The SAP Concur Global Business Travel Survey, now in its sixth year, provides a revealing look into the current state of business travel. The study, which surveyed 3,750 business travelers across 24 markets, highlights the growing tension between the need for flexible travel options and the push to cut costs. This year’s survey, conducted by the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU), delves into the effects of budget constraints, policy changes, and the ongoing geopolitical landscape on business travel. Additionally, the survey explores how these factors influence traveler satisfaction, safety, and well-being, as well as the importance of technology in streamlining travel processes. 

Through analyzing the evolving priorities of businesses and their employees, the report underscores the significance of balancing fiscal prudence with the necessity of maintaining a positive travel experience. The findings offer valuable insights for companies seeking to refine their travel policies in a manner that aligns with both operational demands and employee expectations.

A Delicate Balance

“Balancing between flexibility and cost is delicate, not to mention fraught with new distribution channels and ongoing geopolitical issues,” said Charlie Sultan, president of Concur Travel at SAP Concur. Sultan’s comment underscores the difficulty in meeting employees’ needs while adhering to strict budgetary guidelines. According to the survey, business travelers and travel managers are increasingly caught in this balancing act, with 91% of respondents reporting a cutback in travel options over the past year.

The Impact of Cuts on Travelers

While many companies claim to prioritize meeting employees’ needs for flexible travel (40%), the reality paints a different picture. Nearly all surveyed business travelers (91%) noted reductions in travel flexibility, with significant cuts in blended travel options such as remote work during personal trips (27%) and adding personal travel to business trips (25%). These cutbacks are causing dissatisfaction among employees, with one in five travelers (22%) willing to decline trips that don’t allow for personal extensions.

Travel Managers in the Crossfire

Travel managers are feeling the pressure as well. Of the 600 travel managers surveyed across six markets, 42% cited company directives to cut travel costs as a major challenge. While 35% reported a focus on meeting employees’ needs for flexible travel, an almost equal percentage (32%) highlighted the emphasis on cost reduction. This dichotomy underscores the difficulty in balancing company policies with employee satisfaction.

Inequities in Business Travel Opportunities

The survey also revealed significant disparities in business travel opportunities. Despite 76% of global business travelers expressing enjoyment of business travel, and 67% acknowledging its importance for career advancement, many feel they lack equal access to these opportunities. Younger travelers, particularly millennials (72%) and Gen Z (66%), view business travel as critical for their careers. However, 68% of respondents believe they haven’t had equal opportunities to take business trips compared to their colleagues. Factors contributing to this inequality include seniority, job role, and personal characteristics such as gender and physical appearance.

Addressing the Challenges

To mitigate these challenges, companies should focus on the following strategies:

1. Connect with Employees: Regularly survey employees to understand their experiences and challenges. Questions should cover opportunities, safety, travel policies, and comfort during business trips.
2. Act on Insights: Use survey responses to inform actionable plans, ensuring that the right travel tools and policies are in place to support employees.
3. Leverage Outside Resources: Collaborate with travel management companies (TMCs) and suppliers to develop solutions for travel disruptions. Additionally, consider using AI to transform travel management.

The SAP Concur Global Business Travel Survey provides a crucial understanding of the current landscape of business travel. As companies navigate the complexities of balancing flexibility and cost, the insights from this survey can help shape policies that meet both corporate and employee needs. For more detailed insights, the full survey report is available on the SAP Concur website.