List of 24 fears: These are the biggest concerns of the Swiss people

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These are difficult times for the Swiss. Health insurance premiums have increased. Again. And it’s really steep. Unfortunately, it’s not the first time. Specifically: In 2024, compulsory basic insurance premiums will increase by an average of 8.7 percent. The average monthly premium is 359.50 francs; this is almost 29 francs more than the current figure. It is 426.70 francs for adults, 300.60 francs for young adults aged 19-25 and 111.80 francs for children. It’s worth the money. This is true. And it really hurts.

However, the Swiss’ biggest concerns have changed. Current data from the GfK Consumer Life survey shows what worries the Swiss the most right now. Surprises are limited. Fear of inflation is at the top of the anxiety barometer this year. Accordingly, the Swiss people’s concerns about increasing healthcare costs are increasing. And whether they still have enough money to pay their bills. While these concerns rank second and third, concerns about climate change rank fourth.

Pandemic concerns disappear

After all: While the world is really starting to recover from the corona epidemic, fear of the epidemic has fallen from 7th to 11th place in the rankings. Instead, immigration and fear of migration moved up five places on the list of consumers’ top fears. concerns are increasing. But there are big differences between age groups: Only 7 percent of young people (15-19 years old) see immigration as one of their top three concerns, compared to a quarter of young people over 50.

And yet: Despite concerns about inflation and rising prices, almost 60 percent of Swiss people are optimistic about the future and expect their economic prospects to improve next year, despite rising health insurance premiums. As the research shows, young people, and especially men, are very confident in this regard. For comparison: In Germany, only 46 percent expect a positive development in their economic situation.

Regardless of the economic situation, climate change remains a major issue for the Swiss. Even if it falls from first place to fourth place. For those who are very concerned about inflation and price rises, or fear they may no longer be able to pay their bills, climate change is currently a lower priority. For the younger generation, aged 15 to 29, climate change is still the second biggest concern.

Tendency towards conscious and sophisticated consumption

Because: Today’s concerns influence current consumer trends. According to the research, conscious and conscious consumption is a trend that is becoming increasingly important. About a third of Swiss people prefer to have fewer but high-quality products. GfK consumer trends expert Anja Reimer puts it in perspective: “It is necessary to put this in perspective: Many consumers are now having to be more careful with their money and are looking for cost-effective alternatives. They are buying from discounters, especially with price promotions, looking for so-called refurbished and even second-hand products “On the other hand, there is a tendency towards conscious consumption, that is, purchasing less but with quality.”

But it’s not just quality that matters, compatibility with one’s own values ​​also plays a role: Around a quarter of Swiss consumers only purchase products and services that align with their beliefs, values ​​or ideals. This is not without its consequences: At the same time, the need for experiences is currently increasing. During the coronavirus pandemic, many consumers have realized how valuable experiences are to their well-being. Back then, sometimes it was simple things like spending time in nature or meeting friends. According to the research, today we are offering experiences that have not been possible for a long time: trips abroad or big events. 36 percent of Swiss people currently think that experiences are more important than what they have.

24 horrors to choose from

GfK Consumer Life is the most comprehensive and longest consumer trend study in the world. It covers the 26 most important national markets on all continents and is held annually. To identify consumers’ biggest concerns, each participant was asked to choose the three fears that concerned them most from a list of 24 fears. Additionally, participants’ economic confidence was assessed by asking how confident they were that their personal economic situation would be better in 12 months than it is today.

GfK Consumer Life also collects data on demographics, attitudes towards life, consumer sentiment, leisure activities, digital media and the environment. Purchasing attitudes and behaviors are identified in the areas of money and finance, food and beverage, health and wellness, mobility, technology and gaming. Retail companies and manufacturers can use Consumer Life data to fully align their strategies with the desired target groups and enrich them with GfK’s numerous additional offers. These include, among others, the GfK Green Gauge, GfK Roper Consumer Styles, GfK POS Retail data and the GfK Consumer Dashboard.

Source :Blick