Australians are looking forward to getting back to the office but will carry with them behaviours picked up in social isolation.
A survey of 2,000, conducted May 1-4 by Dynata for outdoor media spcialist oOh!media, shows that welcoming someone with a handshake or a kiss on the cheek could be a thing of the past
The research shows Australians have no intention of going back to their old ways with almost two-thirds majority (64%) saying they are likely to continue social distancing when restrictions are relaxed.
Most (86%) also indicated they would continue heightened personal hygiene levels, according to the first edition of the recurring survey.
Almost half of respondents (48%) fear a second wave of the coronavirus once social restrictions are eased. Four out of ten fear a sharpening of the curve with the arrival of winter.
Fewer than one-in-10 said they were not concerned about another outbreak.
The survey, the first of a series over the next two months, revealed:
- Appreciation of healthcare workers was up 72%, teachers 51%, supermarkets 54%, and local community 45%;
- 77% agreed they were more appreciative of the outdoors compared. Another 79% agreed they’d be generally happier to be out and about;
- 69% agreed they would be more appreciative of "mundane" activities such as the daily commute to work;
- Three-in-five (57%) were keen to return to the office;
- Just under half (44%) intend to do more shopping in bricks and mortar stores, compared to 19% who plan more online purchases;
- Pandemic panic buying appears to have passed, with 36% saying they’d be more likely to store more non-perishable food items in the pantry, and only 43% saying they would be likely to store more hygiene items;
- Trust in the cruise industry dropped for 59% of respondents and only increasing for 6%; and
- Confidence in the federal government increased among 44% of respondents and only fell for 13%. However, among those aged 16-24 the confidence levels had only risen for 26%.
oOh!media CEO Brendon Cook says the results shows people want to get out more and will amend their behaviour amid fears of a second outbreak.
“Millions of people have been cooped up for some time now and are eager to get going and take steps back towards normality,” he says.
“It’s clear that the public at large are more appreciative of being outdoors than previously and have realised what they’ve missed out on through this period of necessary restrictions.
“However, we remain concerned about public health and our own safety, and will enjoy getting back to being out and about with some ‘new normal’ behaviours.
“This new normal includes being the right distance from people, looking after ourselves more, and watching out for the slightest hint of a second wave, which is probably the biggest concern underlying all this.
“We expect this data will be very useful to businesses who are currently working out their future plans and considering how to reach people when restrictions ease.”
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