A recent study reveals that employees in the city’s gaming industry face significant psychological stress, sparking calls for a stronger mental health support system in the sector.
The research was conducted by the Chinese Federation for Analytical Psychology and examined various aspects of mental well-being among gaming workers.
At a 2024 press conference, the association explained that the study used a mixed-method approach. It surveyed about 700 gaming employees and found higher levels of anxiety and depression, especially among unmarried workers, those without children, and lower-income groups.
These employees also showed weaker psychological resilience and received less social support.
In addition to the survey, researchers interviewed 16 employees who had experienced anxiety or depression within two weeks. According to the group’s academic adviser, Chou Wai, the interviewees pointed to high work intensity, clashes between work hours and personal time, financial pressures, and company management as major causes of their emotional distress.
Chou suggested that better shift scheduling could ease some of the stress. He also urged the government to promote psychological counseling services to help workers cope with mental health issues.
A similar survey released late last year by the Macao Gaming Industry Employees Home Integrated Services Centre highlighted the effects of demanding schedules and shrinking social support on workers’ well-being.
This survey showed a 4.61% drop in social support compared to a 2021 study. It suggests that gaming workers are spending less time with friends and family, likely due to job pressures.
The 2024 results also showed a 7.61% decrease in job insecurity compared to 2021.
Further analysis revealed that 87.19% of respondents work shifts. About 82% work 45 to 48 hours weekly, and nearly 70% work eight to ten hours a day.
Moreover, 18.4% of participants had three or more weeks of night shifts before the survey. This was linked to higher job insecurity, difficulties adapting, and reduced social support.
These findings underline the urgent need for better mental health care and working conditions in the gaming industry.
Related Topics
