The Q1 2023 Seafarers Happiness Index results revealed a decline in overall happiness levels among seafarers. The average happiness level of seafarers in Q1 2023 was 7.1, which is lower than the levels recorded in Q2, Q3, and Q4 of 2022. In fact, nine out of ten areas surveyed showed a decrease in happiness levels.
The areas that showed the biggest decrease in happiness levels were:
- Shore leave (7.1 to 6.5)
- Communication with family and friends (7.2 to 6.7)
- Access to mental health support (6.9 to 6.4)
- Wellbeing programs (6.9 to 6.4)
- Connectivity at sea (7.4 to 7.1)
The only area that showed an increase in happiness levels was food quality (7.3 to 7.4).
The decline in happiness levels is likely due to a number of factors, including:
- The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic
- The war in Ukraine
- Rising inflation
- The shortage of seafarers
The Mission to Seafarers is calling on the maritime industry to take action to improve the happiness of seafarers. Some of the things that can be done to improve seafarers’ happiness include:
- Providing more shore leave
- Improving communication with family and friends
- Providing access to mental health support
- Offering more wellbeing programs
- Improving connectivity at sea
- Raising awareness of the challenges facing seafarers
The maritime industry has a responsibility to ensure that seafarers are happy and healthy. By taking action to improve the happiness of seafarers, the maritime industry can make a real difference to their lives.
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