Call for paying more attention to each other

Men and women in the UK are often fonder of their mobile phones than their partners, a new European study reveals.

Research carried out by Swiss International Air Lines shows that 40% of Britons admit they are often fighting a losing battle when it comes to partners paying more attention to their gadgets. Even more (84%) claim people just don't connect like they use to when they are face to face because of the pull of the internet and easy access communications on-the-go.

The study into the state of attentiveness was commissioned by SWISS amongst more than 3,000 people in England, Austria, France, Italy, Spain and Germany.

The findings also reveal:

• Most Britons (75%) want more attention in the real world
• Eye contact during a conversation is important to 94% of us
• A third (33%) admit to regularly checking messages and news updates on phones when out with a loved one or friends. Slightly less (29%) even have to have phones constantly in view when at a dinner table in case they miss something
• Married couples are more considerate than unmarried partners: Whereas 48% of the married respondents felt that their spouse often paid more attention to their mobile phone than them, the figure among unmarried couples was significantly higher (58%)
• The majority (86%) get upset when a friend or loved one checks their phone mid conversation

While we admit to becoming preoccupied with technology those surveyed said they really did want to be better when it comes to paying attention to others (69%). Nearly two thirds of people (64%) prize being kind and attentive to others above professional success in life's priorities. In contrast, accessibility 24:7 was only relevant to 28%.

Felix Rodel, SWISS' Director of UK and Ireland said: “As an airline we traditionally enjoy a strong reputation when it comes to attentiveness and care. We are curious to see how people around Europe share our commitment to making someone feel special. Interestingly, it seems that while many share this desire, our digital age and immersion with technology seems to make this harder, rather than easier to achieve.  That's why we are committed to (emphasizing and ) preserving this vital way of interacting.”        

Other findings show:

• Germans are the most worried that digital media has led to more superficial relationships. They are also the most upset when it comes to being ignored in favour of a mobile phone
• The Spanish are the worst when it comes to ignoring their partners often in favour of their phones. More than half of Spaniards think nothing of checking their phone while in conversation with others
• French are the least concerned about eye contact during a conversation

Swiss International Air Lines is acting as a Europe-wide ambassador, to advocate the virtue of attentiveness. For more information, visit swiss.com/attentiveness

Ends 

For further information please visit www.swiss.com or contact Siseley Coates-Harman or Charlene Kendry at Consolidated PR on SWISS@consolidatedpr.com or 020 7781 2300.

Notes to Editors

The poll was conducted between 8-22 October 2014, involving 3,272 people[1] aged 18 years and over.

About SWISS

Swiss International Air Lines (SWISS) is the national airline of Switzerland. It serves 104 destinations in 48 countries all over the world from Zurich, Basel and Geneva. With a fleet of 91 aircraft, SWISS transports in the region of 16 million passengers every year. Swiss WorldCargo offers a comprehensive airport-to-airport service for high-quality goods and intensive-care freight to some 120 destinations in more than 80 countries. As the national airline, SWISS stands for Switzerland's traditional values and is committed to the highest standards of product and service quality. In 2013, SWISS had a total revenue of CHF 5.17 billion with 8250 members of staff. SWISS is part of the Lufthansa Group and a member of the Star Alliance, the world's biggest airline network.