Top 5 tips to influence business traveller wellbeing

In today’s fast-paced corporate world, business traveller wellbeing has become a top priority. According to the CTM 2024 Global Customer Survey, travelling employees have identified five key factors that most positively influence their wellbeing during business travel.

1. Direct flights (76%)
2. Airline seat upgrades (75%)
3. Hotel upgrades (66%)
4. Location of accommodation (49%)
5. Traveling during working hours only (45%)

This blog will explore these factors, offering insights for Travel Program Managers and travel bookers on enhancing business traveller wellbeing, the travel experience and aligning policies with employee preferences.

1. No need for scenic detours – direct flights are the business traveller’s preference

Corporate travellers have spoken, with 76% of respondents in the latest 2024 CTM Global Customer Survey indicating the ability to travel on direct flights significantly enhances their wellbeing.

Where cost savings are a key focus for travel programs, it is the ‘unseen costs’ of additional travel time and expenses incurred in transit that must be considered; and they don’t always amount to a dollar value. The costs can be reduced productivity, fatigue, and stress, but also the cost of additional meals, transfers and even accommodation in some cases.

The biggest wellbeing benefit to booking direct flights for business travellers is the reduced travel time and the eliminated stress associated with layovers. This can lead to improved productivity and a more relaxed travel experience. In cases where direct flights might be more expensive than indirect, the overall benefits to employee satisfaction and efficiency can significantly outweigh the costs.

2. Seat upgrades – a little extra goes a long way

75% of CTM’s survey respondents indicated seat upgrades would greatly improve their travel experience. But upgrades do not always have to mean travelling in a premium class cabin. Even small upgrades, like extra legroom, can make a significant difference to the comfort of a traveller with minimal impact on the travel budget.

For example, the cost of an extra legroom seat on a Qantas domestic service can start from approximately AUD40 and for an international service from AUD90. United Airlines offers Economy Plus seats which provide extra legroom and a seat in front of the Economy sections from as little as an extra USD29 per flight. Similarly, Singapore Airlines offers extra legroom seats from USD25 extra and features a wider seat pitch for better traveller comfort.

Choosing to book affordable upgrades might cost your business considerably less than the loss of productivity, absenteeism or burnout.

3. Hotel upgrades – what is the real cost of unrested travellers?

Hotels are integral for rest after a busy day of meetings, with 66% of CTM’s survey respondents saying a hotel upgrade positively affects their wellbeing while on the road for business. Similarly to seat upgrades, there are several ways your employee’s stay can be ‘upgraded’ to ensure they experience the comfort required to be most productive while away for business.

Consider the purpose of travel. Providing spacious accommodations such as apartments, especially for extended stays, can greatly enhance comfort and rest and provide the additional benefits of home-away-from-home services to accommodate those who would prefer to cook a fresh meal and be able to launder their clothing.

Consider the variation in price between room types. Is booking a lead-in room type worth the saving when the next room type may come with more space, extended in-room amenities or may be located on a higher floor away from road noise or foot traffic?

And if you’ve recently added brand-new hotels to your travel program, why not encourage your travelling employees to experience the new properties? Staying at new hotels may boost morale and provide your team with valuable insights and property reviews to steer your future hotel selections.

4. Location, location, location

Do you consider the location of hotels as part of your travel program? According to 49% of CTM’s Customer Survey respondents, the location of their hotel is crucial to their wellbeing.

Conveniently located hotels can reduce travel time and associated stress for business travellers, leading to improved overall satisfaction. Proximity to meeting venues, the local office, or airports can also save on transport costs for the business. If close enough, it also allows travellers to walk between locations, promoting movement and fresh air during a busy business trip. Hotel rate premiums for more centrally located properties are often offset by the savings of on-ground transport, plus the reduction of carbon emissions and the increased convenience for travellers.

5. Travelling during work hours won’t break the bank, but it might prevent burnout

Travelling during work hours is identified as a key wellbeing metric for 45% of respondents in the CTM Global Customer Survey. Where possible, scheduling travel within work hours may reduce fatigue and improve work-life balance, limiting extended work hours and providing the traveller with more time at home.

In circumstances where schedules require travellers to depart on a Sunday night for an early Monday start, or arrive home on a Saturday morning, companies may consider extending time in lieu for travel outside regular business hours to boost employee satisfaction. This time can then be used to rejuvenate and catch up on lost hours with loved ones at home.

When travellers have meetings first thing in the morning, rather than booking a 6am flight, meaning their day could start at 4am or earlier, consider flexibility in the travel policy to allow travel the afternoon prior within business hours coupled with an overnight stay close to their meeting location. While the cost of accommodation may be viewed as an additional expense, consider the cost benefits of a well-rested employee.

An investment in business traveller wellbeing is an investment in your business

By understanding and incorporating these five key factors into the travel policy, Travel Program Managers and travel bookers can significantly enhance the wellbeing of their travelling employees. Happy employees can result in healthier, more engaged workers in the office, and more productive business travellers on the road, ultimately delivering better results for your business.

Engage with CTM to help tailor your travel policy and supplier preferences to include these wellbeing focused upgrades, ensuring a more satisfied and productive workforce. Partner with CTM today and take the first step towards a healthier, happier, and more efficient travel experience for your team.