Research shows what Brits missing most in lockdowns
We all took everyday things for granted prior to lockdown and new research has highlighted the top 20 things we took in our stride before COVID-19 struck.
PizzaExpress has carried out the research into what Brits took for granted the most prior to lockdown from hair cuts to hugs and impromptu meals out with loved ones.
The research coincides with PizzaExpress’ Share A Smile initiative, which saw 13 individuals around the country recognised for going above and beyond this year, also rewarded with a year’s supply of pizza.
Two of those winners enjoyed an even bigger surprise as PizzaExpress worked with their friends to surprise them with a bucket list trip to dream destinations.
Frank Colley, a care manager, was one of the two, and PizzaExpress captured his surprise when he found out he could finally go to Disneyland Florida (when it’s safe to travel there of course).
Latest research by PizzaExpress, which looked into what the nation has missed the most during lockdowns, discovered the things that people never thought they’d have to give up and what they pledge to never underestimate the value of again.
More than a third (37 per cent) didn’t think they’d miss going to the cinema so much, and a quarter said that they even miss face-to-face meetings at work. Half of those polled admitted they now realise that they took for granted meeting friends for impromptu meal or drinks and seeing family.
One in five adults, many forced into a cycle of daily video calls, also said they had gained a newfound appreciation for their broadband connection.
The pizza maker’s research went on to show that three-quarters of adults said the lockdown has made them value ‘the little things’ in life more. And just under nine in ten vow to keep a greater appreciation for small moments of happiness, once the pandemic is over and if life returns to normal. A further three quarters said that prior to the pandemic, they were guilty of saying ‘thank you’ without really meaning it, with a quarter admitting that they took their hairdresser for granted pre-pandemic, and just under one in five, saying that they didn’t appreciate their children’s teachers enough.
Top 20 things Brits took for granted pre-lockdown ...
1 Giving someone a hug or handshake
2 Going on holiday 3 Meeting friends for an impromptu meal or a drink 4 Family get-togethers 5 Going to the supermarket without queuing
6 Being able to attend key annual events without restrictions (eg Halloween, Bonfire Night, Diwali, Christmas)
7 Getting a haircut
8 Going to live events (eg sports, comedy, music, theatre)
9 Going to the cinema 10 Seeing elderly relatives 11 The countryside/nature 12 Household essentials 13 Parties
14 Workplace banter and gossip
15 Face-to-face work meetings
16 Going to the gym or leisure centre
17 Your daily commute 18 Working from the office, with the appropriate desk and chair
19 Children being at school
20 Reliable Wi-Fi or phone signal
Managing director at PizzaExpress, Zoe Bowley, said: “Lockdown restrictions have been part of life for so long now – it’s hard to remember a time when you could simply ring up a friend and go for a meal or drink without serious planning.” Visit pizzaexpress.com website.