New Delhi: Circa 2020 was a difficult year for most at a personal level, with the raging pandemic and its collateral impact. It did turn life topsy turvy for most with a multitude of challenges, that it brought in its wake.
Circa 2021 – what could take the sheen off?
WEF-Ipsos Personal Concern & Expectations of 7 Key Issues in 2021 Survey of 28 countries shows urban Indians and global citizens are beset with overriding concerns.
At least 2 in 3 Indians (67%) are deeply concerned about losing ofincome or employment in 2021. 65% of urban Indians fear frequent occurrence of weather-related natural disasters, 64% fear deteriorating health (mental and physical), while 64% are concerned about conflicts and trade disputes between India and other countries.
Some of the other concerns that came up included: Worsening social prejudice or inequality – for example due to gender or ethnicity (59%), more difficulty accessing training/ education (59%) and more difficulty accessing digital tools and technology (52%).
Global citizens on the other hand are most concerned about deteriorating health (62%), mental and physical, 61% fear loss of personal income or employment, while 60% worry about more frequent occurrence of weather-related natural disasters.
“India is in the recovery mode after a difficult 2020, and the fear around salary cuts and job loss is still haunting most urban Indians. There is a lurking fear of trimming of workforce as a likely recourse, some employers could adopt for better financial performance, though it might not happen, but the fear persists. Likewise, natural disasters due to global warming have of late shown frequent occurrences and continue to worry many,” says Amit Adarkar, CEO, Ipsos India.
Personal concerns apart, urban Indians and global citizens expect improvement in certain areas, in this year.
Ray of hope – what will bounce back?
57% urban Indians are hopeful of increased access to digital tools and technology; 46% expect general health conditions to perk up; 46% expect increase in opportunities for training and education; 44% are optimistic that India will further improve its ties with other countries.
Global citizens in comparison are somewhat subdued ingoing ballistic about their expectations: 36% expect improvement in digital tools and technology, 27% expect the general health conditions to improve, 25% expect better opportunities for training and education and 25% expect employment opportunities to rise.
“Digital tools and tech have been great enablers throughout the pandemic and urban Indians continue to believe in its improvisation; likewise, the corona vaccine is likely to improve health conditions and urban Indians are most enthused about these two, in 2021,” added Adarkar.
