Multiskilled labor force: a discussion of this missing link of lean construction in Brazilian companies

Abstract Multiskilled labor is a ubiquitous concept and its adoption is suggested in various production approaches such as sociotechnical systems, cellular arrangements and, most notably, related to Lean Production, as it provides flexibility to the work environment. This research work aimed at identifying the extent of the use of multiskilling in a sample of Brazilian construction sites. A survey was conducted comprising variables such as reasons for simultaneous use of specialized and multiskilled labor. A total of 191 valid questionnaires were returned. Statistical analyses point out that it is common to employ both specialized and multiskilled labor in the majority of sites. Furthermore, multiskilling and subcontracting are concomitant flexible strategies to accommodate labor provision on site. The share of multiskilling is greater than reported in academic works, the number of skills is as restricted as in literature propositions and the size of the building firm is determinant of the share of multiskilled labor in the total workforce. This research work concludes that: work flexibility may be obtained with different strategies (multiskilled; specialized and multiskilled; subcontracting); employing only specialized trades is not a dominant culture on building sites.