Doing more vs. doing less

Keep busy or take it easy?

Homes are doing more than ever before. Nowhere was this more evident than during the pandemic when they were required to perform a vast number of functions from offices to daycare to gyms. And for many, those new roles have become permanent. 24% of people in 2023 say they sometimes work from home.

The shift of maximising what we do in our lives at home creates an increasing need for multifunctional spaces with a clear purpose. We’re looking to home life as a place to pursue passions, feel productive and create a sense of control and accomplishment.

On the other hand, there is also a yearning for calm. People want a home life that is peaceful and fosters relaxation. Searches for ‘slow living’ have doubled since 2015¹.

Many are prioritising meaningful objects over quantity, and are looking to create a place of nurturing, accomplishment and enjoyment. Should home be a playground or an oasis? This tension is a universal struggle for individuals, families and households.

Doing more

Needs being met

• Control
• Accomplishment
• Balancing remote work

The work-from-home trend exploded during the height of the pandemic, but it’s still a way of life today with 24% of us sometimes working from home. What was a new normal is now just normal. Setting up home offices and searching for ways to stay organised and focused are everyday realities.

Tidiness plays a key role

Whilst keeping the home tidy is often seen as a chore, it does have its upsides. As many as 40% of people agree that having a tidy, organised home helps them feel content and at ease. It creates a sense of accomplishment and calm that makes the hard work worth it.

Feeling productive

Being productive at home in 2023 isn’t just about keeping organised. It’s about achieving meaningful goals and having a sense of accomplishment. It’s engaging in hobbies, taking on renovation projects, working, studying and caring for loved ones. The ability to feel progress at home is essential for personal and professional growth.

• 56% of us are either looking to move or renovate our home in the next two years
• 22% of us feel a sense of pride and progress teaching our children/ grandchildren
• 20% of us feel a sense of pride and progress spending time on hobbies or interests

Doing less

Needs being met

• Nurturing
• Enjoyment
• Control

Taking a breather

In a chaotic world, having a place to unwind is the number one home priority in 2023. 43% of us agree on this issue. Home should be the sanctuary where we can easily enjoy ourselves. Doing less helps to fulfil the need for nurturing. It allows us to step back from the hustle and bustle of the outside world. The desire to relax at home increases with age. Just 34% of Generation Z mentioned it compared to 48-49% of Generation X and Baby Boomers.

Tidying isn’t always fulfilling

While a tidy home creates a sense of accomplishment and control, the act of tidying—or guilt of not tidying—can be stressful. 21% of us feel that never-ending tasks or chores prevent us from feeling in control of life at home. Not tackling our to-do lists leaves a nagging feeling of guilt and can often lead to disagreements within the household.

When it comes to chores, there’s a gender split. 34% of women say they do more household chores than the people they live with. Only 14% of men state that they do more.

A good night’s sleep

For most, getting a good night’s sleep or napping is a vital ingredient for a better life. More than 20% report that napping is one of the things that brings the most joy in life at home. That figure rises to 29% for people in Asia.

Getting a good night’s sleep is all about having the basics in place. These basics include paying attention to temperature, light and comfort.