SWNS

Half (51%) of Americans with a healthcare provider are too afraid to ask them about their health condition or symptoms. That’s according to a recent survey of 2,005 nationally representative Americans, which found more men than women dread this interaction (57% vs. 45%). Seven in 10 (69%) are concerned they won’t be able to understand the terminology their healthcare provider uses. And half worry their physician will be insulted or get angry if they push to find out more about their condition. Conducted by OnePoll on behalf of PatientPoint, the survey also discovered 69% wish they knew how to describe their symptoms better before talking with their physician. About two in five (39%) have felt anxious before going to a doctor’s appointment. The reasons many have felt overwhelmed, anxious, or stressed? Thirty-nine percent worried about what they might find out and 38% felt they didn’t have enough information to help them prepare for their visit. When at their physician’s office, more than a third (35%) said both the waiting room and exam room cause them anxiety, for similar reasons. Fifty-one percent said it takes too long to be called for their appointment in the waiting room, and 48% were stressed about wait times in the exam room itself. Although 54% said they usually get the most information about their health from their physician or specialist, nearly half (48%) have left an appointment feeling confused. Sixty-two percent want their doctor’s office to be more modern, with 78% wanting technology showcasing relevant education on their symptoms. “Transforming the doctor’s office from intimidating to engaging begins by putting ourselves in the patient’s shoes in those critical, reflective moments while they wait to see their healthcare provider,” said Mike Collette, founder and chief executive officer at PatientPoint. “By leveraging technology to equip patients with the relevant education they want on their condition, we can empower them to speak up, ask questions and learn more about treatment options.” Fifty-nine percent wish their healthcare provider gave them more educational materials on their symptoms, and 55% wish their physician spoke to them in more detail about treatments and medication. When asked what would make the waiting room and exam room more comfortable, people favored being able to read or watch educational materials about their condition (47% and 48%). “Waiting time is learning time, and knowledge is power,” said Collette. “Empowered patients make better decisions and better decisions mean better outcomes. The more we can provide relevant content to patients at the point of care and beyond, the more we can increase patient comprehension, improve compliance and help patients live healthier lives."

Forty-two percent of Americans have fallen back in love with a partner after going on vacation together, according to new research. A survey of 2,000 adults looked at the magic of vacationing – especially with others – and found that three-quarters of respondents said vacations are great for those looking to keep the spark alive in their relationship (77%). Overall, vacations are a joyous time, making the average person feel 65% happier, with more than half sharing that their world feels bigger after coming back (58%). Most respondents agree that traveling is always more fun with a buddy (78%) – so much so that the same percentage would postpone their vacation if their loved one(s) weren’t able to make it. Results showed that people usually go on vacation with family (45%) or their partner (37%), and even noted that there are the most perks when traveling with just their partner or a small group (37%, each). Conducted by OnePoll for BeachBound, the survey found that three in four said that just spending time on vacation with their loved one(s) makes them feel refreshed (76%), and 79% said traveling with someone is one of the best ways to strengthen your bond. In fact, 64% of people said they’ve learned the most about some of their loved ones while on vacation, including their family members (50%), partner (42%) or friends (37%). Most Americans “always” or “often” try to eat every meal together when traveling with others (81%) to keep the bond alive, along with sightseeing (45%) or relaxing (41%) together. Two-thirds of respondents said when on vacation with others, they’d try to take as many photos of everyone as possible to commemorate the trip, looking back at these pictures an average of five times throughout the year. “From relaxing on the beach to curated resort experiences, families, friends or couples are bound to return from vacation with memories that will last a lifetime,” said Dana Studebaker, vice president of marketing of consumer brands at Apple Leisure Group. Vacations are also a time for stepping out of your comfort zone or bettering yourself, with 61% revealing they’re more likely to be adventurous with others on vacation than by themselves. Similarly, seven in 10 people shared that they feel more in touch with themselves when returning from a trip than before, and a third of Americans have even had an epiphany about some aspect of their life when on vacation (33%). “With couples seeking opportunities to reconnect, a romantic getaway and escape from daily life can help couples rediscover themselves. By choosing a luxury all-inclusive resort, the only thing couples should have to worry about is deciding between the beach or the pool,” said Erica Doyne, senior vice president, marketing and communications for AMResorts®.

Half of parents believe that toys are some of the best teachers their kids will have (52%), according to new research. A survey looked at how 2,000 parents value their child’s toys’ ability to educate them and found that on average, people think that it’s important to start educating kids about issues in the world at seven years old. Even in the age of tech, the average child has 26 toys and more than a third of parents said their child continues to ask for new ones at least once a week (36%). Many parents may not mind, though, since 79% agree that play is a form of self-care for kids, and another 65% said toys these days actually help teach kids about the world. Three in four parents of kids 14 and under used toys during the pandemic to help their child with social-emotional learning (77%), and most of these parents are still doing so (92%). Parents said their kids learned about being active (61%), social (58%) and responsible (47%) from their favorite toys. Conducted by OnePoll for The Toy Association, the survey found that parents are ready for kids’ toys to educate them on even more serious world issues, such as bullying (63%), cultural representation (48%) and racial injustice (44%). This may be especially true for the two-thirds of parents who believe toys play a significant role in the development of kids’ beliefs and values (67%). Most agree that the values of the toy industry have changed now from when they were children (84%), and 88% said toys are different today than when they were children. “Toy companies are leading the way in providing children with access to tools that tackle critical social issues and create a more inclusive world,” said Adrienne Appell, executive vice president of marketing communications at The Toy Association. “Now when you enter the toy aisle, you’ll be met with the most diverse assortment of dolls ever, as well as toys and games that help kids manage their emotions, promote kindness and acceptance, and celebrate different cultures.” Nearly three-quarters of parents agree that toys these days are more progressive/diverse than they were when they were kids (73%) and the same percentage of those respondents appreciate the efforts made to be more representative. Half of parents shared that they wish that they had a toy that felt closer to who they were as kids (52%), which may be why 58% opt to look for toys that best suit their kids now. One in six parents rated inclusivity/representation in their own toys as “poor” or “fair,” compared to 55% of parents who would say the opposite of their kid’s toys – especially parents of kids 14 and under (72%). Those parents also expressed interest in purchasing toys that expose their child to diversity and teach inclusion (68%). Similarly, 38% of grandparents surveyed said when shopping for their grandchild, they look out for toys that represent diverse backgrounds, cultures or lifestyles, and more than a quarter also look for toys that teach kids about environmental issues (28%). “For generations, toys have taught children about the world around them, and today’s toys are more well-rounded and educational,” added Appell. “With so many toys and games on the market that raise awareness about social issues and other causes, like environmentalism, there are countless opportunities to start a dialogue with kids on how to create a more caring and inclusive world. As an added bonus, many of these toys are fun for adults too, making it easy for kids and parents to play, learn, and build memories together – in fact, when purchasing toys, most parents consider options they’ll enjoy playing with their child (78%).”

Six in 10 (61%) parents admit they’re simply not very good cooks, according to new research. A poll of 2,000 parents with school-age kids found that the school year is stressful as ever for parents, from having the time to make proper meals for their kids (54%), to making sure their kids are doing their homework (51%) and getting enough sleep (51%). With their time being spread so thin, it’s no surprise that parents often get frustrated by the time it takes to prepare ingredients (54%) and cook their kids’ meals (44%). Additionally, three in five parents said the burden of cooking in their household usually falls to one parent (62%) – and it’s usually themselves (62%). And 62% said they would give up some of their favorite things for a week if they could get dinner on the table in under 10 minutes such as their favorite music (62%), TV show or movie (55%) or most-loved outfit (45%). Commissioned by Eckrich and conducted by OnePoll, the survey also found that parents said figuring out what meals to make for their kids is a bigger daily stressor for parents during the school year than making sure their kids have good hygiene (45% vs. 25%)! While 23% rely on school lunches for their child, a third of parents pack a lunchbox for their children every day. Most parents wish they could make quick and easy versions of fun, balanced meals for their kids (77%). “Our results found that parents said lunch is the most stressful meal to prepare (36%), with 52% agreeing it’s especially difficult to feed their kids enough protein, said Bethany Gurecki, Senior Brand Manager for Eckrich at Smithfield Foods. “Choosing versatile ingredients that can be used in different recipes throughout the week can help simplify meal prep for busy parents.” While 56% define an “easy” meal as anything that’s fast to cook, another 50% said an “easy” meal has instructions right on the packaging (50%). Forty percent said “easy” meals are pre-made, and the same percentage define the term as something their kids can eat with their hands. However, most parents struggle with finding “easy” meals that are also balanced (63%). Seven in 10 busy parents of kids who have ever-changing palettes said that makes it even more challenging for them to find a favorite go-to meal for their young ones (71%). The challenge may be especially tough for the 46% of parents who said their kids’ food phases last as long as one week (46%). This may be why more than half of parents “always” or “often” resort to giving their kids whatever snack is within arms’ reach when they get frustrated about meal prep (55%). “There are quick, easy meal options suitable for kids with different preferences that help get kids the nutrition they need while not taking too much out of parents’ days,” Bethany Gurecki, Senior Brand Manager for Eckrich at Smithfield Foods added. “Keeping up with kids’ changing preferences can be as simple as making small tweaks to their all-time favorites, such as by swapping a sandwich for a flatbread or taco with the same contents or creating bite-size versions of favorite dinner dishes for snack time.”

Three in five (62%) people believe most common ailments will be cured or contained within 100 years, new research suggests. A new survey of 2,000 U.S. adults revealed that many are optimistic about the future of medicine and can envision a future in which migraines (52%), allergies (47%) and the common cold (43%) aren’t as prevalent. In their present-day world, however, two-thirds of respondents with allergies said their symptoms have gotten worse over the years, including 75% of those in the Northeast. Overall, more than half attribute this to increased indoor and outdoor pollution (58%) and rising temperatures (56%). Conducted by OnePoll on behalf of Tivic Health, the survey also discovered nearly seven in 10 (69%) have trouble enjoying the fall season due to their allergies. People’s seasonal allergies prevent them from being fully engaged in outdoor activities such as hiking and fall-themed photo shoots (56%), outdoor autumnal events such as a hayride or turkey trot (52%) and yard work (49%). Addressing a knowledge gap may lessen some of the frustration. While nearly two in three (64%) were aware of the potential effects of ragweed, one of fall’s biggest allergy triggers, far fewer knew that cocklebur (26%) and English plantain (ribwort) (22%) can also cause allergy symptoms. “Knowing what plants cause seasonal allergies is one part of the equation, but avoidance of allergic triggers can’t be accomplished completely due to triggers being present throughout a typical day, such as when walking the dog or exercising outdoors,” said Alan Goldsobel, MD, medical advisory board member, Tivic Health and allergist with Allergy and Asthma Associates of Northern California. “Allergy medications can be helpful, and there are safe alternatives to allergy medications, particularly for nasal congestion and sinus pressure and pain, that can provide both short and long-term relief, without causing drowsiness and interfering with one’s daily routine.” People are already proactive in using tech to address other aspects of their health. A third of respondents (33%) regularly monitor their heart rate, with a similar amount (31%) keeping an eye on their blood pressure. More than half (54%) use a smartwatch or fitness tracker. Respondents also shared their thoughts on what the ideal wearable health tech device should look like, with one in five preferring a watch or bracelet (22%). Regardless of design preference, three in four (74%) believe this device would not be complete without an app to accommodate it. Many see the value in monitoring their health data, expressing interest in being able to keep an eye on their nutrient levels, such as daily sugar, protein, or carb intake (46%) and the quality of their vision (44%). But while a whopping 93% currently use a wearable or health tech device, 45% are unaware of non-invasive or natural remedies for their recurring ailments. “Using wearables and health tech to monitor one’s step count, pulse or heart rate has become more common, but tech doesn’t always come to mind as a solution for allergy symptoms,” the spokesperson added. “Drug-free, non-invasive tech is an option for people seeking relief from seasonal allergy symptoms.” AILMENTS PEOPLE THINK WILL BE CURED OR CONTAINED IN 100 YEARS Migraines - 52% Allergies - 47% Common cold - 43% Cancer - 41% Alzheimer’s - 39% Flu - 39% ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease) - 28% Stomach aches - 28% Ear infections - 23% Eye infections - 18%

There's nothing these business owners and executives can't handle – even an economic downturn. A new international survey of 3,700 business owners and executives found a varying degree of confidence when it comes to their business’ ability to weather potential financial storms if they were to hit. In America, for instance, 73% of owners believe their businesses can survive economic downturns. Likewise, a high percentage of Asian and Oceanic nations surveyed had a strong sense of economic resilience for their businesses: India (97%), Philippines (90%), Australia (82%), Malaysia (80%) and Singapore (76%). In the European nations surveyed, however, it’s a different story. Only two in three German (68%) and French (66%) business owners feel confident they can weather a crisis. In the UK, a mere 43% felt confident. Commissioned by GoTo and conducted by OnePoll, this news comes in as 69% of respondents globally believe a recession is likely to occur within the next six months. In America, it’s enough to cause 70% to prepare their business for economic headwinds at any given time. While 71% admit they’re “nervous” about the state of their business, 36% claimed to already have plans in place in case of an economic downturn. Another 36% stated they’ve begun implementing their plans to get ahead of any pending crisis. In the States, execs are preparing their businesses to be economically resilient by understanding how to access economic relief in the form of grants or loans (43%), consolidating or evaluating technology needs (39%) and making plans of action for potential disasters (36%). “Whatever is ahead, it is clear businesses need to be prepared in order to support their employees, protect their bottom line, and maintain business continuity. By taking relatively simple steps such as consolidating tech stacks to save money, creating plans for multiple scenarios, and improving their security practices, businesses of all sizes can stay resilient in the face of potential economic uncertainty,” said Paddy Srinivasan, Chief Executive Officer, GoTo. On a global level, 51% of businesses have come face to face with economic headwinds in the past. Of them, 93% of owners and execs said they learned what to do for any future potential disruptions to their businesses. When asked what piece of advice they’d give to survive economic headwinds, respondents claimed it’s important to “be prepared,” “plan ahead,” “keep calm” and “be optimistic with strategies and goals while going through the process.” In order to get ahead of potential economic headwinds, the survey found that 76% said it was important to keep their employees protected during economic downtown and 77% said it was important to keep the morale of your employees high during a potential recession. In fact, three out of four said they would “do anything” in their power to retain employees through a possible recession. The secret to creating a strong workforce and a recession proof-business, according to global respondents, requires maintaining work equipment on a regular basis (49%), having cost-effective products (44%) and equipping employees with technology needed for success (42%). Sixty-eight percent of Global businesses have had important work interrupted by technology issues and 74% believe making sure employee devices are working properly is vital to keeping their businesses running and prepared for any future issues. TOP WAYS TO KEEP BUSINESSES RESILIENT Globally Understand how to access economic relief - 39% Consolidate technology or evaluating technology needs - 37% Make plans of action for potential disasters - 36% Ensure three months' worth of "cash in bank" - 35% Diversify the business’ cash flow - 32% Improve digital security measures - 32% Explore outsourcing certain processes - 29% Do internal risk assessments - 31% Hire contractors - 12% Prepare to reduce staff headcount if required -11%

To kick off the season of shopping, a new survey found that the “perfect gift” for the holidays has to be, above all else, a surprise. In a new poll of 2,000 Americans, 79% said giving gifts is more fun when the recipient isn’t expecting it. Nearly half (49%) believe gifts are especially more fun when it’s a surprise both to the giver and the recipient — like a mystery box or blind-box item. In addition, Americans also described the “perfect gift” as meaningful (60%), useful (44%) and unique (34%). Only 8% of Americans described the perfect gift as funny or expensive. Commissioned by MGA Entertainment and conducted by OnePoll, the survey revealed that gift-giving is motivated by the experience: 81% believe it’s important to be there in the room when someone is opening a present from them. Gift-givers can tell when they gave a great gift if they receive hugs (68%), the recipient is playing with or using the gift right away (63%) or if they’re jumping up and down (55%). Many recalled their own childhood experiences of receiving gifts: 35% remember their first gift from when they were 5 to 7 years old. Another 26% can remember their first gift from ages 2 to 4 years old. They often reacted the same way when receiving gifts as kids — playing with gifts right away (61%), hugging the gift giver (49%) or jumping up and down (40%). When it comes to purchase motivations, 42% of gift-givers tend to look for toys that can be shared and experienced together with the gift recipient (42%). Seven in 10 said getting to spend quality time together is the most effective way they feel close to the child in their life. “There really is something special about the experience of giving gifts,” said Isaac Larian, CEO and founder of MGA Entertainment. “It’s the element of surprise, the connection we feel with the person we gave the gift to, and the happiness we feel when we know we’ve just given the ultimate gift. In fact, a quarter of Americans aim to earn the ‘ultimate gift-giver’ title when they give gifts. That gifting dynamic among family and friends is what we are so excited to be a part of.” Nearly half (47%) said they enjoy giving gifts more than they do receiving them. This could explain why respondents said they associate gift-giving with happiness (68%), excitement (63%) and love (55%). Gifts, according to respondents, are most frequently given to the kids (42%), adult family members (20%) and significant others (16%) in their lives. For adults, the most common gifts are money or gift cards (63%), clothing (57%), food or beverages (43%), jewelry (39%), electronics (34%) and home goods (33%). A quarter also named toys or collectibles as a common gift for adults. “Adults who love children’s toys or grew up collecting them are who we call ‘kidults,’” says Isaac Larian, CEO and Founder of MGA Entertainment. “There is an irreplaceable magic that comes from toys – whether it’s collectibles, dolls or playsets – and MGA is excited to invite kidults to celebrate that magic too.” But, why are gifts most frequently given to kids? The study also found 91% of those surveyed have given a gift to a child in their life and 51% said kids aged 3 – 9 were found to be the “most fun” to give presents to. Unsurprisingly, the most common gifts to give to kids are toys (72%). Other top gifts for kids are clothing (60%), games and activities (57%), money or gift cards (54%) and electronics (39%). The study also discovered the types of toys gift-givers prefer giving the most: stuffed animals (30%), collectables (27%), toy vehicles (25%), outdoor toys (25%) and playsets (22%). More than a third (39%) said they prefer giving gifts that would be entertaining to the gift-receiver. Meanwhile, many prefer giving something practical (24%) or collectable (16%). Overall, the survey found the key things to look for are toys or gifts that offer collaborative play (42%), promotes education (41%) or evokes a sense of surprise (39%). TOP 10 THINGS THAT MAKE GIFTS PERFECT Meaningful - 60 % Useful - 44 % Unique - 34 % Surprising - 27 % Entertaining - 15 % Nostalgic - 13 % Exclusive/rare - 10 % Collectible - 9 % Funny - 8 % Expensive - 8 %

Women claim to have a better understanding of how to care for their hygiene than men (57% vs. 42%), according to new research. A survey of 1,000 men and 1,000 women looked at the differences in how the genders care for their hygiene and found that while 73% of all respondents said hygiene care is easy, one in 10 women said the opposite. On average, women also put one more hour a week into caring for their hygiene such as showering, shaving, etc. (10 vs. 9). Conducted by OnePoll for INTIMINA, results showed that most respondents agree that proper personal hygiene care should be taught as early as possible (87%), but 38% said people who don’t know how to take care of their hygiene shouldn’t be shamed or embarrassed because of it. In fact, 40% said they’re comfortable when talking about their personal hygiene with close friends or family members. Across the board, people prioritize washing their hands (90%) and body (90%) the most, followed by brushing their teeth (87%) or applying deodorant (84%). While women are more likely to prioritize washing their “intimate areas” (85%) and their skincare routine (84%), men are more likely to stay on top of cutting their nails (69%) and shaving their face (74%). Surprisingly, men are more likely to wash their hair more than twice a week (76% vs. 65%). “Hygiene routines can vary from person to person, regardless of sex. There are numerous reasons for this, starting from cultures, education, habits, and possibilities,” said Danela Zagar, global brand manager at INTIMINA. “Either way, maintaining personal hygiene is the key to feeling carefree and healthy. It can sometimes be difficult for women - especially when speaking about feminine hygiene, which issues are rarely discussed. For example, it can be challenging to maintain high standards during menstruation, particularly when traveling or being at work and school. But all women should know the best ways to care for their bodies to feel fresh and confident, even in their most private moments.” Hygiene matters when being intimate, too, with 73% sharing that they use the bathroom immediately afterward and 66% change into clean clothes. Time and place may affect how respondents are able to care for their hygiene – generally, survey-takers described their bodily hygiene as more challenging to care for as they get older, especially men. And 40% agree that it is harder to care for their personal hygiene when they’re away from home, like when they’re at work or on vacation. When people are away from home, they’re most likely to bring their personal care items with them (81%) and wash or sanitize their hands often (72%). Half of women who have menstruated also said it’s more challenging to care for their personal hygiene when menstruating. Since respondents spend so much time on their hygiene, most said they would be interested in using more sustainable hygiene products (62%), especially women (66%). Just over a fifth of women know their menstrual products can be harmful to the environment (23%), and a similar percentage expressed interest in utilizing sustainable options. “There should also be room for sustainability when speaking about proper personal hygiene and routine,” Zagar said. “There is a widespread myth that sustainable products are not doing the “right magic,” but this is due to a lack of knowledge, education, and advertising. Sustainability absolutely doesn`t mean being less hygienic, just the opposite - conventional products are often wasteful and toxic and not good for our bodies. Our products are trying to bring awareness to women worldwide to abandon products that expose their vaginas to harmful chemicals.” WHAT PERSONAL HYGIENE HABITS DO YOU PERFORM REGULARLY? Washing my hands – 90% Washing my body – 90% Brushing my teeth – 87% Applying deodorant/antiperspirant – 84% Washing my hair – 83% Washing “intimate areas” – 81% Washing my face/skincare – 77% Cutting my nails – 64% Using mouthwash – 62% Flossing – 51%

No need to worry if a black cat crosses your path – it’s twice as likely to bring you good luck as bad luck, new research suggests. According to a recent survey of 2,000 American cat owners only 21% believe that black cats bring bad luck, while twice as many (41%) associate them with good luck instead. But at least one pop culture stereotype does hold true – black cats really do love to talk. In fact, half of black cat caretakers described their pet as “extremely vocal” (48%), compared to only one third (36%) of the overall panel. They were also considered just as “affectionate” (63%) and “curious” (66%) as the average cat as well. Conducted by OnePoll and ACANA® pet food in advance of National Black Cat Day (October 27), the survey also looked for patterns and similarities not just in cat behavior, but among their owners as well. Contrary to common stereotypes, black cat owners don’t favor the actual color black more than everyone else, although they were noticeably less likely to cite white as a favorite color (28% vs 32%). Where their own personalities were concerned, black cat owners believed themselves to be more “extremely shy” (40% vs 24%), “extremely introverted” (32% vs 21%) and “extremely quirky” (25% vs. 18%) than others polled. Speaking of “quirky,” black cat owners were just a bit more credulous of the supernatural, including ghosts (61% vs 59%), cryptids (48% vs 43%) and aliens (50% vs 48%). Least surprisingly of all, respondents were even more likely to list Halloween as a favorite holiday if they owned a black cat (25% vs 21%) – although Christmas (32%) and Thanksgiving (28%) still took first and second place respectively. “Portrayals in movies and unfounded stereotypes and superstitions have not always shed a positive light on black cats,” said Billy Frey, Director of Marketing for ACANA cat food. “ However, with a few precautions — such as keeping them indoors in the evenings, especially around Halloween where their natural camouflage to trick-or-treaters can put them at risk — cat lovers agree that black cats make wonderful lifelong pets.” With that in mind, it’s no wonder black cat owners are still more likely to keep their cats as indoor-only pets (37% vs 27%). Regardless of fur color, 76% of cat owners said their feline friend has vastly improved their life, and 77% consider their cat to be as important as any family member. “The truth is, while a cat’s appearance may contribute to certain stereotypes, it has no bearing on the impact they have on their human counterparts,” added Frey. “Cat lovers know that a warm home and proper care and nutrition will yield unconditional love and companionship from cats of all shapes, sizes and colors.” MOST POPULAR CAT COLORS Solid white - 32% Tabby - 14% Tuxedo (black and white) - 13% Solid black - 10% Harlequin (mostly white) - 10% Orange - 7% Calico/tortoiseshell - 9% Blue/gray - 4%

The average American will experience symptoms of “hanger” almost every day of their lives, new research suggests. A recent survey of 2,000 U.S. adults found three-fourths (74%) admit their hunger gets the best of them five times a week, culminating in an astounding 21,000+ “hangry” outbursts over the course of their lifetimes. People most commonly experience “hanger” as feelings of anger, grumpiness, impatience and fatigue. Regionally, the Northeast is the “hangriest” of all, with 46% saying they “always” or “often” experience this feeling. Countrywide, men are less likely to be “hangry” than women, with 32% saying they have never experienced “hanger,” as opposed to only 20% of women. Conducted by OnePoll on behalf of Farm Rich, the survey also revealed the most common reasons for people’s hunger-related irritability as mealtime delays (44%), a busy work schedule (37%) – a number that rose to 44% amongst millennials – never knowing what to cook (32%) and not having time to grocery shop (29%). “Hanger” is most frequently experienced at home (41%), but people’s crankiness seems to follow them to work (35%), when they’re shopping (34%), while running errands (33%) and traveling (33%). Perhaps to no one’s surprise, adults with small kids are the “hangriest” of all — 42% of people with kids ages 0-4 identify as frequently “hangry.” Overall, 39% of parents polled admitted to chowing down on their kids’ snacks to help ease their hunger pangs. And nearly 7 in 10 (68%) parents are willing to let their kids eat whatever they want if it will stop them from having a “hangry” tantrum. Approaching someone who’s hungry and irritable? Here’s what you need to know: avoid talking too much (42%) and please don’t try to remove someone’s plate before they’re finished (38%). Fifty-eight percent of those who are “food grumpy” will even eat their least favorite food just to satisfy their cravings and 42% admitted to faux pas like eating leftovers they knew their significant other or roommate was saving for themselves. And (in true George Costanza style,) 28% shockingly shared they’ve eaten food that’s been thrown out off the top of the garbage can, while 27% copped to eating expired food. Meghan Ozamiz, Director of Marketing for Farm Rich, says the new national survey seemed to really strike a chord with its respondents. “There are many reasons our moods can be affected by food and this poll shows us a lot of them. Also, we saw that snacks remain important, with more than half the respondents (56%) saying they try to always keep snacks on hand or fuel up with small meals throughout the day (55%).” When it comes to hot snacks vs. cold, the results are about even. Slightly more than half of those surveyed (52%) say “a hot, savory snack is more satiating than a cold one.” There’s also a science behind hunger-related mood swings that’s connected to our blood sugar levels. Snacks like fruit, dried fruit, nuts and nut butters require minimal prep and can help restore one’s emotional balance while managing blood sugar levels. If you’re having trouble getting over “the hump” on Wednesdays, hunger may be to blame – a third (33%) of those who get irritable say they’re likely to experience this emotion mid-week. The cause? More than half of the adults surveyed (53%) attribute it to skipping meals, with not eating on time is another big culprit (48%). Not surprisingly, grocery shopping while “hangry” often results in impulse buys and big checkout receipts. The majority of those surveyed copped to spending $51 to $100 more during a trip to the store. And among the top impulse food buys are the 4Cs: cheese, chips, chocolate and cookies. WHERE PEOPLE ARE “HANGRY” At home - 41% At work - 35% While shopping - 34% Running errands - 33% Traveling (road trips, long flights, etc.) - 33% While exercising - 24% Doctor’s appointment - 23% Pool/beach - 22% Sporting events - 21% My kid’s sporting event - 20% Movie theater - 20% Wedding - 19% Happy hour - 19% Job interview - 18% WHAT ARE PEOPLE MOST GUILTY OF WHEN “HANGRY”? Sneaking to eat leftovers knowing a roommate or significant other was saving – 42% Eating kids’ snacks – 39% Eating discarded food off the top of the garbage can or that’s been thrown out – 28% Eating expired food – 27% Stealing someone else’s food/leftovers from the office or shared kitchen – 27% WHAT WOULD PEOPLE DO TO NEVER BE “HANGRY”? Stock my fridge/freezer with a month’s supply of food - 49% Give up social media for a month - 32% Eat only my favorite food for a month - 30% Get a tattoo of my favorite food item - 26% Run 5 miles - 26% Change my name to my favorite snack - 25% Wear the same clothes for a week - 16% Not watch my favorite sports team for a whole season - 12% 5.2 “hangry” episodes a week x 52 weeks = 270.4 a year x 78.79 years (average U.S. life expectancy) = 21,305

Job hunters have revealed their biggest complaints when looking for a new role - being turned down due to “no experience,” interview process being too long and lack of information on salaries being offered. A study of 2,000 adults who've sought new employment in the past five years found they’ll typically spend four hours applying for a single job – with 33% of applications resulting in an interview. But 75% find the entire process “stressful” and “time consuming” – with common frustrations including unnecessarily lengthy interview processes and misleading job postings. And lack of clarity on the annual salary – for instance, large salary ranges – is a significant issue, especially for the 54% who’ve declined a job offer upon discovering what they’d be earning. The research, commissioned by Adzuna and conducted by OnePoll, found 77% believe companies should be more transparent in their job postings. This could be concerning to businesses as it could be detrimental to their reputation – impacting their ability to find talented staff. Nearly a third (32%) said suspect the employer is hiding something if they don’t include salary information in ads. Similarly, 28% said such practices make a business appear untrustworthy and 29% said they appear unprofessional. While 56% revealed they simply wouldn’t accept an interview offer if they didn’t know about the compensation offered from a prospective employer. "With all the time and effort that goes into applying for jobs, it can be incredibly frustrating and stressful to stumble across issues along the way,” said Doug Monro, CEO and co-founder of Adzuna. “From the research, it’s plain to see salary is a critical component of the job process with jobseekers clearly pointing to a lack of clarity or detail on annual wages being a major frustration when applying for a job. “Employers should be encouraged to be more transparent and include as many details on salaries in their job postings as possible to give candidates the financial peace of mind they need, as well as the all-important information around whether a role is right for them.” And it’s not just salary info those polled are keen to see beforehand - workplace location and employee benefit plans are also important to many. The study also found 73% think greater transparency over salaries would make workplaces fairer. Further to this, 55% would be happy for their colleagues to know what they earn – with 31% neutral on the subject, and just 9% unhappy. “Jobseekers are increasingly concerned with finding employers that match their values and that they trust,” continued Doug Monro. “Being transparent by showing salaries on job postings is one way for companies to show they care about prioritising fair pay. “But there is room for improvement and the onus is now on companies doing their diligence to present job opportunities that fairly reward candidates.” TOP 20 COMPLAINTS WHEN APPLYING FOR A NEW JOB Turned down because ‘not enough experience’ despite already looking at the resume Interview process dragging out over multiple weeks or even months Lack of clarity on salary, e.g. ‘on target earnings’ or very large salary ranges Saying you’re overqualified for a role – even though they’ve seen your resume Not hearing back/not receiving a reply after applying Needing to update your resume for every application Not being totally transparent about the role/company after reading reviews online Waiting too long to hear back after an interview Too many stages to the interview process Realizing mid-interview that this isn’t the job for you Being asked inappropriate or offensive interview questions Having to work half a day in the office as part of the interview process Lack of feedback following rejection for a role No salary being listed on the Job AD Being asked irrelevant interview questions Unclear stance on remote/hybrid/in office working Not offering desired staff perks or benefits Misleading job ads Unrealistic responsibilities/requirements Rude or inappropriate interviewers Survey methodology: This random double-opt-in survey of 2,000 American adults who have ever looked for employment in the last five years was commissioned by Adzuna between September 26 and September 28, 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).

According to a new poll, homeowners are more likely to look after their home’s health than their own and they look to the fall as a time to get back to routine and readjust their priorities. The survey of 2,000 Americans ages 25-54 found that of those who own a home, their home’s health scored priority over their own personal health during the fall season (71% vs. 57%). Moreover, most Americans see fall as a time to get back into routine (73%), needing to fulfill priorities like “getting my schedule organized,” “getting the kids settled in school again” or “winterizing my home or cars.” Yet only 20% reported being on top of routine doctor visits. Results also showed that nearly two-thirds of respondents see fall as a time to readjust their priorities for the coming year (64%). Conducted by OnePoll for MDLIVE, the survey found that while respondents feel most on top of paying bills (46%), taking care of their family (36%) and their career (21%), 53% have a hard time prioritizing their time across all the things they need to manage. Half of respondents (51%) said that during the fall, they’d need at least five more hours in the week to complete everything they need to get done. Parents (26%) and homeowners (25%) may be the most stretched for time, citing needing at least nine extra hours. And when that time is limited, personal health seems to take a back seat. Nearly half (47%) said that being busy means they often put off their personal health care – especially those who are parents (50%). “With increasing inflation risk and falling COVID concerns, people are turning their attention towards maintaining the health of their things over the health of themselves,” said Dr. Vontrelle Roundtree, interim chief medical officer at MDLIVE. “However, routine maintenance to prevent a breakdown in your health is just as important as preventive maintenance on your car or your home, and virtual care is one convenient way to stay on schedule with preventive maintenance checks for your health.” When they do prioritize health, respondents generally spend more time caring for their kids’ health and their partner’s health over their own, but 56% know that putting off their personal wellness affects how well they can care for other aspects of their life. People are more likely to give into taking care of their health because of their anxiety (39%) and fear (31%), while being more likely to develop habits/regular care for their car (25%) or home (27%). Similarly, many respondents would be concerned about their health only if they noticed sudden symptoms (35%) or gradual changes (30%), compared to 24% of homeowners who preemptively maintain their homes. And just 15% of respondents said they would check up on their health without a concern popping up. Money may also be a factor, since half of respondents shared that they’ve skipped going to a doctor because they couldn’t afford the visit, and 39% said that putting their health care first would be too much of an expense. In fact, results also showed that respondents’ health may be falling to the back burner, expressing more concern about their finances (72% vs. 59%) than their own well-being. “The cost of preventive maintenance is typically far less than the cost of a repair due to breakdown, and typically takes less time; for your health, preventive care is often covered by your health insurance, and easy to access,” said Dr. Roundtree. “With fall season routines, it’s important for consumers to think of their health with a maintenance mindset just like they do the other things that require routine upkeep.”

Nearly half of Americans can’t live without their electronics (48%) and WiFi (46%), according to new research. A survey of 2,000 U.S. adults revealed that other essentials – besides food and water – people can’t go without include medicine (55%), electricity (53%) and gasoline/petrol (51%). The study examined respondents’ perspectives on supply chain issues and found that nearly half say the issues have “somewhat affected” their lives (45%) – from impacting their cost of living, their jobs and finding basic essentials. One respondent said, “baby formula is really hard for me to find,” and another noted, “I had to cut back on spending so much on groceries.” On average, Americans buy a third of their essentials online, with respondents 35-44 being the most likely to get at least half of their necessities this way. The research suggests that brighter days may be on the horizon – two in five Americans are optimistic that the situation involving global supply chain disruptions will get better. But change doesn’t happen overnight: A third of respondents predict supply chain disruptions will continue for another two years (34%). While 30% think supply chain issues will remain the same, the same percentage believe things will only worsen (30%). Conducted by OnePoll on behalf of WithSecure, the survey also tested respondents’ knowledge about basic economic terms, discovering that although seven in 10 Americans are “confident” in their understanding of supply chain issues – only 59% actually know what the term means. Regarding supply and demand, less than half of respondents knew that it determines product prices and services in a free market (41%), while only 45% think it determines gas prices. The majority of people, however, have a better understanding of what inflation and recession mean, with 64% and 57% selecting the correct definition respectively.

Three in four Americans would do “nearly anything” to have a single stress-free day. A new poll of 2,000 Americans revealed one in 10 can’t even remember the last time they had a stress-free day. When people feel stressed out, they avoid necessary tasks like doing laundry (20%), vacuuming (15%), and cleaning their homes (15%). Many said they would pass on a week’s worth of productivity (30%), an entire paycheck (28%), and even sex (26%) if it meant having a stressless day.

Three in four Americans are stuck in their ways and always go on vacation to the same kinds of places, according to new research. A survey of 2,000 adults looked at their willingness to step outside of their vacation comfort zone and found that northeasterners are the least likely to stray from their favorite kinds of vacation destinations. Still, those who have revisited a vacation destination (68%) shared that they prefer to incorporate new experiences and sights at these comfortable destinations (55%). Some are willing to change up their whole vacation pattern, with 78% saying that they’re likely to take a chance on visiting an entirely new destination.

Fifty-four percent of office workers whose job doesn’t offer a hybrid schedule actually prefer coming into the office every day, according to new research. The findings of a survey of 2,000 office workers provide a look into what the return to the office looks like for US-based workers and found that three-quarters of respondents said they actually enjoy working from their company office (76%). Most respondents have spent some time working at home over the last three years (69%) and shared that their physical surroundings impact their productivity/energy levels while working (72%), providing insight into why a workplace setting continues to be important for employees, and not just for collaboration purposes. Conducted by OnePoll on behalf of Industrious, the survey also found that office employees prefer to utilize the office when hosting client meetings (86%) and collaborating with teams (62%). Surprisingly, doing individual work when they need a private space (59%) or creative work (57%) were also high on the list of tasks workers prefer to do in an office setting. "There's a lot that's being written about in the press that makes you think everyone would work at home five days a week if given the chance,” said Anna Squires Levine, chief commercial officer at Industrious. “But what we're seeing is that most people don't actually want to spend the next ten years working from their couches at home. They want to be in an office a couple of days a week. They want to see other people, they want to focus and they want to do that in a place that's close to home." Office workers value their office for the aspects they don’t have at home such as tech equipment like printers and scanners (31%), their colleagues/coworkers (26%) and their work computer setup (23%). Interestingly, even with hybrid-work models, office workers are still serious about their seats, with 70% saying they sit at the same desk/seat in their office every day. In fact, over half of respondents would speak up if someone took their “spot” at the office (54%). Those who chose their seat themselves were strategic about sitting close to meeting spaces (58%), outlets (53%), and entrances/exits (41%). And 68% of these respondents even said they’re likely to go into work early to make sure they get their desk/seat and make their presence known by telling everyone that’s where they’re sitting for the day (45%), keeping their personal items there (41%) or leaving their computer signed in (40%). The findings also shed light on what would make workers more willing to go into an office. Respondents shared that a shorter commute, proximity to retail and lifestyle options, a nice view, “a fun and inspiring environment,” “a more casual atmosphere” or “breaking the routine and confinement of the home” may do the trick. The commute in particular seems to be a barrier to returning to the office. Forty-two percent of respondents shared that their commute is over half an hour long and 62% shared they would go to the office more often if it took less time. "What this survey, and other recent ones, shows is that pushback against going into the office is less about the actual workplace, and more about the commute and the additional value-add that workplace surroundings bring to people", said Jamie Hodari, co-founder and CEO at Industrious. “Offices in walkable areas with grocery stores, gyms, and dining options will most likely become centers of social gathering and activity, especially if they're a short commute away.”

Six in 10 (59%) Americans credit a celebrity with helping them push through a limit in their lives, new research suggests. A recent poll of 2,000 U.S. adults over the age of 30 found people have pushed on through a tough time personally (44%), taken on a challenge they didn’t think they could do (44%) and improved their physical health and nutrition (41%) thanks to a celebrity role model. Sixty-nine percent said they’re more likely to respond positively to celebrities if they know they’re struggling with a similar issue. Oprah Winfrey, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, Bear Grylls, Rebel Wilson and Tyler Perry are among the role models who have inspired people to push past limitations such as fear and self-doubt. Conducted by OnePoll on behalf of cell health brand MitoQ, the survey also found people’s biggest barriers to success are lack of energy (44%), time (39%) and willpower (38%). Nearly six in 10 (59%) said they “always” or “often” experience low energy and 49% lack stamina with the same frequency. If there were no limits in their lives, 43% said they would become an entrepreneur, more so than a visual or performing artist (28%) or a lawyer (27%). Other goals included being “a drug counselor,” “animal rescuer,” “crime scene investigator,” “veterinarian,” and simply “a good mom.” People also shared life goals inspired by public figures, such as “being a chef like Gordon Ramsay,” “painting like Georgia O’Keeffe,” “acting like Leonardo DiCaprio, “inventing and building like Nikola Tesla,” and “being helpful like Mother Teresa.” However, respondents’ most relatable role models aren’t far from home — 52% pointed to parents and immediate family, more so than a close friend (44%) or favorite celebrity (41%). Over half (51%) said that their role model communicating in a conversational, easy-to-understand manner is key to relatability, while less than a third deemed it necessary for a role model to be the same age/generation or gender (34% each) as themselves. Regardless of their role model of choice, people’s heroes have inspired them to stay optimistic in challenging times (35%) and do things to help others (34%). Celebrity fitness trainer and MitoQ ambassador Gunnar Peterson knows a lot about inspiring people to push through, has worked with Hollywood A-listers and was a strength coach with a championship-winning NBA franchise. “No one can do it alone, having good support is important. I get mine from my family, but also from the inside as well,” he said. “I can’t afford to be limited by low energy or slowing down, and once I knew that most of the body’s energy comes from deep inside cells, I looked for ways to improve that.” To push past limits and achieve their goals, many respondents said they wish they had more support, particularly in the form of health products (37%), advice from their close circles (36%), and a fitness/nutrition coach (36%). More than half (55%) of the people in this survey said they’re not familiar with cell health. “I think they’re missing an easy fix,” Peterson responded. “If you can find a cell health product that’s been bioengineered to get deep into cells and boost your body’s daily energy, focus and endurance levels, then that’s taking away some significant limits on what you can achieve with your life, and why wouldn’t you do that?”

Almost four in five (78%) Americans say it is possible to love your body and still want to lose weight. That’s according to a new survey of 2,000 Americans who are looking to lose weight, where about half (51%) also report they have felt or experienced body shame from someone due to their weight. Most commonly, that shame came from a friend (51%), partner or spouse (46%), a family member (45%), or doctor (40%). After experiencing body shame, respondents shared they have felt like they have no willpower (60%), like it’s their fault (55%) and lazy (52%). Thus, it’s not surprising that the majority (65%) stated they are willing to try anything to lose weight, no matter how restrictive or unreasonable the approach sounds. Conducted by OnePoll on behalf of WeightWatchers (WW), the survey looked at Americans’ mindset when looking to lose weight, including how culture, society and one’s environment might impact their frame of mind. While 77% of respondents reported having a community of like-minded people is important to them, along with accountability (73%), some also reported being hesitant to share their weight loss journey with others. In fact, more than half (56%) said their journey is a personal experience they want to keep private, and 45% said they don’t want to share because they do not want to be shamed for wanting to lose weight.

According to a new poll, homeowners are more likely to look after their home’s health than their own and they look to the fall as a time to get back to routine and readjust their priorities. The survey of 2,000 Americans 25-54 found that of those who own a home, their home’s health scored priority over their own personal health during the fall season (71% vs. 57%). Moreover, most Americans see fall as a time to get back into routine (73%), needing to fulfill priorities like “getting my schedule organized,” “getting the kids settled in school again” or “winterizing my home or cars.” Yet only 20% reported they are on top of routine doctor visits. Results also showed that nearly two-thirds of respondents see fall as a time to readjust their priorities for the coming year (64%). Conducted by OnePoll for MDLIVE, the survey found that while respondents feel most on top of paying bills (46%), taking care of their family (36%) and their career (21%), 53% have a hard time prioritizing their time across all the things they need to manage. Half of respondents (51%) said that, during the fall, they’d need at least five more hours in the week to complete everything they need to get done. Parents (26%) and homeowners (25%) may be the most stretched for time, citing needing at least nine extra hours. And when that time is limited, personal health seems to take a back seat. Nearly half (47%) said that being busy means they often put off their personal health care – especially those who are parents (50%). “With increasing inflation risk and falling COVID concerns, people are turning their attention towards maintaining the health of their things over the health of themselves,” said Dr. Vontrelle Roundtree, interim chief medical officer at MDLIVE. “However, routine maintenance to prevent a breakdown in your health is just as important as preventive maintenance on your car or your home, and virtual care is one convenient way to stay on schedule with preventive maintenance checks for your health.” When they do prioritize health, respondents generally spend more time caring for their kids’ health and their partner’s health over their own, but 56% know that putting off their personal wellness affects how well they can care for other aspects of their life. People are more likely to give into taking care of their health because of their anxiety (39%) and fear (31%) while being more likely to develop habits/regular care for their car (25%) or home (27%). Similarly, many respondents would be concerned about their health only if they notice sudden symptoms (35%) or gradual changes (30%), compared to 24% of homeowners who pre-emptively maintain their homes. And just 15% of respondents said they would check up on their health without a concern popping up. Money may also be a factor since half of respondents shared that they’ve skipped going to a doctor because they couldn’t afford the visit, and 39% said that putting their health care first would be too much of an expense. In fact, results also showed that respondents’ health may be falling to the back burner, expressing more concern about their finances (72% vs. 59%) than their own well-being. “The cost of preventive maintenance is typically far less than the cost of a repair due to breakdown, and typically takes less time; for your health, preventive care is often covered by your health insurance, and easy to access,” said Dr. Roundtree. “With fall season routines, it’s important for consumers to think of their health with a maintenance mindset just like they do the other things that require routine upkeep.”

Nearly half of Americans can’t live without their electronics (48%) and WiFi (46%), according to new research. A survey of 2,000 U.S. adults revealed that other essentials – besides food and water – people can’t go without include medicine (55%), electricity (53%) and gasoline/petrol (51%). The study examined respondents’ perspectives on supply chain issues and found that nearly half say the issues have “somewhat affected” their lives (45%) – from impacting their cost of living, their jobs and finding basic essentials. One respondent said, “baby formula is really hard for me to find,” and another noted, “I had to cut back on spending so much on groceries.” On average, Americans buy a third of their essentials online, with respondents 35-44 being the most likely to get at least half of their necessities this way. The research suggests that brighter days may be on the horizon – two in five Americans are optimistic that the situation involving global supply chain disruptions will get better. But change doesn’t happen overnight: A third of respondents predict supply chain disruptions will continue for another two years (34%). While 30% think supply chain issues will remain the same, the same percentage believe things will only worsen (30%). Conducted by OnePoll on behalf of WithSecure, the survey also tested respondents’ knowledge about basic economic terms, discovering that although seven in 10 Americans are “confident” in their understanding of supply chain issues – only 59% actually know what the term means. Regarding supply and demand, less than half of respondents knew that it determines product prices and services in a free market (41%), while only 45% think it determines gas prices. The majority of people, however, have a better understanding of what inflation and recession mean, with 64% and 57% selecting the correct definition respectively. “Large companies have tens of thousands of suppliers in their supply chains; attacks are increasing and no industry is off limits,” said Paul Brucciani, cyber security advisor at WithSecure™. “Every individual working in a supply chain is a potential target. Companies can reduce supply risk by helping employees and suppliers understand how they might be exposed, and how they can protect themselves.” While elder Americans are most likely to look to the internet or TV for news about politics and major events, a significant amount of younger respondents interestingly get their news through sources like podcasts or newspapers, keeping most up to date about technology and finance. Across the board, respondents of all generations stay informed when it comes to economic issues such as the supply chain and inflation. The research also delved into the connection between the global supply chain and cybersecurity. When it comes to their personal data, 37% admit they feel “somewhat secure” about their cloud storage system. Respondents cited some advantages of having a data cloud storage system, such as backup and recovery (51%), security (42%) and easy access (41%). Others said they value privacy (37%), reliability (36%) and having the cloud on multiple devices (33%). Although the cloud can be helpful, survey-takers also noted some of the disadvantages that cloud-users are at risk of, including hacking (48%) and phishing (33%) from outside sources, technical problems (44%) and data loss (38%). With these pros and cons in mind, 51% agree they would be ruined if they ever got hacked or phished, especially since they have sensitive content stored there (46%). “Three-quarters of breaches can be prevented by using strong passwords and multi-factor authentication and being alert to suspicious emails,” Brucciani said. “Having effective cyber security measures in place, and always backing up your date, will reduce much of the risk and should be our first priority.”

Almost four in five Americans believe that if animals were able to talk like people, dogs would be the first to do so. A poll of 2,000 adults revealed that 78% believe that hypothetically, dogs are more likely to start talking like a person, while 60% believe the same about cats. More than half (53%) of respondents imagine their favorite pet would have a certain tone, accent or pattern of speaking. One respondent said, “a sassy, southern accent and the tone changes depending on what she wants or needs.” Others said “British” or “Boston” accents, while another said, “my previous dog would have had a low, monotone voice.” Conducted by OnePoll on behalf of Healthy Paws, the survey also asked respondents about the perks and potential downsides of being able to have a conversation with our pets. Some of the benefits of pets being able to speak are that they could explain their food preferences (61%) and tell their pet parents if something is wrong (58%) But for all the good chatting with our pets might bring, more than half (53%) are worried their pet would reveal secrets. On top of that, 49% worry they wouldn’t stop talking and 46% are concerned they’d insult someone. In general, respondents believe dogs are more likely to say something mean than cats (33% vs 24%), but another third believe they are equally likely to say something callous. And if pets did start speaking, 22% would record it and 17% would scream or panic, while 15% would simply speak back. “It’s fun to speculate on what our pets might say and how they would sound, said Danette Johnston, a consulting dog trainer at Healthy Paws and owner of Dogs Day Out training center in Seattle, Wash. “But the important thing is to understand our pets are communicating with us all the time with their body language and vocalizations and it is up to us to learn their language." Respondents already feel pretty confident they can understand meows and barks as 23% said they “always” understand what a pet is trying to say and 42% “often” understand. Respondents look for indicators like “talking” or making noises (61%), “following me around” (54%) and whining (53%). But it takes time for people to understand their pets, as the average respondent needs about three and a half years to fully understand how they communicate. Half of respondents have worried that they’ll miss an injury or illness because pets can’t speak to us. But respondents look for ways to tell if their pet isn’t feeling well like lack of appetite (52%), restlessness (51%) and fatigue (50%). Overall, 82% of respondents agree that those who consistently have pets have a better understanding of them. “While pets may not be able to speak with us verbally, it’s up to us as pet parents to learn when they are trying to tell us something important,”said Rob Jackson, founder and chief pet protector for Healthy Paws Pet Insurance. “Look for signs your pet isn’t feeling well, such as lethargy, lack of appetite, trouble passing stool, diarrhea, vomiting, or limping. If any of these conditions persist for more than a few hours, get them to a veterinarian to resolve any issues before they worsen. And, of course, regular vet visits are always recommended to track your pet’s general health and to keep them up-to-date on vaccines or other preventatives.”

A quarter of Americans would rather shave their head than contact customer support, according to new research. The survey of 2,000 Americans (who have ever dealt with customer support) revealed 24% would prefer to shave their head than speak with customer service — and that’s not the only extreme some respondents are willing to go to. Instead of trying to resolve an issue, respondents would rather do their taxes (30%), go to the dentist (28%) or go to the DMV (25%). Twenty-two percent would even choose a night in jail over dealing with a customer support representative. Conducted by OnePoll on behalf of Twilio Flex, the survey looked at the effect customer service can have on Americans’ habits — then it also dug into the current pain points people experience, to see why they might go to such extremes to avoid resolving their issue. According to the survey results, 62% of respondents have stopped using a company or service specifically because of a bad customer support experience. And the opposite is true as well: 80% of respondents are more likely to be loyal to a company in the future if they have a positive experience with their support team. Results found negative experiences, unfortunately, tend to be more prevalent: it takes an average of three attempts and more than an hour and a half on hold — in order to solve just one issue with customer support. Respondents spend 42 minutes on hold each time they contact customer service, which they have to do about three times per issue. But even once they are able to speak with a representative, their issue is resolved less than half the time — with an average success rate of only 46%. Two-thirds (65%) of those surveyed said it “doesn’t feel worth it” to get an issue resolved, due to the time and effort it takes. When asked about specific pain points, needing to repeat details of an issue to a new representative after being transferred or disconnected (45%) was revealed to cause the most frustration for respondents. That was followed by needing to contact a company multiple times to get an issue resolved (42%) — and having only one option for a communication method (email, phone, etc.) to reach a customer support representative (40%). And all the frustrations that come with contacting customer service might be why 66% of respondents delay reaching out. For those who delay contacting someone after an issue arises, the average respondent waits for a little over two weeks — or about 16 days. This has caused respondents to get stuck in unwanted contracts because they miss the cancellation window (46%), miss the return window for products (44%) and even lose money on an item or service (41%). “A major root cause of bad customer service is enabling technology that isn’t built to meet today’s customer expectations,” said Simonetta Turek, GM of Customer Experience Products, including Flex, Twilio’s contact center solution. “Representatives aren’t equipped to deliver seamless and contextual experiences when they’re using outdated technology not designed foremost with the customer experience and customer journey in mind. This results in a poor experience for both the representatives and customers.” What would help solve the common frustrations? Respondents would like it if representatives had access to relevant information to better serve them, so they don’t have to repeat themselves if transferred (54%). In addition to that, people surveyed want to be able to solve their issue without speaking on the phone to a live person (52%) and have multiple ways to contact support to get their issue resolved (51%). Results also found that — of those who currently delay reaching out to customer service — 84% said they’d be less likely to do so if they had multiple ways to contact them. “Customers expect a different experience from businesses — one that is personalized from the very first interaction, from the point of sale all the way to when they reach out for assistance,” said Turek. “Businesses need to take advantage of the technology available to provide these end-to-end experiences. These include easy to implement omni-channel functionality, shared context across contact center representatives and other customer-facing personnel, such as retail floor associates, and providing personalized offers and relevant product or service information. Those that don’t adopt new channels and maximize the value of existing customer information will lose out on loyalty and ongoing business opportunities.” TOP PAIN POINTS RESPONDENTS FIND WHEN DEALING WITH CUSTOMER SUPPORT Having to repeat details of the issue to a new representative after being transferred or being disconnected — 45% Having to contact a company multiple times to get an issue resolved — 42% Only having one option in which to reach a customer support representative (ex. needing to call or email; not having a live chat or SMS option) — 40% Not being able to reach a live person quickly — 39% (tied) Spending time on hold listening to bad music while — 39% (tied) Poor connection resulting in getting disconnected or having a hard time hearing the representative — 37% Not being able to resolve an issue online — 30% Navigating the button options (“press two for xx”) — 28% Limited times in which I can call for help — 24% WHAT WOULD HELP SOLVE THE PAIN POINTS OF DEALING WITH CUSTOMER SUPPORT? The representative has access to relevant information to their issue, so they don’t have to repeat themselves when transferred — 54% Being able to solve their issue without speaking on the phone to a live person (through text, online live chat, self-service online etc.) — 52% Having multiple ways to contact customer support (phone call, SMS text, Whats App, online live chat) — 51% Clear directions on how to get connected to a live person quickly — 47% Being able to solve their issue online — 39%

The average American will experience symptoms of “hanger” almost every day of their lives, new research suggests. A recent survey of 2,000 U.S. adults found three-fourths (74%) admit their hunger gets the best of them five times a week, culminating in an astounding 21,000+ “hangry” outbursts over the course of their lifetimes. People most commonly experience “hanger” as feelings of anger, grumpiness, impatience and fatigue. Regionally, the Northeast is the “hangriest” of all, with 46% saying they “always” or “often” experience this feeling. Countrywide, men are less likely to be “hangry” than women, with 32% saying they have never experienced “hanger,” as opposed to only 20% of women. Conducted by OnePoll on behalf of Farm Rich, the survey also revealed the most common reasons for people’s hunger-related irritability as mealtime delays (44%), a busy work schedule (37%) – a number that rose to 44% amongst millennials – never knowing what to cook (32%) and not having time to grocery shop (29%). “Hanger” is most frequently experienced at home (41%), but people’s crankiness seems to follow them to work (35%), when they’re shopping (34%), while running errands (33%) and traveling (33%). Perhaps to no one’s surprise, adults with small kids are the “hangriest” of all — 42% of people with kids ages 0-4 identify as frequently “hangry.” Overall, 39% of parents polled admitted to chowing down on their kids’ snacks to help ease their hunger pangs. And nearly 7 in 10 (68%) parents are willing to let their kids eat whatever they want if it will stop them from having a “hangry” tantrum. Approaching someone who’s hungry and irritable? Here’s what you need to know: avoid talking too much (42%) and please don’t try to remove someone’s plate before they’re finished (38%). Fifty-eight percent of those who are “food grumpy” will even eat their least favorite food just to satisfy their cravings and 42% admitted to faux pas like eating leftovers they knew their significant other or roommate was saving for themselves. And (in true George Costanza style,) 28% shockingly shared they’ve eaten food that’s been thrown out off the top of the garbage can, while 27% copped to eating expired food. Meghan Ozamiz, Director of Marketing for Farm Rich, says the new national survey seemed to really strike a chord with its respondents. “There are many reasons our moods can be affected by food and this poll shows us a lot of them. Also, we saw that snacks remain important, with more than half the respondents (56%) saying they try to always keep snacks on hand or fuel up with small meals throughout the day (55%).” When it comes to hot snacks vs. cold, the results are about even. Slightly more than half of those surveyed (52%) say “a hot, savory snack is more satiating than a cold one.” There’s also a science behind hunger-related mood swings that’s connected to our blood sugar levels. Snacks like fruit, dried fruit, nuts and nut butters require minimal prep and can help restore one’s emotional balance while managing blood sugar levels. If you’re having trouble getting over “the hump” on Wednesdays, hunger may be to blame – a third (33%) of those who get irritable say they’re likely to experience this emotion mid-week. The cause? More than half of the adults surveyed (53%) attribute it to skipping meals, with not eating on time is another big culprit (48%). Not surprisingly, grocery shopping while “hangry” often results in impulse buys and big checkout receipts. The majority of those surveyed copped to spending $51 to $100 more during a trip to the store. And among the top impulse food buys are the 4Cs: cheese, chips, chocolate and cookies. WHERE PEOPLE ARE “HANGRY” At home - 41% At work - 35% While shopping - 34% Running errands - 33% Traveling (road trips, long flights, etc.) - 33% While exercising - 24% Doctor’s appointment - 23% Pool/beach - 22% Sporting events - 21% My kid’s sporting event - 20% Movie theater - 20% Wedding - 19% Happy hour - 19% Job interview - 18% WHAT ARE PEOPLE MOST GUILTY OF WHEN “HANGRY”? Sneaking to eat leftovers knowing a roommate or significant other was saving – 42% Eating kids’ snacks – 39% Eating discarded food off the top of the garbage can or that’s been thrown out – 28% Eating expired food – 27% Stealing someone else’s food/leftovers from the office or shared kitchen – 27% WHAT WOULD PEOPLE DO TO NEVER BE “HANGRY”? Stock my fridge/freezer with a month’s supply of food - 49% Give up social media for a month - 32% Eat only my favorite food for a month - 30% Get a tattoo of my favorite food item - 26% Run 5 miles - 26% Change my name to my favorite snack - 25% Wear the same clothes for a week - 16% Not watch my favorite sports team for a whole season - 12% 5.2 “hangry” episodes a week x 52 weeks = 270.4 a year x 78.79 years (average U.S. life expectancy) = 21,305

Every task counts — a new survey has revealed “absolute chaos” ensues for three in four front-line industry workers if they forget something during their shift. The poll of 1,000 American employees in front-line industries — food and beverage, hospitality, and more — found the average worker has 11 tasks to complete by the end of each shift. And early shifts appear to be the busiest: respondents who work mornings reported an average of 23 daily tasks, almost twice as many as the overall average. Three out of four (76%) said that if they forget even one of those numerous tasks, everything at work is thrown into chaos. Commissioned by Wisetail and conducted by OnePoll, the survey asked respondents to look beyond these specific tasks, exploring the skills, behaviors and training they need to do their jobs successfully. Seventy-four percent of respondents said they use a number of critical life skills for their job, most frequently time management (42%), multitasking (41%) and critical thinking (40%). Following that, respondents cited the ability to keep things presentable and organized (40%) and the ability to prioritize tasks (39%). And there’s no doubt these skills come in handy: 68% of workers surveyed said their job is stressful, and 24% said this stress impacts the quality of their work. When asked what would help ensure things are done correctly, one respondent said it’d be beneficial if their employer “would train employees better.” Perhaps as a result, 53% of respondents admit they’ve missed a step in an important task, which has created a dangerous or unpleasant situation at work. Making mistakes at work can stem from a number of different causes, according to respondents — not having access to things needed for the job (40%), taking on another employee’s tasks (38%) and working with malfunctioning equipment (36%). At the core of the issue: all of these mistakes are avoidable, with proper training and oversight. Consequences often include receiving customer complaints (62%), breaking pieces of work equipment (58%) and even someone getting hurt (57%). “Frontline workers are stressed - and not having the right technology to help manage their day coupled with proper training and communication only magnifies the issue, putting team members and the business at risk,” said Ali Knapp, Wisetail president. Findings from the survey suggest it’s common for employees to receive their first training through an online system, either company-provided (44%) or hosted through a third-party (28%). Overall, 61% receive continual job training sessions for their current roles. The survey also held a few interesting insights on how to implement better training opportunities for their employees. First, it can be important to know what learning style people prefer — results found 31% of respondents were auditory learners, while 29% said they were visual learners. Second, the survey found 75% of respondents believe that managers should explain why certain tasks are important when sharing them with employees, to create a deeper understanding. “Creating an engaged workforce goes beyond initial training,” continued Ali. “Technology has allowed for organizations to create more consistency in their learning and development programs, but it doesn’t account for day-to-day activities that frontline workers are responsible for. As organizations, we need to do more to support our employees and mitigate stressed-induced errors by encouraging shoulder-to-shoulder learning in their everyday activities.” WHAT CRITICAL LIFE SKILLS ARE MOST USED BY FRONT LINE WORKERS? Time management — 42% Multitasking — 41% Critical thinking — 40% Keeping things presentable and organized — 40% Ability to prioritize tasks — 39% Reasoning — 37% (tied) Task management — 37% (tied) Keeping a sense of timing — 35%         Cleaning — 35%         Cooking — 30% De-escalation — 24%

The average American is willing to pay more than twice as much as the sticker price for products that last a lifetime. A new poll of 2,000 US adults found on average, people would pay 108% more than the listed cost of any item they’re shopping for, as long as it lasts at least 20 years. Three in five respondents claimed they’re more inclined to spend money on quality items than something that’s cheaper both in price and quality. Items that last the longest were reportedly the most “valuable” to 69% of respondents. Sixty-one percent even believe some of the oldest things they own are ageless — seemingly always in style. Commissioned by Slickdeals and conducted by OnePoll, the study found the average person has held onto their oldest owned items for 15 years, but some go rarely used. The top oldest items owned and used daily include phones (25%), cars (13%) and watches (8%). Meanwhile, rarely used and held-onto items are shoes (15%) and coats (9%). According to two-thirds (67%), some things are always worth paying more for, provided they last longer than average — cars (34%), kitchen appliances (34%), cookware (30%), TVs (28%) and phones (26%). Over six in 10 (63%) have been burned by buying the cheap version of a product before. “A cheap upfront cost does not always mean you won’t end up paying for it later,” said Louie Patterson, personal finance manager for Slickdeals, “The concept of buy it for life can be a valuable one. Investing in a higher quality item can ultimately save you on replacement costs, as well as the time and energy spent researching and shopping for a new item.” Seven in 10 (71%) said they make sure their oldest items stick around, giving them any maintenance they need to keep them in working order. Half of respondents (49%) also said they own an item they are sentimental about and hope to one day pass it down to future generations. Over half (57%) base the value of their longest-lasting items based on sentimentality, rather than money. However, if forced to sell the long-lasting items that mean the most to them, the average respondent said they’d list it for no less than $1,243. Results also revealed a third of Americans (31%) have purchased items with lifetime warranties. Twice as many (62%) knew their items would stand the test of time the instant they were bought. More than three-quarters (77%) bought lifetime warranty products over alternatives strictly because of the warranty they came with. Thirty-two percent of lifetime warranty holders have never had to use them. “Overlooking quality by simply focusing on price is a mistake consumers sometimes make when looking for the best deal,” added Patterson. “Our community of millions of real shoppers is a great resource to ensure you’re getting the best products at the best prices.” TOP ITEMS WORTH THE MONEY, IF THEY LAST FOREVER Cars - 34% Kitchen appliances - 34% Cookware - 30% TVs - 28% Phones - 26% Jewelry - 26% Watches - 25% Exercise equipment - 22% Dishware - 19% Shoes - 19%