Nearly 40 percent of Macau casino workers are dissatisfied in their jobs and would like to quit, according to a new study jointly conducted by the University of Macau and the government’s Institute for Tourism Studies.
Based on interviews with 391 employees from six casinos the study determined that those wishing to leave their jobs suffered higher levels of “burnout”.
Lei Kuok Keong, vice president of a labor advocacy group called Forefront of Macao Gaming and a casino worker himself, said the results were not surprising.
“I always hear my fellow casino workers complaining about their jobs and saying that they want to change. But how many people really quit? There is a difference between ‘hope’ and ‘success’.”
He speculated, moreover, that those who would quit would likely find jobs at other casinos since gaming is Macau’s only major industry and the only one that pays enough to support the territory’s high cost of living, especially the ballooning cost of housing.
“It is true that casino workers suffer from second-hand smoking and night shifts,” Lei said, “but we have to recognize that a salary gap exists (between the gaming industry and others).”
The study echoes that observation. “Casino employees may find difficulty securing a better paid job,” it says, adding that the higher salaries earned in casinos somewhat offset the feelings of low job satisfaction. It also suggests the desire to quit could be due in part to health issues, fatigue and environmental factors.
