Australians value time with their mates, but new research suggests many are skipping the moments that can help them feel supported and connected.
TAL’s Understanding Modern Australia Report shows Australians place a high value on personal connection. But for many, life gets in the way, cancelling plans because they feel tired, stressed or financially stretched.
TAL’s Head of Mental Health, Glenn Baird …connecting with friends, family and community should be seen as a wellbeing habit
Glenn Baird, Head of Mental Health at TAL, says connecting with friends, family and community should be seen as a wellbeing habit.
“Our research shows Australians deeply value their relationships but say they lack the time or resources to connect.
“At the same time, most people – more than seven in 10 – are making time for activities that support their mental wellbeing. The opportunity is to bring these things together by treating connection as part of how we look after ourselves,” he says.
“For many people, friends and regular social contact are deeply linked to how they feel day-to-day. That is why saying yes to a simple invitation, or offering one to someone else, can matter.”
He says it doesn’t need to be complicated or time-consuming. It can be a quick call, a walk around the block, or accepting an invitation you would usually decline.
A separate TAL survey, looking at Australians’ habits around social connection, found fatigue is the main reason people cancel plans (37%). Some 35% cancel because they do not feel like going out and 26% because they need time alone.
Women are more likely than men to say tiredness gets in the way of social plans (45% compared with 28%). One in five cancelled plans because of cost (20%).
More frequent social contact is associated with better overall health, and in particular our mental health…
TAL says the survey found people are more likely to follow through when plans are simple and low friction. Being close to home (54%), at a convenient time (47%) or free (45%) are the strongest prompts to attend a social event.
“We know more frequent social contact is associated with better overall health, and in particular our mental health,” says Baird.
TAL says this year, Mental Health Australia has chosen Together We Thrive as the theme for Mental Health Month, recognising the important role connection, belonging and support play in positive mental health outcomes.
To support connection, throughout October, TAL is giving away free tickets to AFLW games and encouraging Australians to invite a family member or friend along.
Its Social Forecast campaign is based on the connection survey insights and is focused on reaching younger Australians. It is being run across social media (TAL’s Instagram @TAL_Australia and TikTok @TAL_aus) and in partnership with The Daily Aus.
