Bricklayers are significantly less productive than they were five decades ago, according to Mark Reynolds, executive chairman of construction firm Mace. Reynolds attributes the decline partly to the frequent use of mobile phones during work hours, alongside other factors impacting efficiency on building sites.

Speaking about current challenges in the construction sector, Reynolds estimated that bricklayers spend only two to three hours of a typical seven-hour workday on actual building tasks. He cited the growing complexity of modern construction projects, increased time devoted to safety inductions, and higher turnover rates among workers as key contributors to reduced productivity.

“The problem that we’ve got in society, with everyone looking at their phones, is really not helpful,” Reynolds remarked. While he acknowledged that the precise impact of phone use on work output has not been formally measured, he suggested that it likely accounts for lost time during the day.

These comments follow a report published by Mace indicating that productivity on building sites has dropped by approximately 20% since the 1970s. The report highlights various operational challenges that have evolved over the last several decades, affecting how construction teams allocate their time.

Reynolds emphasized the need to find a balance between managing workplace distractions and maintaining safety and quality standards amid increasing project complexity. The construction industry continues to adapt to these demands, striving to enhance efficiency in a rapidly changing environment.