It shouldn’t be a shock to you that the millennial generation is the largest segment jumping into the workforce. As baby boomers ease into retirement, millennials are stepping in, often starting with the most stressful and burdensome tasks. In most cases, this includes business travel. But in a somewhat surprising turn, a new study from Hilton Hotel & Resorts, finds that millennials are ultimately enjoying business travel and the perks that come with it.
That’s right, while many in the past have seen business travel as a burden, millennials are jumping in head first and loving it. They often see traveling on behalf of their company as a work perk. In fact, 65% of young professionals in the U.S. consider business travel a status symbol. Additionally, 39% would not take a job that did not allow them to travel for business. And 81% of those surveyed say they repeatedly travel for business because they get more work done in person.
Additional perks millennials enjoy about business travel
- Exploring new cities – 64%
- Eating in a new city – 62%
- Covered expenses – 57%
- Hotel stay – 55%
Their common business travel anxieties
- 69% wished that they could extend their trips, turning it into a bleisure opportunity.
- 59% regret not extending previous trips in the past to explore further
- 54% not sure how their boss would react to a bleisure trip request
- 44% worry asking to extend their trip would make them look bad to their senior leadership
- 58% would like to fly in a day before meetings/events to prepare, but are nervous to ask. >
Common frustrations facing millenials and business travel
- 38% can’t enjoy their weekend before traveling on business.
- 38% continue to feel stressed after traveling for three to seven days
- 46% say their employers don’t consider personal time when asking them to travel for business.
- 44% said they gained weight due to traveling
- 58% sacrifice sleep/wellness when traveling
Companies need to more clearly define their business travel culture
Looking at the frustrations felt by these young professionals, it’s easy to see that there is a gap in communication between the company culture, travel program, and traveler. Imagine being a young professional again You’re new to the industry, trying to look your assertive best and represent yourself the best way you know how. You don’t want to step on any toes, and you want to be remembered as the reliable employee who can take whatever is thrown at him/her. Asking for clarification on subtle details of business travel typically goes against that mindframe. It might be time to evaluate your travel program, as perceived from a new employee or new professional perspective. What type of company culture are you trying to promote? One that understands the importance of your employees work/life balance?
There also appears to be a gap in understanding of what is included in the travel program. 43% often misunderstood what could be expensed, resulting in owing the company money. This shows that perhaps the travel program is not as easy to understand as some companies think. It may be worth looking at your company’s travel program with fresh eyes, and revise where it needs updating or additional clarification.
Christopherson Business Travel is a corporate business travel company, with more than 60 years of experience. Our consultative approach assists companies to streamline their travel management, save money, and keeps travelers safe. Contact us to learn more about award-winning company.
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