Brits keen for business travel return to boost relationships and escape routine
Some 70 per cent of British workers agree travelling for work and meeting face-to-face strengthens business relationships, according to a YouGov poll.
Almost half of prospective business travellers would use work-funded travel to escape their household, the survey revealed this morning.
The data paints a picture of the renewed appetite for travel to strengthen business relationships and boost mental wellbeing.
“It’s great to see people are still feeling positive about business travel and recognise its value in a work setting, with workers keen to reconnect in person with colleagues,” said Kenny Eon, manager at expense management firm Emburse.
“Beyond the usual reasons for travelling, the data reflects a workforce looking to escape and see new sights, which is to be expected following this period of extended isolation.”
Young workers most eager
In the survey of more than 1,200 prospective business travellers, young workers aged 18 to 34 were the keenest to escape the house for business travel.
More than half of this age bracket expressed a wish to travel, compared to only 38 per cent of respondents aged over 55.
More children means more desire to get away for a business trip, with 46 per cent of workers with one child keen, 49 per cent with two, and 54 per cent with three or more children.
Just over of a quarter of those surveyed said they would be most looking forward to exploring new cities and countries, while 22 per cent would be excited to meet colleagues and customers in person again.
Itchy feet
The pandemic seems to have given many workers itchy feet, as they seek escapism for their everyday routines.
Even if it is through work, YouGov’s survey shows that a solid portion of Britain’s workforce is keen to connect overseas and break the trend of virtual meetings.
“As nations find their feet again, it is crucial that people are given the opportunity to create meaningful relationships again, both for business and leisure purposes,” Eon added.
“Successes in virtual meetings can’t be overlooked, but the value of broadening one’s horizons is still firmly on the business agenda.”