Over 80% of Croatians believe that during the crisis caused by the coronavirus outbreak wages should stay the same and people should be allowed to work from home, and a majority is concerned about the economic downturn, a survey has shown.

The survey was conducted by the Media Val agency in cooperation with pollster Ipsos between May 11 and 14 on a sample of 600 respondents. Its purpose was to understand social and cultural patterns caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The survey shows that people seek a simple life and a feeling of peace and security and that they want all important stakeholders, including the government, employers, educational institutions and the media, as well as their fellow citizens to act responsibly in efforts to contain the virus, the Media Val agency says in a press release earlier this week.

The biggest source of concern for those interviewed was everyday implications of protection measures. Most of the respondents were concerned about crowded shops, people violating self-isolation rules, cancellations or delays of their holiday trips, and security at physical locations.

A majority of citizens are concerned about the downturn of both the national and the global economy, a fall in their family’s living standards, rising prices and pay cuts.

Three in four respondents, aged between 35 and 44, said they feared pay cuts, and three in five of those from low-income families feared job losses.

The survey showed that only 20% of those polled were preparing for a possible second wave of the epidemic in the autumn.

As for their expectations from their employers, respondents said they wanted them to protect their health and safety at work, ensure work flexibility and maintain the existing workers’ rights.

As many as 84% said that whenever possible people should be allowed to work from home and nearly 80% said that despite the crisis employers should maintain the existing rights, including keeping the same salary, and should not force workers to take annual leave.

Those interviewed said that they would avoid air travel and going to concerts for a while, but would again start using the services of shopping malls, cafes and restaurants, albeit with a feeling of unease.

Nearly half of the respondents, namely 46%, said they were not planning any trips abroad in the near future, while three-quarters said they were willing to travel within the country.