The 2020 Global Traveller Report found 96 per cent of ANZ business travellers expect long term changes to business travel post-pandemic, In this new world order, hand sanitisers will be the number one travel accessory, social distancing will mean you always have a free seat next to you, and a handshake is an absolute no-no.
Business travel trends post-COVID
53 per cent of businesses surveyed anticipate when Australia opens its borders and travel returns, fewer contracts or deals will require in-person meetings. Following this, one-third expect declines in new business due to a lack of in-person meetings.
The report commissioned by SAP Concur canvassed the opinions of 4850 business travellers in 23 markets and discovered that while 63 per cent of business travellers are keen to hit the road once more, over a quarter (28 per cent) are concerned about travel once restrictions are lifted.
Signs business travel be limited
The report also found one-third of ANZ business travellers expect limiting the use of public transport, and almost one quarter predict using their personal vehicle for business travel within Australia and New Zealand.
Matt Goss, managing director, SAP Concur ANZ said, “While travel may look different post-COVID, two-thirds of ANZ business travellers do not expect to routinely limit their attendance at events and conferences, suggesting changes will be needed to meet their new expectations when they are back on the road”.
Successfully managing business travel stress
The trip itself is now considered to be the most stressful stage of travel for almost half of the business travellers surveyed. Ninety-seven per cent of travellers want their organisations to adopt measures such as personal health screenings, real-time updates on travel risks, and limiting travel to only business-critical trips for travelling employees.
The report suggests that mobile apps can make travel easier to manage for businesses and travellers alike. The top four preferred features in a mobile travel app were: mobile check-in; traveller safety information; the ability to book air travel and manage their trip itinerary; and automatic notifications for out-of-policy bookings or expenses. About one in five business travellers was interested in the ability to track and offset their carbon footprint.
Use caution: Health and safety for business travellers
The report also revealed that 93 per cent of ANZ business travellers would like company training on how to protect their health and safety during travel; how to maintain healthy habits while travelling; travel best practices; and travelling more sustainably.
“Business travel is a potential source of stress for employees,” Goss said. “To keep employees happy and productive while travelling, it’s important for organisations to listen to their employees and invest in solutions their travellers want. This includes implementing measures that employees see as necessary when travel resumes, such as improved traveller safety information, requiring pre-trip approval, or a greater ability to change travel plans quickly.”
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