Report: Australia Is A Nation Of ‘Covid Chameleons’
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.
Latest News
DMARGE Founder Unveils Creator-Led Social Media Agency Feedstar
New creator-led social media agency Feedstar to be aimed directly at Gen Zs. Well, they'd hardly want print, would they?
TV Ratings (02/05/2024): A total of 1,753,000 Aussies Witness Port Adelaide’s Defeat
Seven's AFL numbers almost double that of the NRL last night. The NRL still easily winning for ruptured ACLs.
Hotglue Cashes In With La Trobe Financial Digital Media Account
Hotglue staffers learning their cashflows from their collaterals today after nabbing La Trobe Financial's digital media.
M&C Saatchi’s Sydney Creative Lead Exits
B&T's stopping short of calling it a revolving door at M&C at the present, but there's definitely heat on the hinges.
Taylor Swift’s Music Re-Enters TikTok As Universal Pens Landmark Deal
Yes, B&T may have spent 152 hours failing to get Taylor Swift tickets, but, as you'll read here, it's all behind us now.
HAVAS Red launches inaugural Influencer White Paper
Havas Red has debuted its first influencer white paper. Unless you print it out in colour, of course.
Two Sides Global Campaign Reports Increasing Greenwashing As Organisations Focus On Sustainability
New report confirms greenwashing's on the rise. Apparently Mars' 'work, rest & play' claims also under investigation.
Aruga Launches New HQ & Changed Ownership Structure
PR agency Aruga proves Brisbane is 'so hot right now'. So hot in fact, Adelaide's had to go on anti-anxiety meds.
Delicious & American Express Partner To Launch Month Out 2024 In Sydney
Cost of living got you eating noodles prepared in the two-minute style? Why not live vicariously through this.
Aussie Ad Market Continues Decline In March
The belt-tightening in adland shows signs of a turnaround soon. Bar the belt-loosening at the all-you-can-eat buffet.
VMA Focuses On Skills And Training For Members
If there was a post-COVID hangover (bar the anti-vax ranters) it was the rise in skills shortages. Here's another one.
Nearly 90% Of Consumers Want Transparency About AI Images, Finds Getty Images Report
Study finds consumers want transparency around AI images. Couldn't care less about photoshopped magazine covers.
The National Breast Cancer Foundation Partners With VML To Boost Funds
Anyone else feel we've exhausted the office morning tea for cancer? B&T proposes the office moonshine still instead.
Perry ‘Pez’ Lazaris Named New National Hit Network Announcer
Why is it mandatory for the media to only publish the nicknames of people in radio & underworld crime figures?
Before Adland: Garry Dawson’s Journey From Teacher To Marketer
Here, the Hopeful Monsters marketer talks his shift from the classroom to the room wherever marketers congregate.
Scott Cam Urges Tradies To Prioritise Sun Protection
The Block host promoting sun protection to tradies. Also, don't try getting into the RSL after 6pm wearing high viz.
PubMatic Study: Advertising On Retail Media Is 50% More Effective Than Social Media
New study finds retail media 50% more effective than social. B&T says two-for-one Tim Tams trumps the lot.
From MOWING to life GROWING: Jim Penman launches ‘Life Coaching’ services
Can't decide on getting the hedges trimmed or finding a deeper meaning to life? You're in luck with this new venture.
Budweiser Brazil Turns Songs That Name Drop The Iconic Brand Into Spotify Ads
It's strange that Budweiser never found a market among beer-swilling Aussies. Then again, neither did the fluffy duck.
Effie Worldwide Strengthens Board With 6 New Members
B&T hopes everyone's wearing their Maseur sandals at the Effies, as it's standing room only at the next board meeting.
Special Enlist A Penguin Named Nigel In Latest Energy Campaign For Contact
Special unveils Nigel the penguin in work for energy provider Contact. Apparently Percy the peacock was booked.
Anya Taylor-Joy, Chris Hemsworth & George Miller Ignite Sydney For Epic Mad Max Launch
The Mad Max film franchise is Australia's cinematic gift to the world. That & Chris Hemsworth's near perfect cheekbones.
IAS Launches First-To-Market Integration With Roblox To Provide 3D Immersive Measurement
Always thought you could do with better 3D immersive measurement? Happy days are ahead here.
Fast And Furious: Top Gear Australia Launch Thrilled Motorheads, Car Entusiasts And Guests
B&T is still no closer to knowing who the new Stig is, except that she is a woman and a ridiculously fast.
TV Ratings (02/05/2024): Seven’s The 1% Club Wins The Night
The 1% club did not live up to its name when it comes to TV ratings last night.
TRA Welcomes Raft Of New Hires; Bolstering Expertise Across Markets
Insights and research agency TRA announces slew of new hires. Still no news on the return of marble wash denim, however.
CX Lavender Hires Boston Consulting Group’s Kim Verbrugghe as Chief Strategy Officer
CX Lavender announces new strategy hire and channels 'acoustic folk act at local RSL' for the publicity pic.
Opinion: Community standards, will they be the death of us?
This columnist is talking community standards. Sadly not those people who put dogs in trolleys in supermarkets.
Tegel gets heads bobbing with new free-range chicken platform
Sure, there's a lot of moral considerations when buying a chook. Yet, not as baffling as buying eggs or canned tuna.
Study: 66% of Aussie men believe masculinity is under attack
Two-thirds of Aussie blokes say masculinity's under attack. That said, sales of Solo lemon drink appear robust.
‘Equal Writes’: Canyon reveals new campaign and refreshed brand for women and non-binary writers
As this brand redesign again proves, nothing beats black on white. Well, white on black in this instance.
Icon Agency bolsters consumer and integrated offer with major hires
Icon Agency unveils new recruits. As press photo confirms office moustache competition now a lay-down misère.
Clemenger launches agricultural graduate program
Has Farmer Wants A Wife triggered an interest in dagging & hay balers? This grads program may resonate.
Levi’s Appoint UM As Global Media Agency For $217m Account
Levi's are the jeans for rockstars, models & the cool kids. Although that's not stopped dads from ruining their image.
QMS Nabs Sean Rigby From oOh!media
Things set to get spicy at the next Outdoor Media Association dinner and dance as a rival gets poached.
Bumble Reveals New Brand Identity To Usher In New Era Of Dating
It's ironic that all the dating apps market themselves as having no weirdos, freaks or mummy's boys like their rivals.