Australians are more optimistic about a ‘better normal’ despite growing concerns over job shortages and the nations future, according to recently updated Bastion survey data
The 26th national ‘Adapting to the New Normal Wave’ report shows Australians remain conflicted on the pandemic’s impact on their lives, as well as desiring a more simplified life and compassionate community, leading up to a second COVID Christmas.
“Australians are completely divided on whether the pandemic has provided opportunities to change their life or habits for the better. While one-third see a better normal for themselves, another third say ‘no’, and a third are unsure,” said Bastion Insights executive director, Dianne Gardiner.
“Many of those reporting improvements cite better family life, more time spent together and better relationships. Many hope to retain work-life balance gains, while others cited improvements in personal habits and rituals that have given rise to a healthier life.
“More time for self, simplifying life and appreciating what they have also emerged as an important theme.”
The report also found a pervading pessimistic national outlook, with optimism for Australia’s future declining nationally to now sit 13 points below levels seen in March this year.
However, perceptions of the Federal Government’s pandemic response has stabilised, with views now evenly split between 38 per cent positive and 37 per cent negative.
Australians’ confidence in employment in the coming year also declined, amid widespread reporting on the ‘Great Resignation’ and pervading staff shortages in select industries.
While 66 per cent of Australians are confident about their employment over the next 12 months, 17 per cent are not. The greatest employment worries come from those who are unvaccinated and intend to remain so, with 45 per cent lacking confidence in their job prospects.
Furthermore, the report shows we’ve become a nation of ‘COVID chameleons’, given our ability to adapt to change (40 per cent) tops the list of aspects of life that have improved most through the pandemic.
Many of us have also improved our personal resilience (32 per cent), family/life relationships (27 per cent), personal habits (26 per cent) and work/life balance (25 per cent).
Thankfully, Australians have maintained a personal optimism, with the importance of community solidarity and helping each other one of the strongest themes inspiring our hopefulness.
“Australians have reset their personal expectations, with greater sensitivity to their own and others’ mental wellness,” said Gardiner.
“They want optimism, greater understanding and acceptance of human weaknesses to become part of the everlasting legacy of the pandemic.
“Resilience, adaptability, patience and understanding top the list of changes Australians most want to see people hold onto to build a ‘better normal’.”
However, three in 10 Australians say their physical (27 per cent) and mental (32 per cent) wellbeing has deteriorated, while just one in five say they have improved.covidWhen it comes to Australians’ life satisfaction, it’s little surprise Victorians remain significantly less satisfied than any other state (10 points below the national average), with NSW showing the greatest improvement.
Most Australians now believe COVID will have a significant impact for at least two more years, while one in five (19 per cent) believe it is here to stay.
Those under 30 are the most optimistic, with just 8 per cent believing the virus will remain for the long haul.
