A human-centered approach to reframing job satisfaction in the BIM-enabled construction industry

TL;DR

This study develops a human-centered model to evaluate how BIM technology influences job satisfaction in the construction industry, revealing that human-centric factors like collaboration are more impactful than mere technology use.

Contribution

It adapts Hackman and Oldham's Job Characteristics Model to BIM environments, providing a novel measurement approach for assessing job satisfaction in the AEC industry.

Findings

BIM use alone does not guarantee increased job satisfaction.

Certain BIM-related work dimensions positively influence satisfaction.

Frequent BIM use is not necessarily linked to higher satisfaction.

Abstract

As the construction industry undergoes rapid digital transformation, ensuring that new technologies enhance rather than hinder human experience has become essential. The inclusion of Building Information Modeling (BIM) plays a central role in this shift, yet its influence on job satisfaction remains underexplored. In response, this study developed a human-centered measurement model for evaluating job satisfaction in BIM work environments by adapting Hackman and Oldham's Job Characteristics Model for the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry to create a survey that captured industry perspectives on BIM use and job satisfaction. The model uses Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling to analyze the survey results and identify what dimensions of BIM-related work affect job satisfaction. While it was hypothesized that BIM use increases job satisfaction, the results show that only some dimensions of BIM use positively impact BIM job satisfaction; the use of BIM does not guarantee an increase in overall job satisfaction. Additionally, more frequent BIM use was not associated with higher satisfaction levels. These findings suggest that in the AEC industry, sustainable job satisfaction depends less on technological autonomy and more on human-centric factors, particularly collaboration and meaningful engagement within digital workflows.