The landscape of employee benefits is evolving, with business travel emerging as a significant factor in job satisfaction.
- New research reveals over a third of professionals are motivated by business travel opportunities when considering new employment.
- Millennials, in particular, view business travel as a vital component of their job, with many accepting roles specifically for this benefit.
- The blending of business with leisure, or ‘bleisure’, is increasingly valued over traditional workplace benefits.
- Understanding employee travel preferences can aid employers in attracting and retaining top talent.
Business travel has become a crucial element in the recruitment and retention strategy for many employers. According to recent research, over a third (38%) of global professionals would pursue a new job if it promised more travel opportunities. This desire is notably stronger among specific professions such as Architects and Management Consultants, where 45% and 38% respectively show a heightened interest in travel as part of their job package.
For the millennial workforce, the allure of business travel is even more pronounced. Nearly half (46%) of individuals aged 18-34 stated that they would actively seek out employment offering more travel, and 37% accepted their current job due to its travel prospects. These statistics underscore the appeal of travel in a professional context, particularly for younger employees who are keen to integrate work with their wanderlust desires.
Furthermore, the concept of ‘bleisure’—where business is combined with leisure—is gaining traction among professionals. Almost half (45%) of surveyed individuals prefer to blend business trips with leisure activities rather than opting for conventional job benefits. This trend is reflected in the actions of two-thirds (69%) of professionals who extend business trips to explore their destination, and three-quarters (73%) who schedule leisure activities during their business travels.
The motivations for this integration of travel and leisure are varied, with 62% of professionals eager to discover new cities and 39% wishing to spend additional time in well-loved locations. The practice of extending trips for leisure typically involves an additional 24 hours, though some professionals add up to two or three extra days. Popular leisure activities include visiting historical sites (57%), enjoying local gastronomy (42%), and shopping (40%), with profession-specific variations in preferences.
Lastly, the importance of leisure travel is highlighted by its reported impact on job satisfaction and stress management. A significant 70% of employees believe that making time for leisure travel enhances their job satisfaction, and 75% find it helps mitigate work-related stress. Accommodation preferences during such trips prioritise local charm and comfort, underscoring the varied and personal nature of travel experiences.
Ripsy Bandourian of Booking.com for Business noted the growing value professionals place on business travel and the desire to maximise both work and personal time in travel destinations. The research clearly indicates the compelling role of personalised business travel in employee attraction and retention strategies.
Employers must recognise the growing importance of business travel in meeting the expectations and desires of their workforce.
