Australians’ practical response to a problem -“She’ll be right mate” – remains true of Melburnians, despite months of COVID lockdowns. This was a key finding of an international “Better Normal” survey conducted this month by the Melbourne-based global thinktank, the Centre for Optimism.
The “Better Normal” Survey asked 3000 people from 37 countries whether they made positive changes to their lives during lock-down and what were their expectations for the future. Two-thirds of respondents and two-thirds of Melburnians said: Yes! They want a better normal, not a return to old ways of working.
With most businesses still awaiting a full return to work, the Centre found considerable change in people’s attitudes to work, with the majority seeking more co-operation and productivity, a greater balance between work, life and home and a greater focus on wellbeing.
“The results show the need for all businesses and agencies to ask their workforce, customers and other stakeholders about the improvements they have made and what they expect,” said Victor Perton, Founder of the Centre for Optimism. “It is a change that management needs to be aware of and to address because the expectations are now considerably different to a year ago.
“We have a people – young and old – changed and strengthened by the pandemic and the lockdown state of disaster! Government and business would be crazy not to understand it better and respond.”
The Centre’s Chairman, Robert Masters said the change highlights that organisations need to be prepared for the unexpected.
“The pandemic has been a global societal shock,” he said. “Through the collective conversations in the survey, the greatest damage to an organisation lies in unsuccessful management of the new expectations of stakeholders. This can be achieved only by complete and accurate data and insights.”
Melbourne examples:
Work: I’m seeking a better work life balance, enabled by more flexible working arrangements, and greater connectedness to staff through video conference
Family: I have a clearer plan for our family life. This includes addressing plans for retirement, options for our kids’ education, and how we organise our life.
Spiritual: “I foresee a more God-fearing, grateful, resilient, and optimistic self.”
Health: Working from home has become an option, as a result I have become resilient and more productive. It has brought into focus how Important my health and fitness are to me and the relationships I hold dear are less taken for granted.
Leaving town: “Moved from city to country and pursuing a new career where I can take time to look after and spend time with my older parents while still working towards other goals. A more rounded life than before.”
