Though some travel jobs pay well, for many working within the industry, their vocation is a labour of love. And, let’s be honest, it affords the opportunity to travel. But a new study commissioned by travel management company Corporate Traveller shows just how important this particular perk is.
To find out what job entitlements most interested Australians, Corporate Traveller presented over 1,000 workers with a list of 11 perks. They then asked them to select three options they would most want to receive from their employers this year.
Topping the list was additional paid leave, which appealed to four in ten (41 per cent) respondents. More time off? Who’d have thought?
Next up on the list was a four-day working week, which garnered almost the same number of votes (37 per cent). Who wouldn’t want that?
But following the top two entitlements was business travel (including international travel), which nearly three in ten (27 per cent) respondents want as a work perk.
“It’s encouraging to discover that travel is also highly valued by our survey respondents,” Corporate Traveller Global Managing Director Tom Walley says.
“Not only are 27 per cent keen to travel for their work, but 21 per cent are also interested in having access to working holiday opportunities in their job.
“Travelling for meetings and events offers numerous opportunities to connect with peers in the industry, make new contacts that are valuable to the business, and sourcing new-business leads.
“I’m a firm believer that face-to-face communication is essential for creating deeper connections with stakeholders and prospects. The variety that travel provides in an employee’s career also helps keep them motivated and engaged.”
What else do we want?
Among those polled, the same number (27 per cent) said they would like to see their commuting costs covered, while nearly a quarter (23 per cent) want company-paid meals and snacks at work. One in five (19 per cent) would love a flexible or remote working arrangement.
“Our survey results show that Aussies may be seeking a better work-life balance through more leave, shorter weeks, and more travel,” Australian-based Walley said.
“The four-day work week has gained steam in the last couple of years, with companies across countries such as Canada, the UK, Belgium, and Japan testing its viability.
“Microsoft in Japan, for instance, reported a 40 per cent increase in productivity, along with more efficient meetings and happier employees, after trialling the four-day work week.
“Closer to home, Unilever New Zealand reported increased engagement among employees, improved work-life balance, reduced stress and a 34 per cent drop in absenteeism, following their trial program.”
In a recent poll on Linkedin, Flight Centre Travel Group asked followers what benefits “actually feel beneficial”.
Topping the survey results was Travel Discounts (55 per cent of votes), followed by Financial Support (28 per cent) and Gym & Health Benefits (11 per cent).
Read about Flight Centre staff spilling the beans on their travel escapades.
