SWNS

More than a third of children don’t feel represented in the books they read – because of their gender or ethnicity. Research of 1,000 American children aged six to 12 and their parents revealed nearly three quarters (74%) read regularly and identify characters always look the same and don’t represent different views. And of the 50% of girls who don’t feel represented, 39% thought lead roles in stories always seemed to be boys. While only 13% of parents had seen minority races represented in the books their children read. It also emerged 62% think their child would be more inclined to read more often if the main characters represented similarities to them. Commissioned by the personalized book brand Wonderbly and conducted by OnePoll, the study found 61% stated a lack of representation on things such as race and gender has put them off reading altogether. Other characteristics children haven’t seen in their books, according to their parents, include physical disabilities, gender identity and religious beliefs. Skin conditions, allergies and wearing glasses are also rarely covered. Parents also identified uncommon hair colors, having dyslexia and living in an apartment were other characteristics left uncovered. Three quarters believed it’s important for kids to see themselves represented in the wider content they consume including films and TV as well as books. “Children want nothing more than to feel a part of a story and the research has highlighted while some are able to, for varying reasons, others are not,” said Asi Sharabi, CEO and co-founder of personalised book brand Wonderbly, which commissioned the research. “It’s vital in engaging a child for them to feel like they can relate to either the story or the characters involved. “The research also found that parents are quite aware of this too when it comes to finding content they consume as they strive to find things like books that are more representative of their children.” Nearly half (44%) of children would like to see more people like them in movies, 44% in TV shows and 43% would like to feel visible in video games. While 36% of kids have never seen a character they relate to on television and 55% have asked their parents to buy books with more personalities that speak, look or act like them. Parents believe representation is vital in such mediums in order to normalize their feelings, help them relate more to a story and to know other children find themselves in the same circumstances as them. And 37% don’t want them to feel like they’re different, according to the OnePoll data. Almost seven in 10 (67%) also believe seeing characters like them in books will enable them to feel like they can achieve anything. Though, 58% admit it’s difficult to find books that do represent their young. “It’s so important for children to feel represented in the books they read,” added Asi Sharabi from Wonderbly. “When children see themselves as the hero of a story, it helps them believe that they can do anything they can imagine; that any story they imagine could be their story. “Books are also a way to educate your child on an infinite number of topics and themes that shape how they view the world. Personalization helps children relate to the storylines and makes them far more receptive to the key messages and learnings of each tale.”

Four in five pet owners are happy to simply be at home for the holidays with their pet, citing that their animal friend makes all holidays better (81%), according to new research. A survey of 2,000 pet owners found that as we approach the start of seasonal festivities and celebrations, new research finds that families and individuals with pets are extra focused on their animal companions during this time of year. Thirty-nine percent of pet owners always get their pet something for the holidays and most said they have the most time to spend quality time with their pet during the holiday season than at other times of year (51%). To get their pet in the holiday mood, pet parents are looking to spend an average of $50 on their pet’s holiday gift this year. But many would be open to going over this amount (41%) to make their pet happy with new pet toys (74%), treats (73%) and clothes (29%). Others get their pet in the holiday spirit by feeding them more treats (54%), feeding them human food (30%) and taking them out more (31%). Conducted by OnePoll for MetLife Pet Insurance, the survey found that more than a third of survey respondents have gifted a pet to a family member or friend (35%), and 38% of respondents with children have given their child a pet as a holiday gift. Half of parents said their child was the one who asked for a pet as a holiday gift (51%), going to lengths like asking several times (58%) or trying to prove they’re responsible (50%). A fifth of parents said their children even gave a presentation about why a pet would be a good addition to their family (21%). “There are many things people may not immediately think about as they adopt or gift a pet this holiday season,” said Brian Jorgensen, head of pet insurance at MetLife. “Considering both the short- and long-term responsibilities like the safety and health of your pet from the start can ensure that all the memories with your furry family members – during the holidays and beyond - are happy ones.” Nearly a quarter of parents who got their pet after having kids said they were more excited than their child (23%), but 48% they were both equally excited. Furthermore, the months leading to the holidays may also be prime for adopting a pet, with one in six saying fall is the best season to do so. This may be because 41% of respondents needed to spend up to a week at home trying to get their pet acclimated to their new environment. Whether the pet is a new addition to the family or not, the survey revealed that pet parents have a lot to consider as they care for their animal companions during the holiday season and beyond. The poll found that pet owners would be reluctant to leave their pets behind during the holidays, especially since nearly a third have spent the holiday season away from their pet in the past (31%). These respondents mentioned that when prepping to leave, they worried about their pet being fed enough/on time (55%), finding somewhere their pet will be happy (46%) and providing their pet’s caretaker with all of the essentials (46%). Most pet owners also spent at least a week researching what it’s like to own their pet (55%) and considered other parts of the decision-making process like the size of the pet (56%), costs like food or insurance (53%) and the kind/breed of pet (53%). To prepare their home, pet owners purchased the right pet furniture like bed or tanks (47%) and pet-proofed their home by blocking small spaces and securing electric cables (36%). As pet parents consider the long-term responsibilities of caring for their pet, many are concerned about their animal’s mobility (42%), issues with sight/hearing (35%) or arthritis (32%) as they age. “The holidays are a special time to make memories with your loved ones – including your pets,” Jorgensen said. “Many people consider adding an animal to their family during this time, and, given the proper consideration, that can make for a really happy holiday season."

More than half (52%) of freelance workers are expected to remain part of the gig economy — opting out of corporate jobs — until they retire, a new study shows. A recent survey of 2,000 gig workers found that while three in four (75%) are confident their ongoing gig will help them reach their retirement savings goal, 54% also feel more pressure than ever to have a certain amount of money saved up before they retire. Seventy-four percent are also saving differently due to the pandemic and recession. Currently, freelancers are spending or saving on mental health days (42%) and life insurance (37%) over buying or renting a car (27%) and travel (25%). Conducted by OnePoll on behalf of Everly, LLC, the survey also discovered the top three things people love about freelancing — freedom of choice for the projects they work on (43%), flexible hours (41%) and being their own boss (40%). As for their biggest pet peeves, respondents cited difficulty building vacation time into their schedule (42%), followed by clients that don’t always pay or pay on time (40%) and paying for health benefits (38%). Seven in 10 (70%) respondents said they have changed their financial goals as they’ve gotten older, with 72% spending more money on longer-lasting things, and 64% cutting back on non-essentials. This approach can allow gig workers to tackle some of their biggest expenses, among which are a computer, including accessories and maintenance costs (28%), personal expenses such as clothes and a gym membership (27%), health benefits (25%) and a professional website (25%). The average freelancer aims to retire at 58 years old and anticipates needing $353,063 for retirement. “Along with all the perks freelancing offers, one of the challenges is figuring out health benefits, retirement, and life insurance on your own,” said Karna Trautman, Chief Innovation Officer at Everly. “When choosing the right type of life insurance, you may want to consider an affordable cash accumulation policy that has flexible payments and a death benefit of five to 10 times your total expenses.” While 58% of freelancers said they have health insurance, this varied by industry, with hospitality (78%) and architecture gig workers (76%) more likely to be covered than those working in education (64%) and healthcare (61%). Of those who don’t have health insurance, 48% haven’t taken proper care of their health because they can’t afford to. At the same time, 74% said they would switch to a full-time permanent role if the right opportunity presented itself, such as the pay, industry or job location aligning with their expectations. That includes the majority (88%) of freelancers with 4–5 dependents. “Our research shows only 26% feel ‘very confident’ in their family or loved ones’ ability to continue to pay for expenses in the event they lose their income. Universal life insurance can help provide a safety net, as well as cover unforeseen expenses such as medical bills,” Trautman added.

Two in three Americans admit they feel too much pressure during their vacation to actually enjoy it (65%), new research suggests. A survey of 2,000 adults delved into the topic of “vacation pressure,” with almost a quarter saying they haven’t physically relaxed on their getaway in two years or longer (23%). Although people’s vacations typically last a week (43%), the average person doesn’t start to relax until three days into their trip. But what’s keeping people from having fun? Respondents cite not having enough money during their trip (30%), making sure their credit cards work domestically or abroad (29%) and feeling they won’t get to do or see everything they planned (29%) as top reasons why they feel vacation stress. On the other hand, the majority are worried they’re wasting their vacation time in tourist traps or not experiencing the best of the destination (62%). And if one person is stressed or has a negative attitude, more than half noted it could ruin the whole trip’s vibe (55%). The survey – conducted by OnePoll on behalf of Club Wyndham – also found that 67% feel they need a vacation once they feel burnt out from their daily lives – and almost two in five suggest going on a getaway trip every year to avoid that feeling (37%). A vacation may do wonders since 75% feel like themselves after a trip, and a similar percentage believe traveling is good for their mental health (73%). That may be why three in four are determined not to let their anxieties get in the way of enjoying themselves during their next vacation (74%). To help ease the pressure, two in five respondents (41%) said they are “very interested” in the idea of “slow travel” – where they’re not rushing from place to place and instead taking the time to enjoy the people, places and sites of their destination. The top “slow travel” activities people are interested in doing on their next vacation are hiking/nature activities (38%), relaxing in the hotel/resort pool (36%), shopping at small businesses (34%), taking strolls on the beach (34%) and visiting the local grocery store (34%). “High demand for leisure travel and a pent-up desire for vacations have resulted in many of today’s travelers approaching their vacations with limited time and an urgent list of must-sees and must-dos, making them stressed before they even unpack,” said Renu Hanegreefs-Snehi, senior vice president of global brands at Travel + Leisure Co. “Slow travel is to go boldly, knowing that being in the moment is the only thing that matters because that’s where vacation takes place.” While work was considered one of the many vacation stressors (23%), 30% of employed respondents suggested employers should offer their employees 16 to 20 vacation days (30%). What would employees give up to have more paid time off? Respondents said they would have no problem giving up commuting benefits (34%), summer Fridays (34%), complimentary food (32%), holiday parties (27%) and a raise/promotion (25%) just to have more vacation days. “It’s no surprise that taking a vacation helps support better mental health, nor is it surprising that everyone wants more vacation – so much so that nearly a quarter of Americans would give up their annual raise for more paid time off,” said Hanegreefs-Snehi. “Our research points to just how difficult it really is for travelers to truly disconnect from work emails, texts and social media in order to check into the vacation mindset.” Survey methodology: This random double-opt-in survey of 2,000 general population Americans was commissioned by Club Wyndham between October 4 and October 6, 2022. It was conducted by market research company OnePoll, whose team members are members of the Market Research Society and have corporate membership to the American Association for Public Opinion Research (AAPOR) and the European Society for Opinion and Marketing Research (ESOMAR).

A new survey of 1,000 American nurses found that nine in 10 believe the quality of patient care often suffers due to nursing shortages (90%). The majority added that they feel guilty about taking a break because they think they must always be on call (55%). Almost six in 10 nurses have even noticed their patients have suffered because they have too much on their plate (56%). Additionally, half of the nurses polled admit they have considered leaving the nursing profession (50%). According to the survey conducted by OnePoll and connectRN, the top reason why nurses plan to leave their careers is the nursing shortages (61%), followed by having a better work/life balance (58%), they feel their mental health is at risk because of burnout (56%) and a lack of appreciation (51%). In fact, six in 10 blamed staff shortages as to why they feel they don’t have control over their careers (60%). That may also be why 58% of nurses don’t think their employers are doing enough to address the nursing shortages. Some respondents advised ex-nurses who left the profession to come back by saying, “COVID has been tough on the industry, but it’s starting to get better,” “Helping people is a blessing” and “I would say as hard as things may seem from time to time, it pays off in the end.” “Nurses need new ways to work in order for there to be a solution to the critical labor shortage we are experiencing,” said Ted Jeanloz, CEO of connectRN. “By giving nurses flexibility, we can pull them back into the profession and ensure that neither patients nor nurses suffer, alleviating some of the pressure they’ve been experiencing lately.” The survey also asked nurses what they thought were the biggest frustrations with the nursing industry. Nurses said there’s not enough staff (65%), low wages (39%) and a lack of respect for the work they do (34%). They stated that their profession offers them a lack of flexibility over their schedule (21%), not enough time for friends and family (21%) and not enough opportunities for career advancement (12%). The data suggest that time off could help nurses’ work performance. Nurses said they need an average of four vacation days per month to feel fully recharged at work. If they could create their dream work schedule, 65% said they would like to have a four-day weekend, have time to eat a full lunch (46%), have a more flexible shift (39%) and have more breaks (28%). The research further showed that many nurses claim they’ve observed and experienced discrimination based on race, sex, or age (24% and 21%). And a fifth claim they’ve witnessed harassment or mistreatment at the workplace based on identity (18%). One-third (32%) further noted they don’t feel supported by their employer. Almost one in five nurses even shared that they have a side job outside of nursing (17%) because they want to bring in more money for their families (69%), pay off their debt (42%) and balance the stress of being a nurse (28%). Overall, the changes nurses want to see in their profession to help them feel empowered is to have better communication with upper management (57%), opportunities to negotiate salaries (57%), better equipment/medical gear (38%) and chances of promotion (35%). “Many nurses entered the profession because it was a calling and is a job that they love,” added Jeanloz. “If they feel burnt out and taken advantage of by the system when they show up to work, they will lose sight of why they became nurses in the first place. We owe it to them to offer the flexibility that so many other workers enjoy so they can be the best nurses they can be.”

If time travel were possible, a third of seniors would go back in time to relive a particular part of their lives (33%), according to new research. A survey of 2,000 Americans 65 and older found that 36% wish they had the knowledge that they have today about different areas of life – like love, finances or health – when they were younger; and this information may have been so valuable that the same percentage claim they would have made different decisions (36%). If they could relive any decade of their life, seniors would mostly opt for their 30s (30%) or 20s (25%), remembering these as the happiest decades of their lives. Conducted by OnePoll for BrightStar Care, the survey also found that if they had the chance to redo one major decision, people would have saved more money (20%) or invested earlier (14%), which may be why many wish they were better advised about money (39%) and education (38%) when they were younger. However, half of seniors admit they’ve received advice from someone they didn’t think much of at the time, but followed later on and similarly, 49% ignored some advice they were given. Still, 36% said regardless of the past, they’re happy with their life as it is and the same percentage believe the errors they made in the past benefitted them by teaching valuable life lessons in the long run. "It's healthy to reminisce about your youth and take a deep look at all you have accomplished and learned through the years,” said Shelly Sun, founder and CEO of BrightStar Care, Shelly Sun. With age comes wisdom, and reflecting on past experiences can serve not only as cherished memories but as grounds to impart knowledge to younger generations.” And 42% would miss their current life if things were different than they are now. When asked what advice they would give to their own selves in their 20s, people said they would “accept challenges,” tell themselves to “follow your intuition” and “don’t be afraid to seize life.” With the knowledge they have now, seniors would feel confident advising the younger generations about education (41%), money (37%) and health (36%). They’d also share wise words like “always be prepared,” “be humble at all times” and “eliminate negative thoughts.” Other respondents would tell people in their 20s that it’s important to “be patient and open to hearing and listening at the same time,” not “let others decide your choice for you” and “enjoy every step in life.” “Aging is a privilege that should be celebrated at every stage of one's life,” Sun continued. “In your twenties, it's hard to imagine what your life will be when you're 65+, however, if you sit back and listen to the powerful advice seniors have to offer, you'll find worthwhile insights that can help prepare you for your future.”

Two in three parents were already staking out the best deals for their kids’ holiday gifts all the way back in September, according to new research. A survey of 2,000 parents of kids 0-18 looked at how they’re planning on getting their hands on the perfect gift for their child and found that 42% said their child is anticipating a hot-ticket item for the holidays this year. This may be why the average parent is checking on prices for certain items four times a week, with 38% doing so more than four times in a week and parents of kids 4-6 and 13-15 being the most alert to prices. While 36% said that their budget this year is tighter than last, 34% actually have a bit more to spend. On average, parents are budgeting $220 for each child – with the highest budgets for 7-12-year-olds – but 28% are trying to keep it below $100. Conducted by OnePoll on behalf of The Toy Association, the survey found that when holiday shopping for their kids, parents run into issues around product availability (42%) and not knowing what to get (29%). Results showed that 44% of parents admitted if they were struggling with finding the hot-ticket item their child wanted for the holidays, they would consider purchasing it from an unknown seller, with parents of early teens being the most likely to. While four in five parents would be suspicious if they saw a hot-ticket item being sold for a much cheaper price from an online seller they weren’t familiar with, 41% would still be tempted to buy it without checking the seller. “It’s that time of year when parents and other shoppers are searching for fun and unique gifts for kids – but it’s important to keep safety in mind,” said Jennifer Gibbons, a spokesperson at The Toy Association. “Illicit online sellers will try to take advantage of consumers by enticing them with much lower prices or the promise of getting a ‘hot toy.’ But fake, noncompliant products might be dangerous – and should be avoided. Check that a seller has a professional-looking website, and that product descriptions are free from spelling errors and typos. Poorly photoshopped images of a product are another clue that you might be dealing with a fake.” Parents may also have to worry about their child whose grandparents are involved if they purchase from online sellers since one in five are not confident that their child's grandparents know how to gauge an online toy seller's authenticity (21%). And there’s a good chance that this may be the bulk of the gifts kids get since 71% of parents whose child’s grandparents are around said that they’re likely to spoil them during the holiday season, with grandparents getting them an average of five gifts per child. Parents will be paying close attention, however, with three-quarters agreeing that anything purchased from an unknown seller should be thoroughly inspected before being gifted (76%). This year, parents of kids 0-12 are being more careful than last, with just 29% saying they consider age labels on toys as more of a suggestion than as a warning compared to 40% last year. Still, 60% of parents said they would allow their child to play with a toy where the recommended age on the package is older than their child. “Following the age label on toy packaging can protect a child from preventable injury,” added Gibbons. “Age labels are established by experts who work in child safety and development. In particular, toys labeled 3+ might contain small parts that are a choking hazard to children under three. And the absence of any age label at all could indicate that a toy is a counterfeit since these sellers do not prioritize safety. By following safe shopping practices and purchasing only from reputable sellers and known brands – whose legitimate toys comply with more than 100 safety tests required by law – families can help ensure this holiday is both fun and safe for children.”

“Worse now than ever before.” Seven in 10 Americans are facing unprecedented levels of passive aggression in the workplace, according to a new survey. The poll of 2,000 employed adults who have witnessed passive-aggressive behaviors found 69% stated it has become a problem at their workplace. Nearly half (48%) said the behaviors have increased since the pre-Covid era. Nearly two-thirds (64%) witness passive-aggressive behaviors in their workplace at least once a week. One in five (19%) women witness passive-aggressive behaviors every day, whereas 12% of men witness it at the same rate.

It might serve as a convenient scapegoat for disrupted sleep and missed appointments, but three in five Americans don’t actually mind daylight saving time all that much. Changing the clocks twice a year, though? That’s another story entirely. According to a recent survey of 2,000 respondents, three in five feel positively about daylight saving time as a general concept – but also still think the practice of moving clocks an hour forward and back should be abolished. Reported by OnePoll on behalf of Pacific Coast, the survey also revealed that over half of those polled (55%) own at least one analog clock they still need to fix manually. Four in 10 would prefer a permanent form of daylight saving, where the sun rises and sets later in the day on a year-round basis. As it stands, the typical respondent needs 66 hours, or over two and a half days, to adjust to a new routine after the clocks change. Compared to men, women like it less (56% vs. 43%) and actively dislike it more (16% vs. 6%) perhaps because it takes them an extra three hours to adjust. Age may also play a role, too, as baby boomers (ages 56-78) are almost twice more likely than Gen Xers (ages 42-55) and 11 times more likely than millennials (ages 26-41) to hold a negative view of daylight-saving time. Of the three generations, boomers also seem to get the most sleep overall – almost half an hour more than gen Xers and a full hour more than millennials. Just over a third get the recommended seven to nine hours of sleep a night, and another third only get between four and five hours. And only 60% keep a fairly consistent sleep schedule of going to bed and waking up around the same time each day. “It’s important to be gentle and understanding with yourself when daylight saving rolls around – after all, gaining and losing that hour of time can throw off your circadian rhythm,” a spokesperson from Pacific Coast advised. “Consider going to sleep a little earlier than you would otherwise, or allow yourself more time to unwind and relax before bed.” Not surprisingly, if given a choice between being given the “perfect sleeping arrangements” and the power to make daylight savings permanent, most respondents (45%) would choose the former. So what would that “perfect” sleep entail? Forty percent said it would have to be climate controlled, such as the temperature of the room (40%) and their mattress (37%) or bedding quality (27%). Regardless, the average respondent replaces their pillow every one to two years, which aligns with common recommendations from experts. Of those polled, three in five tend to prefer a “soft” or “medium” pillow, while only one in five favor a “firm” level of comfort. “To create your perfect bedding oasis, determine your sleep preferences, like your sleep position, preferred pillow firmness, the level of support needed for your neck and spine, and if you suffer from allergies,” advised the Pacific Coast spokesperson. “These factors, along with the quality of your bedding will help you to achieve the most restful and restorative sleep.” Survey methodology: This random double-opt-in survey of 2,000 general population Americans was commissioned by Pacific Coast between October 14 and October 15, 2022. It was conducted by market research company OnePoll, whose team members are members of the Market Research Society and have corporate membership to the American Association for Public Opinion Research (AAPOR) and the European Society for Opinion and Marketing Research (ESOMAR).

Going on a solo date (16%), conquering a fear (20%), writing a letter to themselves (14%), and going to the doctor more to care for their health (26%) are some things Americans say they want to experience before hitting the big 4-0. That’s according to a recent poll of 2,000 adults, evenly split by generation, that asked respondents to list the top things one should experience by that age. Almost one in five Americans also believe people should watch the New Year’s Eve ball drop in Times Square in person at least once in their lives before turning 40. Conducted by OnePoll on behalf of VSP Vision Care, the data found that 83% of respondents have been planning for their futures, and 73% are optimistic about what’s to come in their lives. But how have people been planning for the future? Most respondents said by exercising more or going to the doctor (54%), saving money (52%) and setting realistic goals (42%). And with all of these goals in mind, it’s no surprise that four in five believe it’s important to have clear vision and healthy eyes to experience these moments in life (79%). “Eye health can affect so many aspects of our lives from work to school and all of those special moments in between, because so much of how we interact with the world is visual,” said Dr. Valerie Sheety-Pilon, vice president of clinical and medical affairs at VSP Vision. “Receiving an annual eye exam is a simple yet powerful way to make sure you enjoy all of life’s great moments.” The survey further delved into people’s futures, revealing what younger and older generations see for themselves. Gen Zers (18 to 25) see themselves receiving a promotion/raise and starting a family a decade from now (both 19%). Meanwhile, millennials (26 to 41) picture themselves owning a business (28%) and a home (23%), as well as growing their families (19%) and securing a better job (16%). On the other hand, Gen X (42 to 57) wants to focus more on becoming healthier (21%) and traveling with a person they love (19%). The results suggest that boomers (58 to 76) plan to put their health first in their later years (45%) and also look forward to traveling with a loved one in 10 years (19%). While three in four are thankful they have good health (74%), more respondents think one is never too young or old to get screened for health conditions (79%). When asked if they knew eye exams could detect other health conditions, such as diabetes or high blood pressure, seven in 10 responded they were aware (72%), but 28% didn’t know that was the case. And if they knew that information sooner, 27% said they would go to an optometrist more often. “Optometrists have a unique vantage point into the health of your bodies through your eyes,” continued Dr. Sheety-Pilon. “In fact, eye exams not only help ensure clear vision, but they can also provide early detection of up to 270 health conditions, making now the perfect time to enroll in a vision benefit plan and prioritize both your eye and overall health.”

Two in five (43%) Americans miss the chaos of in-person Black Friday shopping each year. A poll of 2,003 U.S. adults found 95% plan to participate in Black Friday and Cyber Monday events for 2022, with a third planning to shop both online and in-store. Not having to wait in lines makes online sales for both events appealing (46%), more so than avoiding COVID-19 risks (36%) and not having to stay up all night (31%) to shop in person. But the survey, commissioned by UserTesting and conducted by OnePoll, found shopping in actual stores is en vogue again. People who said they tend to shop holiday sales online claimed they’d be more motivated to frequent brick-and-mortar stores this year for Black Friday as long as they get instant gratification when shopping (46%) and have the availability of curbside shopping (28%). More Gen Z respondents than millennials cited immediate fulfillment as their primary driver to shop these events in person (81% vs. 49%). Overall, 42% said in-store Black Friday shopping holds more importance for them than it did before the pandemic, including nearly half (49%) of male respondents. And 63% consider in-store Black Friday shopping to be a tradition. But there are some parts of e-commerce people wish they could bring into a brick-and-mortar store, such as being able to see what aisle an item is in (51%) and using promo codes or digital coupons (47%). Some also face barriers to partaking in this year’s in-store events, including lack of convenience due to weather conditions and long lines (34%), seeing better deals online (34%), and health and safety concerns (33%). “The pandemic has certainly made many people nostalgic for the in-person Black Friday experience, but it’s also heightened their expectations,” said Janelle Estes, Chief Insights Officer at UserTesting. “Our research shows half of consumers who plan to shop in stores for this year’s Black Friday and Cyber Monday events would like smart shopping carts to navigate through the aisles and easily find products.” Despite ongoing inflation, nearly a third (31%) expect to spend more money on Black Friday and Cyber Monday than in previous years. The average person spent $441 three years ago and plans to buy $557 worth of on-sale items in 2022. However, their increased spending is strategic, as 48% plan to spread their holiday shopping out across a longer period of time due to economic uncertainties. “With 42% saying they plan to shop in the metaverse this year, brands must continuously work to become more phygital, bridging the gap between the physical and digital customer experience,” Janelle added. “That includes maintaining consistent quality both in-store and online, as well as keeping consumers engaged by using features such as augmented reality, live video shopping, or digital kiosks.”

Half of employed Americans have been so frustrated with their workplace tech that they’ve switched jobs — or are actively applying, according to new research. The survey of 1,000 hybrid or remote workers and 1,000 IT professionals found 11% have left their job to find better tech, while 42% have applied to other jobs without actually switching. Results found that 20% “always” have bad experiences with their workplace technology, facing an average of 18 frustrations during the average work week — adding up to 102 minutes of lost productivity weekly. Conducted by OnePoll on behalf of Compucom, the survey delved into the specific frustrations respondents face, and it also asked IT workers for their professional opinions about workplace tech. When asked what their daily frustrations are, slow websites topped the list (35%) — followed by a lack of access to certain online resources when working from home (28%) and needing to restart their computer (28%). Issues connecting when switching from in-office and at-home use (27%) and having to troubleshoot problems by themselves (25%) rounded out the top five issues. The microphone or microphone not working (25%), having to repeatedly input their password (24%) and needing a password to perform any updates on their computer (23%) also contribute to respondents’ frustration. Some of these problems may simply be caused by old technology — a quarter of respondents said the tech they use for work is at least five years old. Not only are these issues frustrating, but they may lead to bigger security risks: 79% have switched to their personal devices after facing tech issues. If companies invested more in their technology, employee satisfaction and retention would increase, according to 93% of respondents. Results also found that good tech can lead to more engaged employees — 77% of respondents would be more committed to their role if their company provided them with better technology. “We know that employee experience is directly correlated to customer experience. A good employee experience usually translates to a better overall customer experience,” said Heather Lockhart, Compucom CMO. Results found, too, that 65% place great importance on having good technology for work. This is even more important for respondents who work at enterprise companies (companies with 1001+ employees) — of those, 71% placed a great value on good tech. Because of how important technology is to today’s workforce, respondents were also asked about the IT teams at their company — and generally, the attitude was positive. During the past year, specifically, 53% said their company’s IT team has been easy to work with. Employees surveyed also found IT to be responsive, and even more helpful over the past year — with the switch to remote and hybrid work — than they were previously (both 48%). That positive feeling extended the other way, as well: 88% of IT professionals surveyed have felt more valued by their company since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. Still, the survey asked IT professionals what they’d like people to understand about their role. Forty-five percent of IT professionals surveyed said “it’s easy to blame IT when things go wrong, but we’re underappreciated when things are working right,” while 41% wanted people to understand that systems and software require constant maintenance and upkeep. Others said that it always takes more time than people think to fix tech issues (44%) — and that training and learning new platforms and applications for troubleshooting is endless (41%). A third of IT respondents (36%) would also like their colleagues to know that “simple” requests aren’t always simple. And one respondent wanted others to know, “I am a person with real feelings” — which should always be considered when requests are being made. “With today’s hybrid workforce relying on technology more than ever, what we do is critically important,” said Lockhart. “And we are uniquely positioned to optimize the employee experience because we provide the crucial end-to-end capabilities and support required to enable effective hybrid work.”

The average American begins to notice the signs of aging at the age of 42, but 15% noticed themselves getting older before age 35. That’s according to a new poll of 2,000 Americans with representative samples for Gen Z, millennials, Gen-X and baby boomer respondents, where respondents believe they were at the peak of their health at the age of 34. On top of that, 46% of Gen X were unaware they couldn’t engage in the same fitness or diet regimens as they could when they were younger until they were over 40.

More than a third of Americans (35%) won’t even think about purchasing a house until they have at least $200,000 saved up, according to new research. A survey of 1,000 homeowners and 1,000 general population Americans looked at some of the most common misconceptions and experiences of purchasing a home for the first time. Among those looking to purchase a home, respondents believed the top items needed to secure a home loan are money (52%), a steady job (49%) and good credit (48%). Conducted by OnePoll in partnership with loanDepot, the survey also uncovered some of the most common home-buying myths. Many believe they need a near-perfect credit score (30%) - while the average respondent erroneously believed they have to make a down payment of at least 25% to purchase a home. “In this market, it’s easy to get caught up in just trying to get a house, but don’t let all of that lead you down the wrong path,” said loanDepot’s vice president of community lending Jesus Cruz. “Make sure you know your priorities, and that you’ve really thought through your budget and planned for different scenarios that could arise in the future. There are a lot of programs and loan options available to first-time home buyers, so it’s important to keep a cool head and work closely with your lender to understand the different mortgage options that are right for you.” Higher interest rates, rising home prices and common myths aren’t the only reason non-homeowners have shied away from searching for a home; forty-four percent of those who don’t own a home said they hadn’t purchased yet because they feel they need to have every other part of their life in order first. As part of their criteria for choosing a home, those surveyed consider their income (34%) and total cost (32%) as the most important factors – stressing the importance of budget in the process. With the highly competitive housing market making home buying a challenge, one in seven respondents considering a home purchase said their decision not to enter the market came after hearing negative stories from other homeowners about their purchasing experience. Surprisingly, those who have purchased reported the process was smoother than anticipated (64%), with a remarkable two-thirds sharing that the paperwork and legalities were actually quite easy. Regardless of whether the process itself was easier than expected or overwhelming (27%), others ultimately found the homebuying journey to be exciting (35%) and joyous (28%) because they landed in a home. Homeowners offered advice to those looking to purchase a home: One respondent suggested to “be patient and don’t settle.” Others said to “be smart about budgeting for your mortgage and the total cost of housing” and “find out everything that is involved [in the closing], especially fees and hidden costs.” “The advice homeowners passed on to would-be home buyers is sound – especially as it relates to the cost of purchasing and owning a home,” said loanDepot’s chief credit officer Brian Rugg. “It’s so important to work with a reputable lender, who will make you comfortable and take the time to walk you through all aspects of the purchase – especially if you’re a first-time homebuyer. It’s also really important to think beyond the purchase price itself. You have to pay close attention to the home’s condition and factor in the cost of maintenance and future upgrades. For most people, owning a home is the bedrock of the American Dream, but you need to go into it with your eyes wide open and understand what it means for you and your budget. Don’t be afraid to ask questions.” Nearly half of homeowners (46%) wish they had bought their homes earlier, but 59% felt the process was a rushed experience. Meanwhile, most parents surveyed shared that they needed to buy a home so their kids can inherit it and be comfortable later in life (59%).

Seven in 10 (71%) Americans said the pandemic changed their target retirement age, a recent survey found. A new poll of 2,002 U.S. adults ages 35–70 discovered the pandemic has had far-reaching effects on how employees are planning both their retirement and “pretirement” – a new life stage serving as a transition period between full-time work and retirement. The survey split respondents by how they would describe their pandemic experience on a five-point scale, from “very easy” to “very difficult.” It found that 71% of those who had a “very difficult” time (659 respondents) now plan to retire later in life. People who rated their pandemic experience as “very difficult” were also more likely to aim to volunteer for a group, nonprofit, or other organization leading up to full retirement (49%). Two-thirds of all respondents said they had a somewhat or very difficult time during the pandemic.

Is “revenge travel” the new way to vacation? A survey of 2,000 Americans who have traveled internationally in the last 14 months revealed 66% have a desire to “revenge travel” — defined as wanting to travel more, after feeling like they missed out on time and experiences due to the pandemic. And respondents are making the most of the return to travel; as many travel restrictions have lifted, 57% of Americans surveyed were able to take a “once-in-a-lifetime” adventure in 2022. For those who did, this included seeing something or someone who won’t be there in 10 years (22%), using a travel agent to take the stress out of traveling (21%) and traveling to where their family is originally from (21%). But whether it was a “once-in-a-lifetime” adventure or not, the survey found that Americans were generally positive about any travel experience in the past 14 months. They have the same sentiment toward future travels, too: after the pause on international travel, 80% said they need a vacation in 2023 more than ever before. Commissioned by Exodus Travels and conducted by OnePoll, results revealed that 77% have felt more like themselves, as a result of their recent travels. And 80% said that returning to travel in the past 14 months has been good for their soul and for their well-being. That doesn’t mean their trip was perfect: changing COVID-19 restrictions forced some respondents to reschedule (37%), while others dealt with lost luggage (35%) or delayed and canceled flights (31%). However, the good news is that even of those who faced issues while traveling, 84% said their trip was still completely worth it — and 85% said that, despite any difficulties, they’d happily do it all over again if given the chance. “To travel and discover, to explore new places, meet new people, encounter different cultures and experience nature’s wild beauty is in our DNA,” said Andy Crang, Exodus Travels Marketing Director. “Television, movies, social media, books … these were all great substitutes while travel was on pause, but for many of us getting out in the world and setting out on new adventures is an intrinsic part of who we are. “So, despite some of the challenges that this post-pandemic return to travel has thrown at us — the flight delays and cancellations, lost luggage, long line-ups, etc. — the results of this poll tell us that the joy of 2022 and 2023 travel and the happiness it brings with it far outweighs any hiccups we encounter along the way.” Not only are American adventurers reflecting fondly on their past trips, but many are already thinking about the future. The majority of respondents already have another international trip (71%) and a domestic trip (65%) planned for the coming years. And 77% of Americans surveyed would recommend that others start traveling again, too. Respondents were asked what advice they’d share with others, who are planning trips. The top piece of advice? Book now, to take advantage of many airlines offering no fees for canceling or changing flights (58%). That was followed by advice to travel with a tour operator or a travel agent so they can help if something unexpected happens (57%) and spending extra money if needed, in order to fly on an airline without change fees (56%). “It has always been the case but now it’s just more evident and relevant than ever — booking your trip with a tour operator or travel agent is the best and easiest way to ensure a seamless travel experience,” said Crang. “If there are delays or cancellations, if something gets rescheduled, you’ll have an expert support person to turn to for answers and advice, someone who will work on your behalf to get things back on track.” WHAT MADE IT A “ONCE-IN-A-LIFETIME” ADVENTURE? Saw something/someone who won’t be there in 10 years (ex. a changing landscape, an older relative, etc.) — 22% Used a travel agent, which took the stress out of traveling — 21% Traveled to where my family is originally from — 21% It was a longer trip than I would normally take — 20% Saw something I’ve always wanted to (ex. the Northern Lights) — 20% Got engaged while traveling or went on my honeymoon — 20% Used a tour operator, which took the stress out of traveling — 19% Met a new friend/started a new relationship — 19% Traveled to a new continent — 19% Traveled internationally for the first time — 18% WHAT ADVICE WOULD RESPONDENTS SHARE, AS PEOPLE PLAN TRIPS? Book now, to take advantage of many airlines offering no fees for canceling or changing flights — 58% Traveling through a tour operator or a travel agent so they can help if something unexpected happens — 57% It’s worth the extra money to fly on an airline without change fees, in case of changing COVID-19 cases — 56% Always have a book or activity for the airport, in case of delays — 49% Try to travel with just a carry-on — 37%

A fifth of Americans admit they can be judgmental towards someone for what turns them on (22%), according to new research. A survey looked at 2,000 sexually active adults’ preferences and found that although many are opinionated, one in seven are also afraid of being shamed for their own turn-ons. From foreplay (63%) and neck kisses (41%) to being a good kisser (38%), respondents who have hooked up with a one-night stand have an easier time admitting their preferences to someone they’ll never see again (67%). Conducted by OnePoll for LELO, the survey also found that people are most likely to be vocal about their turn-ons (74%), but aren’t shy about bringing up what turns them off, either (64%). Across the board, the top things that would turn people away from a partner are poor hygiene (60%), talking about exes (33%) and being flirty with other people (31%). Most of those in relationships are comfortable talking about what turns them on with their partner (81%), finding that they mostly have similar turn-ons (57%) – although 28% said they have different preferences. Turn-ons are a hot topic outside of the bedroom, too, with half of those surveyed saying they’re comfortable talking about their preferences with their friends (49%). When it comes to serious relationships, three-quarters of Americans see that conversation as a milestone (75%), and a similar percentage said it’s an important discussion when committed to someone (77%). This may be why people prefer to be in a relationship for at least three months before bringing up what gets them going (53%). "Honest communication between partners is crucial in any relationship,” said Luka Matutinovic, chief marketing officer at LELO. “Of course, there is always a bit of reluctance when it comes to the most intimate topics, and talking about someone's turn-ons and turn-offs is one of them. This is understandable, but we always encourage people to speak about it openly when the right time comes - and you will feel that moment. All should be aware of these conversations' significance for the relationship; they lead to more trust in each other, create more confidence and respectfulness, and make a key to a healthy and safe bond between partners." And more than half of respondents also revealed they’ve been in a relationship where they haven’t been honest with a partner about their turn-ons and turn-offs (56%). Further, one in six survey-takers who are in relationships now said their current partner doesn’t even know of all their turn-ons. When it comes to being honest about what they like, 38% wouldn’t mind cutting to the chase, saying they’d be open to listing their turn-ons and turn-offs in a public dating profile. And understanding what you like comes with experience, with 55% agreeing they have more turn-offs now than when they were first sexually active. "From time to time, it comes to changes in someone's sexual preferences, which is completely normal; it can be because of new inspirations, different moods, personal growth, satiety, etc.,” said Matutinovic. “That's why it is important to nourish intimate conversations frequently and in accordance with your likes and dislikes. This is the only way to optimize the complete sexual experience and have both partners pleased and satisfied." TOP TURN-ONS: Foreplay – 53% Neck kisses – 41% Being a good kisser – 38% Partner telling you “I like that” – 26% Partner undressing you – 21% TOP TURN-OFFS: Poor hygiene – 60% Talking about exes – 33% Being flirty with other people – 31% Eating with mouth open – 23% Being cocky – 20%

One-third of Americans have never built a snowman. That’s according to a new poll of 2,000 people with travel plans this winter season, where travelers admitted they’ve never partaken in other winter activities such as skiing (42%), snowball fights (30%) or even drinking hot chocolate (24%). More than half (55%) of all respondents regularly experience snow where they live and only 21% sometimes experience snow. Of the 25% who never experience snow, 54% have never seen it at all. Even so, 72% of respondents hope to see snow during the holiday season. Conducted by OnePoll on behalf of Motel 6, results showed that seeing snow isn’t outside the realm of possibility for many respondents, as they’re planning to travel to the Northeast (23%) and Midwest (21%) this season. In fact, respondents are planning to cross an average of about three state lines for their winter travel. In general, respondents are slightly more likely to seek out warmer climates (30%) for winter vacations than cold climates (21%). Respondents are expecting to feel comfortable (50%), joyful (47%) and peaceful (41%) while on their winter vacations this year. So it’s no surprise that for winter vacations, national parks or campsites (50%), ski resorts (46%) and small towns (44%) are some of the most popular landscapes. But interestingly enough, more than seven in 10 (71%) respondents admit they’re more likely to try a new activity while on a winter vacation than a summer one. Respondents (61%) are looking for comfort and familiarity when it comes to winter travel this year. However, that isn’t the case with summer vacations, as respondents tend to hope for adventure (50%) and cultural immersion (57%) on those trips. “The holidays bring out nostalgic feelings in us all, so it’s no surprise that travelers are looking for comfort and familiarity this year”, said Rob Palleschi, CEO of Motel 6. “A great way to instill these feelings is through bringing back favorite activities or trying new experiences alongside loved ones. And no matter where your travels take you this season, we look forward to being the comfortable spot to rest along the way.” Family gatherings will be larger this year for two out of five respondents (40%) and will include children (63%), significant others (54%) and parents (53%), with some even extending the invite to friends (49%) and pets (22%). Almost half (46%) plan to stay at a hotel/motel. Over half (57%) of respondents say they plan to “trip-stack” this winter, meaning adding an additional destination or trip on to their existing winter travel plans. The main reason for this being that the holidays are the only time everyone is available to travel (67%). Just over two in five (42%) of those traveling by car this year plan to take the scenic route on their way to their destination, taking their time getting there. While on the other hand, 40% plan to take a direct route to get to their destination as efficiently as possible. Although respondents typically plan their winter vacations about four months in advance, that anticipation may be short lived. Of the 90% of respondents who have children, 28% admit their kids will start asking “are we there yet?” less than an hour into traveling. “Holiday gatherings continue to evolve in new ways every year”, added Palleschi. “From including friends, neighbors and pets in the celebrations, to trip-stacking in order to fit as much fun and exploration in as possible, it is always a pleasure to meet those on the road and hear about their holiday journeys.” WINTER ACTIVITIES AMERICANS HAVE NEVER DONE Snowboarding - 46% Skiing - 42% Ice skating - 38% Put up holiday lights - 36% Sledding - 33% Build a snowman - 33% Have a snowball fight - 30% Drink hot chocolate - 24% View holiday lights/decorations - 16% Take holiday photos - 11% Host a holiday party - 4%

Americans take football so seriously that half of them have actually ended a friendship over a rivalry, according to a new poll. A survey of 2,000 U.S. football fans examined how respondents celebrate game day, finding that 52% have called it quits with a friend because they support their favorite team’s rival. And when their team loses, it takes an average of three days to get over the loss. Still, that hasn’t stopped fans from continuing to cheer for their favorite team from their favorite place. While 38% of respondents prefer watching a football game at a stadium, a third would rather watch from home (30%), followed by a bar (13%) or at a friend’s house (10%). When it comes to celebrating game day, people typically do a mix of hosting and attending parties during the football season (39%). On average, people host six game day parties throughout the season, and their guests are usually fans of their favorite team (46%) or a mix of fans and non-fans (28%). It’s no surprise that three in four of those who host parties say it’s the highlight of their football season (75%). Conducted by OnePoll on behalf of Litehouse, the survey asked respondents what makes a successful game day party, with many saying it’s the game itself (26%), the people (26%), the food (22%) and drinks (21%). Fans noted that a game day party isn’t complete without foods like pizza (27%), burgers (26%), chips and dip (25%), hot dogs (24%), fries, charcuterie meats and cheeses, as well as Buffalo wings (23%). The top game day dips include salsa (35%), French onion (34%), blue cheese (34%), ranch (33%), guacamole (33%) and buffalo chicken (33%). While blue cheese and ranch ranked high on the list of top game day dips, respondents were split on which one they preferred (43% and 42%, respectively). “No matter what team you’re rooting for, football fans agree that the snacks can make or break any game day party,” said Heidi Wieber, brand manager at Litehouse. “Serving your favorite bites and appetizers alongside a variety of delicious dressings and dips can help upgrade your game day snack table, so there’s something everyone can enjoy throughout the game.” As inflation continues to soar nationwide, the research suggests that a majority of football fans are taking the economy into consideration when planning their game day events. Half of football fans plan to "homegate" – tailgating at home – this year (51%) because they’re more comfortable at home (19%), it’s more fun (17%) and to save money (16%). For those who plan to “homegate” this football season, their preferred food options for their indoor events are cooking or preparing homemade food and snacks (53%) and ordering takeout (24%). Half of football fans also admit the parties they’ve either attended or hosted are preparing them for the Big Game in 2023 (51%). Delicious food is definitely on the menu since two in five expect to eat more during the Big Game (42%) than at a regular tailgating event (39%) or “homegating” party (10%). But who would they love to see headline the halftime show in 2024? Football fans named Cardi B (23%), Nicki Minaj (23%), Taylor Swift (23%) and Drake (22%) as some of their top halftime choices. “With a majority of Americans planning to tailgate at home this year, hosting a winning and memorable homegating party is simple with our delicious dressings and dips,” added Wieber. “And, if you’re not hosting, these dressings and dips are easy to bring to any game day party and a perfect match for all dippable foods from more traditional snacks like veggies and chips to game day staples like pizza, burgers and hot dogs.” TOP 10 FOOTBALL GAME DAY PARTY FOODS: Pizza - 27% Burgers - 26% Chips and dip - 25% Hot dogs - 24% Fries - 23% Charcuterie meats and cheeses - 23% Buffalo wings - 23% BBQ ribs - 22% Sandwiches - 22% Tacos - 22% TOP 10 ARTISTS FANS WOULD LIKE TO SEE HEADLINE THE BIG GAME HALFTIME SHOW: Cardi B - 23% Nicki Minaj - 23% Taylor Swift - 23% Drake - 22% Justin Bieber - 22% Post Malone - 22% Ariana Grande - 21% Britney Spears - 21% Megan Thee Stallion - 20% Kane Brown - 20% Survey methodology: This random double-opt-in survey of 2,000 American football fans was commissioned by Litehouse between October 6 and October 10, 2022. It was conducted by market research company OnePoll, whose team members are members of the Market Research Society and have corporate membership to the American Association for Public Opinion Research (AAPOR) and the European Society for Opinion and Marketing Research (ESOMAR).

American families are most likely to eat dinner together on Wednesday – which is also one of the days parents feel the least in-control of their home life, new research suggests. That’s the takeaway from a recent survey, which asked 2,000 parents to describe the numerous challenges they face in managing their household, particularly their mealtimes. The data suggests that families are most likely to eat dinner together on Tuesday (50%) and Wednesday (51%), but that respondents were least likely to have a plan for dinner on those same days (46% and 44%, respectively). Those surveyed also named Monday as the day when they’re most likely to be “on top of everything” (23%) and Thursday as when they’re “struggling to stay afloat” (16%). Conducted by OnePoll on behalf of Pound of Ground, the results also reveal that for many parents, February (33%), March (28%) and January (28%) are the most challenging months for their families in a given year. And although many kids have their calendars filled up with after-school activities like dance classes or baseball games, most respondents believed themselves to be the busiest member of their family (76%). As one respondent put it, “We schedule our life around our kids, not the other way around.” “There are so many factors that can make it hard to get dinner on the table – from kids’ activities to not having the right ingredients on hand or not having enough time to defrost meat,” said Heidi Meyer, creator of Pound of Ground Frozen Ground Beef Crumbles. “As a busy parent myself, I know how hectic the week can be, and I’m constantly on the search for a solution for dinner on nights that I don’t have a plan.” Commitments aside, 74% said their family’s usual dinner time tends to be fairly consistent from day to day – and for 62% of households, it regularly falls somewhere after 7 p.m. In fact, only half as many households (29%) have dinner earlier, between 6 p.m. and 7 p.m. The survey also showed that 69% of respondents described themselves as meal planners rather than improvisers and are responsible for making dinner between three and four times a week. But 35% don’t figure it out until that day or just hours before mealtime. More often than not, that last-minute meal is a pasta dish (40%), followed by frozen meals (37%) and burgers or hot dogs (36%). When asked about their biggest hurdles when trying to improvise a meal plan, over a third (36%) cited missing a key ingredient, while another third blamed a lack of energy (33%). Waiting for frozen meat to thaw (33%) also proved to be a significant challenge for respondents, so much that nearly three in four (76%) sometimes forget to take meat out of the freezer in time for dinner, and half (46%) do so frequently. To simplify the dinner-making process, almost two in five (40%) have tried implementing a consistent menu, assigning specific meals to specific days like “Taco Tuesday;” others (39%) stock up on common pantry items or divide up the work among family members (41%). “I find that having pantry staples on hand is the best way to set myself up for success come mealtime,” said Meyer. “By extending what we think as typical ‘pantry items’ to what’s in the freezer, like frozen uncooked ground beef, we open the door to new, easy possibilities.” MOST POPULAR PANTRY STAPLES Pasta - 33%         Bread - 30%         Potatoes - 30%        Rice - 30% Frozen meals - 29% Cooking oil - 29% Spices - 28%         Peanut Butter - 26%         Beans - 26% Canned soups - 25%

In addition to pressures from the ongoing pandemic, inflation and a surge of layoffs, Americans – especially people of color – are even more reluctant to take time off from work when sick than they were a year ago. A new poll of 2,000 employed Americans found that 41% “always” or “often” work while sick because they cannot afford to take a sick day from their job – 64% said taking a sick day would cause financial strain. Overall, 67% of those polled said inflation has made them less likely to take an unpaid sick day, as they have become more concerned about financial security. People of color were found much less likely to call out from work than their white counterparts. Latina women, for example, are more hesitant than white women to take a sick day from work (71% vs. 52%) due to ongoing layoffs. Overall, layoffs throughout the U.S. have made 62% of employees more reluctant to take a sick day, even if one is available to them. Conducted by OnePoll on behalf of Theraflu, the survey discovered two in three people have avoided calling out sick from work for fear of being reprimanded by their employer or company — a big increase compared to a duplicate OnePoll survey from August 2021 (67% vs. 58%). Compared to 2021, the fear of being reprimanded for taking sick leave has increased by 28% among Latina women, who are more likely than white women to have this concern (77% in 2022 vs. 60% in 2021). Age was also found as a factor — older working Americans (ages 58–76) are less likely than their younger counterparts (18–25) to take time off from work when sick, due to financial implications (51% vs. 36%). The study found that 63% of employees feel guilty for taking sick time due to staff shortages. Additionally, 60% of those polled feel actively discouraged by their workplace to call out to take care of themselves — 20% more than in 2021. “Our research continues to show that many Americans are still not taking the proper time to rest and recover when they’re sick due to financial barriers and the cultural stigmas associated with sick days,” said Sameer Rabbani, Marketing Lead, Respiratory Health at Haleon. “We’re fighting to create a flu safe world and a large part of that is ensuring people can take the sick time they need.” Even with many employers offering work-from-home options due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the poll results revealed a stigma in taking sick days remains, even on non-commute days. Compared to 2021, no change was seen in the number of people who can work from home and feel obligated to work remotely rather than take a sick day, unless they have tested positive for COVID-19 (68%). Caring for others is also a factor in employees taking sick time from work. Compared to last year, Latina women (55% vs. 18%) and Black women (36% vs. 23%) were much more likely to take three to four sick days to care for a loved one. “Now, more than ever, it’s important to take care of yourself for your own health, as well as that of your loved ones,” Rabbani said. “The ability to rest and recover should be a right – not a privilege.”

More than four out of five parents want their young children to learn more than just STEM, according to new research. A poll of 2,000 American parents of children ages five and younger found 77% believe character development skills are just as important for their young children as academic skills in early education. In addition to STEM education, parents want their children to develop a sense of belonging and community (77%) and learn the value of community service (75%). Parents said they also would like to see their children learn responsibility (48%), charity (43%), honesty (42%) and fairness (41%) in the classroom. Commissioned by Primrose Schools® and conducted by OnePoll, two in three parents surveyed (67%) wished they themselves were taught character development skills when they were children. When it comes to choosing an early education provider, 75% said they prioritize providers that embed character development skills in the curriculum. More than 75% of parents think society would be a better place if their children learned character development skills in the classroom. Sixty-one percent have witnessed their children doing something that made them realize their children’s character is developing. The specific actions these parents witnessed include consoling other children (62%), sharing toys (52%) and starting conversations (51%). “We believe who children become is as important as what they know,” said Jo Kirchner, CEO of Primrose Schools. “These findings underscore an important shift in parents’ attitudes and priorities for their young children, revealing character development skills are just as important as academics. Positive traits like responsibility, sympathy and caring for others help children reach their full potential at home, in the classroom and in the community.” Nearly three out of four respondents (73%) also shared they believe some of the best learning opportunities can even come from outside the classroom. For many, that comes in the form of charity work — over half (52%) think their children are old enough to participate in community service. Of them, 89% would love to participate alongside them. Three in four (74%) have been inspired by their children to be more active in their community — learning a variety of valuable skills from their children like responsibility (37%), fairness (37%), charity (36%), donation (36%) and honesty (31%). Parents shared the volunteer activities they would like to do with their children: community volunteering (46%), park cleanups (45%), clothing drives (42%) and toy drives (39%). "Research shows that young children have a natural instinct to care for and help others from a young age,” said Dr. Maria Shaheen, senior director of early childhood education at Primrose Schools. “An early education curriculum that places a special emphasis on character development — helping nurture kindness, generosity and compassion — can be critical to a child’s understanding of how to become a caring citizen in the world.” TOP 10 CHARACTER SKILLS PARENTS WANT THEIR CHILDREN TO LEARN Responsibility - 48% Charity - 43% Honesty - 42% Fairness - 41% Donation - 37% Citizenship - 36%       Conservation - 35% Cooperation - 31% Caring for others - 30% Sympathy - 28% Survey methodology: This random double-opt-in survey of 2,000 American parents of children aged 0 – 5 was commissioned by Primrose Schools between September 6 and September 9, 2022. It was conducted by market research company OnePoll, whose team members are members of the Market Research Society and have corporate membership to the American Association for Public Opinion Research (AAPOR) and the European Society for Opinion and Marketing Research (ESOMAR).

The AI market is growing rapidly, but Americans are hoping it doesn’t go much further — 70% said they trust people more than technology. A new survey with a panel of 2,000 adults revealed that compared with artificial intelligence, more people even prefer to use a real person when creating an account or making a purchase (44% vs 35%). Things like purchasing a home (55%) or car (52%) were the top items or services where respondents prefer to speak to a person. In general, two-thirds (66%) of respondents agree that they feel better about their purchases when dealing with a live person. But respondents also prefer to use a live person when choosing insurance for auto or home (51%) and setting up a banking or electric account (50%). Conducted by OnePoll on behalf of Internova Travel Group, results also show that 81% of respondents notice personal touches, such as thank-you notes, when making purchases. The benefits of connecting with a real person are based on efficiency and ease, with 55% of respondents indicating they can get more detailed information about their options. Other benefits include the ability to ask follow-up questions (47%) and getting responses that are tailored to them (41%). Seven in 10 respondents feel they get better service when speaking with a person and 63% feel more confident that issues will be resolved when they work with a person versus doing things digitally. “These findings reinforce that humans do it better when it comes to booking travel,” said Brent Rivard, Chief Marketing Officer for Internova Travel Group. “When using automation, it can be difficult to get information that pertains to your specific needs. AI, technology and online booking tools simply cannot match the firsthand knowledge or reassurances that our trained advisors can provide.” More than one-third (35%) of respondents find they “often” still have questions after using an automated system and another 20% admit they “always” do. Moreover, respondents have experienced more frustration when dealing with technology than with actual people (43% vs 26%). In fact, 74% agree that over the past decade, we’ve become too reliant on computers, bots, algorithms and automated systems. Respondents believe that certain professions like hairstyling (53%), teaching (50%) and journalism (46%) are best left for humans. When asked in what situations they’d always prefer to speak to a person and not artificial intelligence, respondents outlined things like “booking a vacation,” “customer complaint or feedback” and “finances.” But even so, 73% believe we will be seeing more automated systems over the next 10 years. “We grew up in a world where technology was supposed to make life better for us, but while technology may become more prevalent, there are certain tasks best left to people,” continued Rivard. “Online travel agencies won’t give travelers a unique, personalized experience, nor do they particularly care if anything goes wrong. When it comes to planning travel, it’s time for humans to take back what’s rightfully theirs.”

Three in five Americans think their pet is smarter than the average person, new research suggests. According to a recent survey of 2,000 cat and dog owners, 61% believe their furry friend is actually smarter than the average human being. Regardless of intelligence, 81% said they treat their pets the same way they treat people. This may be why the majority of those polled think it’s “cute” (50%) and “relatable” (41%) when people treat their pets like children, compared to only 21% who find it “annoying.” Conducted by OnePoll on behalf of Pet Honesty, the survey also explored other ways that respondents treat their pets like people. One in four even admitted to calling their pet their “child,” and almost twice as many (47%) use “baby” as a nickname. Similarly, one in three call themselves their pet’s “mom” or “dad,” roughly the same as the number of people who use the term “owner” instead. And three in five prefer to include their pet in family group photos more than half the time, while one in five do so every time. “It’s not hard to imagine why many people treat their pets like people,” a spokesperson for Pet Honesty said. “Some pets can live for several decades, which is a long time to take care of anything! So, of course we end up feeling a connection to them that’s as strong as the ones we feel with other people.” Although most of those polled brought their pets home for companionship (59%), many others did so as a way to improve their own health (40%) or stress levels (40%). Similarly, half of respondents (53%) feel supplements are important to their own health, and half also feel the same way with regard to their pet’s health (49%). Forty-five percent have already bought some kind of supplement for their pet, versus 53% who’ve bought supplements for themselves – most commonly multivitamins, in both cases. “Humans aren’t the only ones who can improve their overall health by taking dietary supplements,” Pet Honesty’s spokesperson added. “Many pets can benefit from taking supplements as well, which are often made with similar ingredients as human-grade products.” Many respondents also perform many of the same activities with their pets as they do with other people, including buying them presents for the holidays (57%) and throwing them a birthday or “gotcha day” party (40%). Two in five (40%) have even dressed their pets up in clothing, most commonly costumes (47%), sweaters (46%), and jackets (43%). Only 23% have dressed their pets up in formalwear, like tuxedos and dresses – but 32% have still brought their pets to weddings and other formal events. 5 MOST POPULAR PET SUPPLEMENTS Multivitamin - 42% Probiotics - 39% Omegas - 39%% Glucosamine - 35% Calming (Melatonin, Ashwagandha, etc.) - 26%

The average homeowner is willing to shell out $42,000 to give their home a facelift, according to new research. A survey of 2,000 homeowners looked at how they make their home feel new again and found that most homeowners want to update their home’s appearance (69%), with 63% agreeing their home could use an overhaul. The survey found that six in 10 homeowners have a specific vision of how they want their home to look, feel and function (62%), and most of those respondents are motivated to make changes to their home to achieve that vision (77%). Conducted by OnePoll in conjunction with Andersen Windows & Doors, the survey found that when renovating, homeowners (27%) are looking to create a more contemporary space, characterized by sleek surfaces, clean lines, an open floor plan with an abundance of natural light. The same percentage of respondents are seeking a farmhouse-style home, opting for a simple design with rustic charm. And nearly a fifth of respondents shared that a ranch house is their ideal home style (19%), featuring a single story and patio. For many, a home update would include creating more open space (31%), finding ways to let more natural sunlight in (30%) or changing the shape/size of their windows (29%). Homeowners prioritize easy aesthetic updates first. Upon moving in, some of the first home projects people tackled included the paint or wallpaper (36%), flooring (33%) or lighting fixtures (29%) citing that what was there when they purchased the home was old or unattractive, or because they didn’t like the way it looked (41% each). A third of respondents said they made changes to their home to improve function and energy efficiency (34% each). Still, half of homeowners said there are changes they’ve wanted to make to their home since moving in that they have yet to tackle (51%). When considering how they want to renovate their homes, respondents are prioritizing energy efficiency (43%) and better space utilization (38%). “A thoughtfully designed home is one that is functional for you and your lifestyle, whether you’re the host/hostess, the first-time parents, the chef in-training or the alfresco enthusiast,” said Kristy Howe, vice president of marketing at Andersen Corporation. “Tackling home improvement projects that increase functionality – such as changing your interior layout for better flow, adding more windows to boost natural light or swapping out old carpet for hardwood – can change the overall look and feel of your home, making it feel refreshed and new. As they look to the future, respondents would love to update their homes with bonus features like a porch, patio or deck (24%), sliding glass doors that open to the outdoors (22%) or a garden (22%), but for now, they may stick to the most DIY-friendly task: adding a new coat of paint or wallpaper (47%), with 38% agreeing that that small change can help transform a home. Others think more significant upgrades like changing the interior layout (32%) or installing new windows (26%) are what will help make a home feel new. When it comes to these kinds of updates like installing new windows (67%), cabinetry (59%) or changing the interior layout of their home (58%), respondents are more likely to call in an expert. This may be because many see windows as one of the keys to a well-designed and inviting home, and most agree that homes that don’t have enough natural light feel less welcoming (58%). More than a third of respondents even said they’d be happier (38%) and more productive (33%) if they had more natural light at home. “The impact daylight has on a home goes beyond design style – it makes a space feel brighter, more comfortable and airy and generally more inspiring,” said Howe. “Increasing our home’s connection to the outdoors through improved natural light also has positive health benefits. Access to natural sunlight has been shown to boost mood and energy and promote quality sleep.” WHAT PARTS OF THE HOME ARE WORTH RENOVATING FIRST? Flooring/carpet - 35% Paint/wallpaper - 33% Lighting fixtures - 27% Windows - 25% Appliances - 23%