Employees lose confidence in job security, survey shows

The “2025 Macau Employee Confidence and Satisfaction Survey” conducted by the Macau University of Science and Technology (MUST) indicates a slight decline in the overall confidence index of employees this year, mainly attributed to reduced confidence in job security over the next year.

The findings of the annual survey were released on Wednesday. According to MUST, the results are based on a questionnaire conducted between April 10 and April 29, involving 837 full-time employees in Macau. The survey utilized a rating scale of 1 to 5, with higher scores reflecting more positive evaluations.

According to the findings, the overall confidence index for employees in Macau this year stood at 3.02, reflecting a slight decrease of 0.66% from last year’s index of 3.04. This decline signals a lack of confidence and stability regarding future work challenges, including concerns about job security, employment prospects over the next five years, company outlook, and the job market, particularly the difficulty of finding employment and the scarcity of better-paying job opportunities.

Data show that the confidence sub-index for Macau’s employment market has decreased by 2.58%. Specifically, confidence in not losing jobs within the next year has dropped by 5.43%, while perceived ease of finding a job and opportunities for better-paying positions have decreased by 4.48% and 3.41%, respectively. Additionally, satisfaction indices related to job security and the impact of work on health have declined by 2.38% and 0.19%, respectively.

While the confidence index regarding the Macau job market has declined, employees’ confidence in their own companies has slightly increased compared to last year, reaching 3.26. The three indices with the largest increases under the employee confidence category are “relationships with colleagues” and “work pressure,” alongside “management style of company leadership” under the company confidence index, with increases of 3.40%, 3.11%, and 2.50%, respectively, the findings noted.

The three employee satisfaction indices with the largest increases this year all fall under the personal development satisfaction sub-index, including “work experience gained,” up 7.44%; “opportunities to utilize personal talents,” up 5.39%; and “sense of accomplishment at work,” up 4.58%. This year’s improvement in employee satisfaction is reflected in the personal development sub-index.

“These results indicate that leadership style, work experience, and work outcomes are critically important for enhancing employee performance,” stated MUST, which emphasized the need for businesses and government agencies to continue focusing on diversity, particularly in addressing the challenges employees face regarding job stability and security.

“Understanding the root causes of employees’ lack of confidence is essential to boost their confidence and satisfaction, ensuring the steady and sustainable development of Macau’s economy,” it added.