MACAU — A comprehensive study has uncovered significant mental health challenges facing employees in the city’s gaming industry, particularly among those who are unmarried, childless, or earning lower incomes. The findings have spurred renewed calls for better psychological support within the sector.
The research, conducted by the Chinese Federation for Analytical Psychology, examined various aspects of psychological well-being among gaming industry workers. The 2024 study employed a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative surveys with qualitative interviews to gain deeper insight into the emotional health of employees.
According to the organization, a survey of approximately 700 gaming staff revealed that symptoms of anxiety and depression were more prevalent among workers who were single, had no children, or fell within lower income brackets. These groups were also found to exhibit reduced psychological resilience and weaker social support networks.
In addition to the survey, researchers carried out in-depth interviews with 16 employees who reported experiencing anxiety or depression within a two-week window. Interviewees cited intense work schedules, personal time conflicts, financial strain, and management practices as the primary sources of emotional distress.
Chou Wai, the academic adviser for the study, emphasized that organizational improvements—particularly in shift scheduling—could play a pivotal role in alleviating work-related stress. He also urged the government to enhance public promotion of psychological counseling services to support affected employees.
The findings align with a separate report released in late 2023 by the Macao Gaming Industry Employees Home Integrated Services Centre. That survey illustrated the toll that demanding work conditions and eroding social support are taking on workers’ overall well-being.
Notably, social support scores dropped by 4.61% compared to a similar study conducted in 2021, suggesting that gaming workers are spending less time with friends and family, possibly due to job-related pressures. However, the report also recorded a 7.61% decrease in job insecurity compared to the 2021 findings.
Data from the study showed that 87.19% of respondents were shift workers. A significant portion—82%—reported working between 45 and 48 hours per week, with 69.8% putting in daily shifts of eight to ten hours. Additionally, 18.4% had completed three or more consecutive weeks of night shifts before participating in the survey, a factor closely linked to increased job instability, difficulty adjusting, and reduced social support.
The mounting evidence underscores the need for targeted mental health initiatives tailored to the unique challenges faced by gaming industry employees. Experts and stakeholders continue to advocate for systemic changes to foster a healthier, more sustainable working environment.
