Survey finds workers’ stress at a relatively high level, burnout risk flagged

A survey found that local workers’ job stress scores cluster around the midpoint of five, yet the overall average stress index reaches 5.4, indicating relatively high workplace stress and hidden risks of burnout and emotional exhaustion from prolonged overload.

The findings also highlight an urgent need to close support gaps.

The survey was conducted by the Macau Federation of Trade Unions and the Macau Commercial Employees’ General Association.

The survey, titled “2026 Commercial Employees’ Occupational Status,” was conducted between January and October this year, using convenience sampling to collect data from commercial employees aged 16 and above through physical and online questionnaires, with 1,077 valid responses received.

The results show that more than 52% of respondents reported needing to work at least one hour of overtime each week, and 16% received no compensation.

“More than 52% of employed respondents need to work regular overtime every week, with over 35% working one to three hours and 13% working three to eight hours. Some said they received no compensation at all, reflecting room for improvement in rights protection,” the team said.

Regarding career development, 54% said they plan to pursue further study, most hoping for paid training leave, primarily to strengthen practical skills such as customer service, multilingual abilities, and team management and leadership.

The survey also found that nearly half of those planning to change jobs cited better pay and promotion prospects as their primary motivation, reflecting strong aspirations for upward mobility in the labor market.