Types of Nonstandard Work Arrangements in Construction

Employment in the construction industry is typically based on relatively short-term contracts. In recent years, new types of nonstandard work arrangements, such as on-call workers, day laborers and workers provided by contract firms, have emerged in construction.

A new study by CPWR’s Data Center analyzed types of nonstandard work arrangements in the construction industry using data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ 2017 Current Population Survey’s Contingent Worker Supplement. The researchers found that the construction industry has a higher proportion of workers in every type of nonstandard work arrangement except temporary help agency workers than in all industries. Also, construction workers in alternative arrangements were more likely to be Hispanic, foreign born and to have less than a high school diploma. Moreover, construction workers in nonstandard work arrangements worked fewer hours, had a lower family income and were less likely to have employment-based health insurance and retirement benefits than workers employed in traditional arrangements.

While this study could not assess differences in occupational risks and health outcomes between types of work arrangements in construction, the researchers noted that other studies have shown that nonstandard work arrangements and economic disparities can have significant adverse effects on workers’ physical and mental health.

To learn more, click here to view the recent webinar on demand. The complete Quarterly Data Report, Nonstandard work arrangements in the construction industry, is available on the CPWR website