Business travel can be a necessary but stressful part of many professionals‘ lives. A recent survey conducted by chauffeur specialist Blacklane found that more than half of UK-based corporate travellers are finding their business trips to be „stressful“. This stress is leading to lost productivity while on the road, with 87 per cent of employees reporting that they lose at least one hour of „productive time“ due to these fragmented journeys.
The survey, which polled over 1,000 travellers, revealed that 58 per cent of respondents were feeling stressed during their work trips. This stress is compounded by cuts to travel budgets, with 59 per cent of UK business travellers noticing reductions in their organization’s travel budgets over the past year. This has had a negative impact on productivity and performance, especially for senior management, with 79 per cent reporting a decrease in productivity.
Despite these challenges, corporate travellers have identified their top priorities when it comes to business travel. Arriving on time, travelling in comfort, and convenience were cited as the most important factors. In terms of amenities, flying in premium or business class cabins, access to wifi, and pre-booked airport transfers were the most sought-after services by travellers.
Blacklane’s survey also found that 89 per cent of travellers believe that having access to these travel services would actively contribute to their productivity and success during work trips. Jens Wohltorf, Blacklane’s CEO and founder, emphasized the importance of enhancing comfort and ensuring safety in business travel to boost productivity, especially among executives.
The survey also highlighted the growing trend of blended travel or „bleisure“, with 86 per cent of respondents combining business and leisure during a single trip. Three-quarters of respondents believe that this practice makes them more productive or does not negatively impact their work performance.
James Dow, UK general manager at Blacklane, stressed the importance of carefully planning business travel to protect traveller wellbeing and maintain productivity. Poorly planned trips can have a significant impact on the UK’s overall productivity, making it crucial for organizations to prioritize the comfort and safety of their employees during business travel.
In conclusion, the survey by Blacklane sheds light on the challenges faced by corporate travellers in the UK and the importance of addressing these issues to maintain productivity and performance. By providing access to essential travel services and prioritizing traveller wellbeing, organizations can ensure that their employees are able to navigate business trips with ease and efficiency.