Australians are choosing experiences over possessions when it comes to wellbeing
In an age of rapid consumerisation and social media, a recent survey that Eventbrite commissioned supports what university research tells us is true: only real life experiences — not gadgets and possessions — lead to fulfilling lives. Aussies are committing more time and money to live experiences, from concerts and festivals to networking events and workshops, particularly when it comes to escaping the everyday stresses of life.
The Eventbrite Live Experiences Impact Survey 2015, which surveyed over 1000 Australians earlier this year, reveals that Australians are enjoying more live experiences than ever before: 93% of us have attended some form of live experience in the last 12 months, with 67% saying ‘experiencing new things’ is an essential element to living a fulfilled life.
Key findings:
- The majority of Australians interviewed prefer to experience new things rather than own material things with a mere 8% indicating they would prefer to own things.
- Australians are hungry to experience more new things with 66% of respondents planning to participate in more live experiences in the next 12 months than they did in the last 12 months.
- Australians would prefer to improve their wellbeing rather than party with 41% of respondents looking to learn a new skill or craft and 37% looking to participate in health and wellbeing activities in the next 12 months. In contrast, only 12% would like to party more in the next 12 months.
- Live experiences play a significant role in an individual’s happiness and wellbeing, with 59% agreeing that great live experiences make life-long memories. 40% of respondents reported that they feel fulfilled after having attended or participated in a great live experience or event.
- Almost 90% of Aussies estimate they will spend up to one-quarter of their income on live experiences in the next 12 months.
Stressful jobs and desire for work-life balance drive the ‘experience economy’
The Eventbrite Live Experiences Impact Survey 2015 findings suggest our hectic lifestyles may be a key driver of Australia’s growing appetite to experience. The results indicate that more Aussies are using live experiences to unwind and destress after work hours, and are an important aspect to achieving a healthy work-life balance.
Almost half (48%) of respondents selected ‘achieving a better balance between work and ‘fun’’ as one of the reasons they plan to attend more live experiences, with 51% also saying they ‘want to achieve greater wellbeing’.
In addition to this, Aussies are looking to enhance the quality of their lives through culture building and learning experiences. According to the research, developing individual skills is a high priority in achieving personal fulfilment with data revealing:
- 40% of Australians would like to learn a new skill or craft in the next 12 months
- 37% want to get more involved in health and wellbeing activities (meditation, yoga, health expos)
- One in five (20%) are keen to attend food events like a food & wine festival or cooking class
Renaud Visage, Eventbrite’s CTO attributes the growth to the changes that we are experiencing as our societal and workplace cultures evolve. “The busier our lives, the more we look for outlets. From yoga festivals to colour runs, we’re seeing growth in the number and types of events available to people that reflect their needs and lifestyles. People are prepared to spend money when what they’re doing adds real value to their lives”.