Michael W. McCormick
Executive Director and Chief Operating Officer, Global Business Travel Association
“Technology also makes an important contribution to business traveler satisfaction, enabling a more efficient travel process.”
It is no secret that business travel drives business growth and face-to-face interactions help get business done. Ultimately those who travel want to save time when possible, be productive and have a pleasant experience while accomplishing their business goals.
For years now, members of the Global Business Travel Association, or the GBTA, have told us that duty of care has become one of the top responsibilities for travel managers. When many people think of duty of care, the catastrophic usually comes to mind, but it is so much more than just ensuring employees are safe in the event of a natural disaster or terrorist attack. We’re hearing more today about companies ‘putting the care into duty of care,’ ensuring the overall well-being of their travelers on the road.
At our recent annual Convention in San Diego this August, a panel of experienced travel buyers took the stage telling attendees that successful corporate travel buyers must work hand-in-hand with human resources to help increase employee retention and recruitment. In these days of low unemployment, travel managers truly recognize their role in helping keep employees happy.
A proven impact
Ensuring a smooth business travel experience that limits wear and tear on employees is incredibly important. GBTA research shows business travel can have a considerable impact on employee satisfaction and retention as 79 percent of business travelers say their business travel experience impacts their overall job satisfaction. This is even truer among Millennials, as 88 percent say it impacts job satisfaction.
People want to travel. Business travel not only influences how employees feel about their current company, it can also influence whether they take a job in the first place. Roughly 50 percent of business travelers indicate a company’s travel program is an important factor when considering a potential new employer. Additionally, 83 percent of travelers say the quality of their business travel experience impacts their business results, showing employee well-being and satisfaction on the road can also boost the company’s bottom line.
It’s in the details
When asked what perks or amenities impact their business travel experience the most, convenient and comfortable hotels topped the list for business travelers followed by non-stop flights, booking flexibility and paid time off for long trips. Looking at optional purchases business travelers make on their own to improve their experience is also telling. These include airplane and train Wi-Fi, hotel high-speed internet, seat upgrades, and international mobile calls and texts. Business travelers say they purchase these items because they find value in them, helping them remain productive while in transit or away from the office. Technology also makes an important contribution to business traveler satisfaction, enabling a more efficient travel process.
Michael W. McCormick, Executive Director and Chief Operating Officer, Global Business Travel Association, [email protected]
