One in two Aussies say business travel would influence how they used annual leave with Gen Z more likely to take less annual leave if they travelled for work purposes. A new study shows SMEs could benefit from business travel with more engaged staff and predictable annual leave patterns.
Corporate Traveller’s latest study highlights differing generational attitudes and circumstances that influence decisions for business travel and annual leave.
More than half of Gen Z respondents (56%) said they would use less annual leave if they travelled for work.
With Gen Z satisfied with the experiences of work-related travel, businesses are less likely to see disruptions and staff shortages outside of these trips.
Millennials and Gen X are more likely to take more annual leave if they travel for work with one-third (32%) indicating they would extend business travel as ‘bleisure‘ trips to save on costs.
With leave added to business travel or trips extended into weekends, businesses can expect well-rested (and more engaged) employees and fewer leave-related disruptions at other times of the year among those aged 25-54.
For Baby Boomers (over-55s), more than half of respondents (56%) said travel for work would not influence their annual leave habits.
Work travel is a win-win for SMEs & staff
Corporate Traveller Global Managing Director Tom Walley said employers and employees alike stand to gain from work travel opportunities.
“For businesses, that means fewer disruptions related to annual leave and fewer staffing issues – not to mention the leads and relationships gained from the business trip itself. For most employees, it means new and exciting opportunities and savings on travel costs,” he said.
“Employees utilising their annual leave is in the best interest of employers – a well-rested workforce is going to be more healthy, productive and engaged.
“Keeping leave balances under a certain threshold also bodes well for the bottom line, particularly across smaller companies operating with small margins.”
For more info, head to corporatetraveller.com.au