STATEC's 'Luxembourg Index of Well-being' (LIW) indicator has been stable since 2018.

In 2020, the Covid-19 crisis did not have a noticeable negative effect on the well-being of Luxembourg's residents. The stability of inequality and poverty indicators is also thought to have contributed to this.

In 2021, STATEC indicators of subjective well-being show a decrease in feelings of loneliness and anxiety between the beginning of the year and the summer. The average scores (on a scale of 0 to 10) for 'satisfaction' (6.4 in January 2021 to 6.9 in July 2021) as well as for 'happiness' (5.9 in January 2021 to 6.5 in July 2021) have increased significantly.

No deterioration in 2020

Deteriorations in the areas of employment (rising unemployment) and education have been offset by improvements in the environment. For some people, this turbulent period has been beneficial thanks to teleworking, which has allowed them to spend more time with their loved ones. Others, however, have had to endure loneliness, inactivity, or unemployment.

The various measures taken during the health crisis (testing, lockdown, travel restrictions, short-time work, support for the self-employed and for businesses) seem to have prevented households and individuals from suffering a decline in their standard of living. According to STATEC, the stability of inequality and poverty indicators confirms this information.

High average

When residents are asked to rate their satisfaction with their lives in 2020 on a scale of 0 to 10, they give an average score of 7.6 with a median of 8.0. These figures are identical to those for 2019. Subjective indicators of well-being (satisfaction with life, satisfaction with the time spent on activities one enjoys) also show stability.

On the other hand, it is the most affluent residents who report a decrease in satisfaction between 2019 and 2020.

However, STATEC points out that it is still a little too early to measure the precise impact of Covid-19 on the well-being of Luxembourgers. The Institute thinks that it will be able to obtain a clearer picture towards the end of 2022.