That is why almost 80 percent of Swiss families are pessimistic about the future

Inflation, rising health insurance premiums, higher rents and expensive pension provisions – almost everything has become more expensive in Switzerland in recent months. In addition to people with lower incomes, families are particularly affected by the increased costs of living.

With the Family Barometer 2024, the Swiss professional association “Pro Familia Switzerland” and the pension specialists of “Pax” are publishing the results of a Switzerland-wide study into the development of Swiss family relationships for the second time. From November 8 to 18 last year, 2,123 families in all parts of Switzerland were surveyed via an online panel. We provide the most important insights:

At 80 percent, the vast majority of families in Switzerland are still satisfied with their family life. Compared to last year, satisfaction has increased slightly. Satisfaction increases as income rises, according to the results of the family barometer.

Despite widespread satisfaction, last year’s pessimism about the future development of families in Switzerland has become even more pronounced. Nearly four-fifths of families (79 percent) expect the overall situation for families to worsen over the next three years (last year: 68 percent). The share of families expecting a serious deterioration is particularly high in Ticino, among single-parent families and among households with an income of up to 100,000 francs.

The lives of families in Switzerland are even more affected by financial problems than last year. The clear focus for families is on health insurance premiums, followed by higher prices overall. In contrast, the topics of health, climate change and environmental protection have lost their relevance. Energy supply and security have clearly taken a back seat and the corona pandemic is virtually no longer a concern for families in Switzerland.

Most families see more financial resources as the most important lever to improve their family life. This view is especially pronounced among single-parent families and households with an income of up to 120,000 francs. More free time with the family and lower stress levels would also be very beneficial for one’s own family life.

The financial situation for families in French-speaking Switzerland and Ticino is more tense than in German-speaking Switzerland. Moreover, the results in all regions show that not only lower incomes, but also middle-class families are feeling the consequences of the shortage of financial resources.

Even more than last year, families expect the focus to be on reducing the costs of health insurance (51 percent) and financial support for families (38 percent). The third priority for family policy was identified by respondents as reconciling work and family life.

Families in German-speaking Switzerland and Ticino attach more importance to this point than families in French-speaking Switzerland. The compatibility of work and family also receives more weight among respondents with children up to 12 years old and among respondents from higher income groups.

For more than half of the families (52 percent), the income is currently not or barely sufficient. Compared to the previous year, the financial situation of families has become slightly worse. The share of families whose family income is not or barely sufficient is particularly high in Italian-speaking Switzerland, in French-speaking Switzerland, in single-parent families and with incomes up to 100,000 francs.

The tense financial situation affects families, regardless of the number of children. However, if there are more than three children, this is further accentuated.

Almost all families (93 percent) are currently thinking about increasing employment to secure their family income due to the difficult financial situation. For 48 percent of respondents, one parent is considering working more, and for 45 percent both parents are considering this.

The share of families that see no opportunity to save has increased slightly by 30 percent compared to the previous year. More than a third (37 percent) of families can put aside a maximum of 500 francs per month. The low savings potential is particularly pronounced in French and Italian Switzerland and among single-parent families.

Just like last year, families initially cut back on vacations, restaurant visits and leisure activities for cost reasons. The share of families that have to cut back on health care has risen from 7 to 11 percent. On the other hand, less is saved on regular hobbies, on education and further training and on media consumption.

For four in ten families, the costs are even a reason not to have more children. For 15 percent of respondents, costs are the main reason and for 26 percent one of the many reasons for no longer having offspring. Financial factors therefore also influence the growth and age structure of the population.

About two-thirds of families (63 percent) are currently satisfied with the balance between family and professional life. This means that satisfaction is at a comparable level to last year. Satisfaction is lower among families with small children between 0 and 3 years old, and increases with higher income.

From the perspective of respondents, compatibility between work and family life could be increased mainly through greater flexibility in working hours and the ability to work from home. The importance of both points has increased compared to last year. Thirdly, there is the option to work part-time.

A total of 71 percent of families who use external childcare are very or somewhat satisfied with the care provided. This means that satisfaction has increased slightly compared to the previous year. At 50 percent, the share of families that currently do not use external childcare is significantly higher than last year.

According to the families interviewed, external childcare could mainly be improved by lowering rates. Further measures include more flexible use of external childcare and an expansion of the number of childcare places.