80% of Gen Z and millennials in the UK say that travel is the best part of their job, according to new research by World Travel Protection. They also say that business travel boosts wellbeing and makes them more likely to stay with their employer.
In contrast, a much lower 54% of Gen X workers surveyed said that travel was the best part of their job. Only 51% said it increases loyalty.
What makes Gen X the outliers? The survey, conducted by Opinium, polled 500 UK business travellers. It found that younger employees strongly link business travel to career development.
Over three quarters of under-44s say it helps raise their profile at work (77% Gen Z, 79% millennial), compared to 53% of Gen X.
Travel is more important when you work from home
Travel also supports mental health, according to respondents. 80% of both Gen Z and millennial respondents say it has a positive impact, versus 56% of Gen X.
Face-to-face matters more in a hybrid world. 70% of respondents say travel is more important now they work from home. 85% say in-person meetings are essential for building strong relationships.
Other key benefits include the chance to network (82%) and build deeper team bonds (80%).
Does travel require “robust risk management”?
Security director at World Travel Protection Kate Fitzpatrick claims that business travel requires a “robust” risk management policy. “Business travel is more than just a perk for younger professionals — it’s an essential tool for career progression, networking and personal wellbeing,” she said.
“However, with travel comes risk and it’s vital that organisations have robust travel risk management policies in place that consider the specific needs of each individual traveller.
“A first-time traveller in their twenties, for instance, may face very different challenges to those of a seasoned executive … Preparation is key.”
The study excluded Baby Boomers due to insufficient sample size.
