10th June 2023 – (Hong Kong) The Hong Kong Women Development Association Limited recently conducted a survey titled “Happy Family” to gauge the happiness levels of Hong Kong families. The results, released on 9th June, 2023, showed that only 35% of respondents felt happy with their family life. The rest of the respondents reported feeling unhappy or were uncertain. The survey collected responses from 1,658 Hong Kong residents aged 18 and above, including 726 online responses and 932 physical questionnaires.
The “Happy Family” survey identified three main factors that negatively impact family happiness: decreased family income, stress from the ongoing pandemic, and stress from caring for family members. 80% of respondents identified decreased family income as the biggest factor, while in the past, pandemic-related stress was the primary concern. Hong Kong Women Development Association Secretary-General, Ma Suk-yin, noted that the pandemic is no longer the biggest obstacle for Hong Kongers, as the city has gradually returned to normalcy. However, the current economic climate has caused a decrease in income, which has become another significant challenge.
The survey also asked respondents about whom they confide in when they feel unhappy. 34% of respondents reported confiding in friends, classmates, or colleagues, while 23% turned to family members. 4% sought assistance from social workers, but 31% opted not to confide in anyone. More than 50% of respondents felt that the community currently lacks adequate communication and counselling services.
In addition, 80% of respondents believed that the best way to improve family happiness is by building more public housing and improving living conditions, while 57% hoped for increased support for caregivers of the elderly and young children. 26% of respondents wanted a higher minimum wage and annual salary reviews. The Hong Kong Women Development Association suggested that the government expedite the construction of public housing and reduce waiting times to address the city’s housing crisis. They also urged the government to lead by example and fully implement policies related to standard working hours and family-friendliness, as well as improve childcare services and increase support for caregivers.
The “Happy Family” survey shows that Hong Kongers are facing numerous challenges that affect their happiness and well-being. While the government’s “Happy Hong Kong” campaign aims to promote happiness and positivity, more concrete measures are needed to address the root causes of Hong Kongers’ unhappiness.