Every week, CivicScience continually tracks current and anticipated consumer trends. Here are three key insights marketers should know this week:

1. 2023 will bring new hobbies for many Americans, especially those aged 18-34.

The new year means taking on new hobbies for many Americans. The most recent CivicScience data show that 1-in-6 U.S. adults anticipate taking on a new hobby in the next month or so, possibly as a part of their 2023 resolutions. However, this percentage jumps to nearly a quarter when looking at the data among young adults aged 18-34 (24%), which is the same age group who spends the most time on hobbies (40% spend six or more hours a week on hobbies).

2. Work situation largely influences time spent on hobbies.

Fully remote workers are also more likely to spend six or more hours per week on hobbies (39%), up 15 percentage points from fully in-person workers and 11 percentage points from hybrid workers. Conversely, fully in-person employees spend the least time on their hobbies (77%).

3. Work/life balance is split among fully remote workers.

Even though fully remote workers spend the most time on hobbies, they are divided on work/life balance. Those who work fully remote are the most likely to be both ‘extremely’ satisfied with their work/life balance (30%) and also dissatisfied (28%). 

One reason remote workers express higher dissatisfaction with work/life balance than fully in-person workers may be related to limited social connections outside of their household, as recent data show Americans place increasing emphasis on friendships when defining happiness.

In other findings, consumer financial health looks positive in the new year, despite growing concern over inflation. Want to see more of the latest insights shaping consumer behavior and trends? Our clients receive the full version of this weekly report — let’s chat.