The Argos Quality Time Report reveals that whilst many have embraced aspects of lockdown, the majority are in need of a break as relationships have become strained and work-related video calls continue to dominate. With less than one in five people (19 per cent) planning a trip abroad and a surge in searches and sales of staycation-related items, Argos is encouraging the nation to take time out with their loved ones closer to home.
A massive 38.2 million Brits* have struggled to spend even two hours a day of quality time with friends and family over lockdown according to a new Quality Time Report by Argos that analyses the effect the pandemic has had on the nation’s need to take a break and properly reconnect.
Although many have spent the lockdown period together, the majority (89 per cent) of people are now looking to increase meaningful time spent with friends and family this summer. This comes as no surprise as 44 per cent of Brits report that relationships with those living in the same household have become more strained, with the average Brit spending 133 hours arguing with family members since lockdown began. Co-habiting couples seemed to particularly feel this, with one in three confessing to have bickered about whose turn it was to cook (30 per cent), whose night it was to do the dishes (26 per cent), and 24 per cent admitted to falling out over what to watch on TV.
Despite this, the Quality Time Report reveals that the nation has embraced certain aspects of the ‘new normal’, with over a third (35 per cent) learning a new skill, 65 per cent cooking and baking for up to two hours a day, 67 per cent making time to garden at least once a day and 28 per cent spending over half an hour creating entertaining social media content.
Those working full time have found leisure time more elusive, with the report revealing that 56 per cent have spent up to six hours a day on work-related video calls, and 86 per cent spending the same amount of time doing house chores, leaving little time for anything else. It comes as no surprise that over one fifth (22 per cent) are unable to remember the last time they had a proper break, with 25 per cent taking less than 10 days annual leave since March, and 19 per cent not even managing to take five.
As people begin to plan these much-needed breaks, many are looking closer to home as fewer than one in five people (19 per cent) plan to travel abroad this year. Instead, 24 million Brits are considering a staycation, whether that’s a traditional camping holiday, a seaside break, or for 3.2 million people** - a staycation in their own home and garden. This is a stark contrast to the 65 per cent of Brits that usually average up to three trips abroad per year.
The growth in popularity of at-home staycations could be explained by the fact people are being more cost-savvy (40%), realising that holiday vibes can be enjoyed simply by bringing their nearest and dearest to them and recreating their favourite experiences without having to travel. Over one in 10 (14 per cent) see it as an opportunity to spend time with family members who are too young or old to travel, whilst 12 per cent see it as the perfect opportunity to be kinder to the environment.
Argos sales data supports the idea that Brits are getting ready to bring the party to their own garden with searches for pop up garden gazebos up by 40 per cent, BBQ’s by 82 per cent and parasols by 100%. And the holiday at home vibe doesn’t stop there, as many are recreating beach getaways and thrill-seeking water parks for the kids as they purchase play sand (up 58 per cent), Fast Fill water guns (up 79 per cent) and inflatable slip and slides (up 64 per cent).
Spikes in the sales of certain products such as Ultimate Ears portable speakers (up 99 per cent) and 6-person picnic tables (up 52 per cent) also indicate that Brits are looking to recreate missed festivals and al fresco moments in their back gardens.
Britain’s lockdown highs and lows:
Highs – What we’ve enjoyed doing more of
1. Watching TV
2. Reading
3. Gardening
4. Cooking/baking
5. Exercising
6. Outdoor activities
7. Cleaning
8. Sunbathing
9. Learning new skills
10. Learning Tik Tok dance routines
Lows – What we’ve missed the most
1. Holidays
2. Eating/drinking out
3. Quality time with family/friends
4. Big family events and celebrations
5. Cinema/theatre
6. Beach trips
7. Festivals
8. Sports events
9. Gyms
10. New TV shows
To encourage people to take some quality time out with their friends and family, Argos has launched a social competition to challenge the nation to share their best at-home staycation activities and moments using the hashtag #ArgosStaycation and tagging @Argoshome on Instagram. Entrants are in with the chance to win £1,000 in Sainsbury's & Argos vouchers*** towards hosting the ultimate staycation. For more information and details on how to enter via Facebook see: https://www.argos.co.uk/features/staycation-ideas
Matthew Stent, Argos Leisure Buying Manager at Argos said: “With so much time spent inside during lockdown, people have understandably found themselves wanting a break from work and feeling like they need some real quality time with family. It’s wonderful to see the level of creativity that people have shown in recreating their favourite breaks in the comfort of their own homes and gardens, enjoying all the benefits of a holiday, without the stress of far flung travel.
“With products available at the click of a button, people are free to create their own fun, whether that’s a splash park in the garden, a foodie fest with friends or a relaxing spa weekend and we are keen to celebrate the very best of these with our new competition.”
To help inspire the nation, Argos has partnered with mum-of-three Harriet Shearsmith, a.k.a Toby & Roo, who has shared her top tips on creating the perfect stay-at-home staycation experience:
Imagine you’re going ‘out out’
Put your swimming kit on for days in the sun and get dressed up to go 'out out' for dinner, even if it is in your own dining room. The ritual of getting ready will make your staycation feel extra special, and paired with your favourite holiday songs from past trips, it will really help transport you into that same mindset.
Create some space for the grown-ups
Whatever the experience, where possible it's good to try to create a small space for the grown-ups to sit and relax. To avoid the back and forth to the kitchen, get prepared, just as you would if you were away. We like to fill a coolbox with a bottle (or two!) of crisp wine and top with soda for a refreshing spritzer. If you are outside, add some patio heaters and you can stay out well into the evening.
Food, glorious food
No holiday is complete without it and picnics are a favourite of ours, whatever the weather. When it’s lovely outside, we’ll scatter some cushions to enjoy the sunshine and just graze away whilst the kids play. If the typical British weather takes a turn, it’s easy to take the picnic inside and enjoy it on the living room floor.