The financial turmoil and slowdown might be worrisome globally but Indians consider maintaining a balance between work and life as their biggest concern than the economy, a survey shows.
According to a study conducted by global information and media firm Nielsen Company, about 20 per cent of the Indians feel that balancing work and life is their utmost concern while only 13 per cent are worried about the economy.
"... better opportunities along with good pay package, growth prospects, brings in a long work schedule leaving individuals with very little time to balance their work and life."Demanding careers
Demanding careers have dominated the lives of many young Indians for sometime now and it takes a toll on their family life. It is not a surprise then that most Indians consider work-life balance as their biggest concern, said The Nielsen Company, Managing Director - Customised Research, Asia Pacific India, China and Greater China, Sarang Panchal.
On the other hand, respondents across the world rated the state of economy as their chief concern.
Interestingly, respondents from many countries especially in booming and emerging markets of Eastern Europe, Middle East and Asia cited work and life balance as their primary concern.
The bi-annual Nielsen Global Online Consumer Survey was conducted in April 2008 among 28,253 Internet users in 51 markets from Europe, Asia Pacific, North America and the Middle East.Parents welfare and happiness
With 12 per cent, parents welfare and happiness emerged as the third biggest concern for Indians and is also the highest for any country in the Asia Pacific region.
"Despite news of westernisation and other influences that we keep talking about, India is still a close knit society. Unlike west, children do not start their own life the moment they reach adulthood; people grow old living with parents under the same roof. It is in the Indian culture to care about one's parents," Panchal added.
Globally, consumers rated job security (10 per cent) as their third biggest concern, followed by health (nine per cent), children's education/welfare (nine per cent) and debt (eight per cent).Job security
In the list of biggest concerns, 11 percent Indians are concerned about their Job Security. 6 percent have Health as a concern. With 9 percent, Global Warming is a biggest concern where India ranks second along with Switzerland globally. Thailand ranks first (14 per cent-biggest concern) when global warming concerns are raised.
The survey noted that America has more monetary concerns while Asia Pacific is more worried about its emotional and physical well-being. While Europe is concerned about the environment, Middle East/Africa is grappling with issues concerning politics and terrorism.
"Lifestyle and culture play an important role in how consumers rank their concerns in life. Considering the thriving economy of India and good job prospects, Indians are more concerned about their overall wellbeing, Panchal said.
"They are confident that whatever problems they would face in the near future, lack of money wont be a cause of it."
Further, children's education and/or welfare (seven per cent), debt (three per cent), political stability (three per cent), terrorism (two per cent), crime (two per cent), and ability to afford retirement (two per cent) are some other concerns of Indians.