Lockdown is making millions of weary Britons dream of things they used to hate including crowds, the office and even the dreaded rush-hour commute, survey reveals
- The research, carried out by Direct Line Life Insurance, surveyed 2,000 Britons
- People lamenting loss of normality with people missing things they used to hate
- Such as 11 million keen to return to office and 9.6 million wanting workplace ‘fun’
Crowded commuter trains and jam-packed High Street pubs top the list of what Brits are missing amid the coronavirus pandemic, according to a new report today.
The research, carried out by Direct Line Life Insurance, surveyed 2,000 Britons who have been lamenting the loss of normality with people now missing the things they used to hate.
This includes 20 per cent who are longing to return to the office and 18 per cent eager for enforced workplace ‘fun’.
Similarly 31 per cent miss crowds at entertainment venues and more than 27 per cent are longing to fight over sale racks in shops once again.
The research, carried out by Direct Line Life Insurance, found that 31 per cent people miss crowds at entertainment venues
The survey also found that 27 per cent are now longing to fight over sales and trek a round busy shops
The research found that 20 per cent can’t wait to get back to the office and 18 per cent even long for some enforced workplace ‘fun’ such as team building workshops – as it would be preferable to the feeling of isolation.
And, although many workers enjoyed working in their pyjamas, 17 per cent now miss making an effort with their appearance with 13 per cent who are keen to return to the dreaded rush hour commute.
Outside of working life more than 31 per cent are craving crowds and longing to be jostled about in an entertainment venue.
Many – 27 per cent – even dream of facing the frustration of not being able to find a seat in a crowded bar or pub
Nearly 13 per cent asked also said that they were keen to return to the dreaded rush hour commute
| Activity | Percentage of People | Number of People |
|---|---|---|
| Crowds in entertainment venues | 31 per cent | 16.2 million |
| Busy shops | 27 per cent | 14.4 million |
| Not getting a seat in a pub or bar | 27 per cent | 14.1 million |
| The office | 20 per cent | 10.6 million |
| Enforced fun at work | 18 per cent | 9.6 million |
| Getting ready for work | 17 per cent | 8.9 million |
| The rush hour commute | 13 per cent | 7.1 million |
A further 27 per cent now long to fight over sales and trek around busy shops.
Many – 27 per cent – even dream of facing the frustration of not being able to find a seat in a crowded bar or pub.
In terms of daily life, 47 per cent of those missing an activity say that the effects of lockdown measures have made them crave social interaction with millions admitting they simply long to be outside of their home.
Over 37 per cent miss being able to plan and having something to look forward to, 26 per cent long to have a routine and over 20 per cent want the feeling back of being busy.
Although lockdown has made Brits yearn for certain activities that they never expected to, the pandemic has also made people reflect and appreciate the more simple things in everyday life.
Over half of the population now treasure spending time with their family more compared to before the pandemic.
And, although many workers enjoyed working in their pyjamas, 17 per cent now miss making an effort with their appearance
The research found that 20 per cent can’t wait to get back to the office as they have been lamenting the loss of normality
Vincent Guadagnino, Communications Manager at Direct Line Life Insurance, said: ‘The countless changes to work, home and social life that people have experienced over the past year have made many of us feel a lost sense of normality and yearn for the things we previously took for granted.
‘It can be hard in lockdown to be active and stay positive, however it is important to remember to talk to friends and family, do things you enjoy and participate in daily exercise in order to maintain good physical and mental health.
‘As we start to head out of lockdown, hopefully we remember to appreciate the small things like seeing our loved ones.’