Living and Working in the EU e-survey 2024

Increases in the cost of living continue to be the main concern for respondents across the EU, with low and middle-income households particularly impacted. These households struggle more with making ends meet and affording energy, housing and leisure expenses compared to 2023.

The decrease in working from home, observed in each round of the e-survey since the end of the pandemic, has continued in 2024. There are significant country differences: in some countries, hybrid working in teleworkable occupations is common, suggesting that company policies have introduced permanent rules around teleworking. In other countries, hybrid work has become less frequent, as more respondents return to working fulltime at the workplace.

Trust in institutions, such as the EU, national governments and healthcare systems, has remained relatively stable since the end of the pandemic, at least on average among EU respondents. However, there has been a slight decline in trust toward the EU and satisfaction with democracy compared to 2023 levels. While trust in national governments has shown a consistent decline over the past four years, trust in the EU has remained stable overall.

The deterioration of mental well-being continues, with respondents reporting lower mental health scores. This apparent decline in mental health is visible across all age groups, except those aged 65 or over.

Unmet healthcare needs continue to affect respondents, especially those aged 50–64 and those in low-income households. Older respondents report greater difficulty accessing hospital and specialist services, while younger respondents most frequently cite unmet mental health service needs.

Respondents with disabilities report lower levels of well-being compared to others. However, their life satisfaction scores increase when individuals are aged 65 or over, are employed and have a high income.

Respondents with disabilities are far more likely to live in households facing difficulties making ends meet compared to those without disabilities. In fact, the gap between these groups has widened since 2021.

Respondents with disabilities are more likely to experience unmet medical needs, especially those who struggle to make ends meet. Cost is the most frequently cited barrier for accessing healthcare services among this group.