After carefully considering the feedback from both my surveys and the preferences of the companies involved, I recognized the importance of aligning our intervention with the actual needs and interests of employees. One key consideration was the diverse preferences across different employee groups, particularly when it came to the PlayStation option. My research indicated that while many male employees showed interest in PlayStation as a potential stress-relief tool, female employees did not exhibit the same level of enthusiasm. This disparity raised concerns about potential inequality in the intervention, as it could inadvertently favor one group over another. Taking this into account, I decided to opt for a solution that would be more universally appealing and inclusive. Ultimately, based on the collective preference expressed by employees across the board, I chose to implement traditional mahjong tables as the intervention of choice. This decision not only respects the cultural context of the workplace but also ensures that the intervention is equally accessible and enjoyable for all employees, regardless of gender or personal preference. As the continue my journey to address the intense pressures of the 996 work culture in China, I have rolled out my third intervention—installing mahjong tables in the rest areas of select companies in Hangzhou and Shanghai. This initiative, rooted in the beloved Chinese tradition of playing mahjong, offers employees a unique way to unwind and reconnect during work breaks.
Choosing Mahjong as an Intervention
Following the progress of our story-sharing sessions, we sought to implement an intervention that resonated more deeply with everyday cultural practices. Mahjong, a game widely cherished across China, emerged as a perfect fit. Not only does it provide a mental break, but it also fosters social interactions among colleagues without demanding prolonged periods away from work responsibilities. Each game is relatively short, ensuring that players can enjoy a quick session without the risk of losing track of time.
Implementation and Company Collaboration
With the cooperation of a few forward-thinking companies, we introduced three mahjong tables into their office rest areas. This intervention was funded with our modest resources, underlining our commitment to practical and culturally relevant mental health support. The companies involved were selected based on their openness to innovative approaches for enhancing workplace well-being and their significant role in the tech industry in Hangzhou and Shanghai.
Capturing the Impact
The response has been overwhelmingly positive. Employees welcomed this addition as a thoughtful and enjoyable way to relax. I captured the initial moments of joy and relaxation with a photograph, which shows employees engaging in their first game.
(Picture 1: This is the mahjong table that set up in Hangzhou.)
Feedback from participants, illustrated in subsequent photos, highlights the popularity of the intervention. Players commented on the perfect timing of the games, which allowed them to take a mental break without feeling detached from their work duties.
(Picture 2 and 3: These are the two mahjong tables I have placed in Shanghai. They are the flashbacks provided by the participants during the play.)
Outcomes and Challenges
The introduction of mahjong tables as a stress-relief intervention yielded mixed engagement due to cultural familiarity gaps, logistical constraints, and legal ambiguities, yet offered critical insights for workplace well-being strategies. Challenges included limited appeal among employees unfamiliar with the game, space and resource limitations, and concerns over gambling associations in regions with strict laws. However, the initiative underscored the importance of culturally resonant activities to foster engagement, as mahjong’s popularity highlighted its alignment with local traditions. Key lessons emphasized the necessity of diversifying options to cater to varied employee preferences, proactive planning to address logistical or legal risks, and the value of informal social interactions in building community and mitigating workplace isolation. Ultimately, the intervention reinforced that balancing cultural relevance, inclusivity, and practicality is vital for designing effective well-being programs in high-pressure environments.
Feedback and Future Plans
Participants have praised the mahjong tables as an excellent initiative, noting the relaxation and camaraderie they experienced. The progress of this intervention has encouraged us to consider other culturally integrated activities that can serve as effective mental health supports within high-pressure work environments. Going forward, we aim to expand this initiative to more companies, adapting and scaling the approach based on ongoing feedback and the evolving needs of employees.
Conclusion
The introduction of mahjong tables has proven to be a highly effective intervention, garnering positive feedback from employees across the board. Participants have expressed their appreciation for the opportunity to unwind and socialize in a relaxed, culturally familiar environment. The game has provided a much-needed break from the pressures of the 996 work culture, helping to alleviate stress and foster a sense of camaraderie among colleagues. The feedback further highlighted that many employees were not only relieved by the immediate benefits of the intervention but also eager to build lasting friendships through these shared activities.
The progress of this intervention has led to a compelling request from participants: they wish to transform the friendships formed through these activities into ongoing, self-sustained relationships within the workplace. Employees expressed a strong desire to continue engaging in stress-relieving activities together, with several suggesting that shared gaming sessions or other group activities could further contribute to their mental well-being. This shift towards self-organized, peer-driven interactions reflects the growing importance of community and social support in managing workplace stress. Looking forward, we are considering ways to facilitate these connections, ensuring that the platform we’ve created for fostering friendship and reducing stress continues to thrive and expand organically within the company.
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