US: OVER A THIRD OF BUSINESS TRAVELERS LOSE UP TO A DAY OF PRODUCTIVITY ON TRIPS THROUGH BADLY PLANNED JOURNEYS

• A report from global chauffeur services provider Blacklane looks at how the integration of premium experiences and business travel is essential for productivity

• 86% of survey participants claimed to lose at least one hour of productive time across their trip whereas almost half of C-level executives (45%) are losing between four and eight hours of productive work time

• Boundaries between personal and professional lives are blurring - 9 out of ten  business travelers merge work and leisure. Over half (54%) of business travelers combining work and leisure believe this improves work productivity

8th October 2024: As business travel bounces back, with the sector poised to hit a record spending high by year-end, a new report, “Premium experiences meet productivity: the changing face of travel and work”, uncovers the impact that travel planning is having on business travelers’ productivity. Blacklane, the premiere global chauffeur services provider, available in more than 50 countries, launched the report, determining changing business traveler habits across the US, UK and UAE.

The report reveals how the dynamics of business travel are evolving in relation to wellness and productivity, and the evolution of premium amenities improve the professional’s overall and productivity. By 2028, global spending in the business travel sector is expected to surpass $2 trillion, with the U.S. projected to rank among the top two markets by the end of 2024, reflecting the fact that executives are traveling more for business. Therefore, it is in the employers' best interest to prioritize their employees' productivity, wellness and safety when traveling.

Blacklane’s report, “Premium meets productivity: the changing face of travel and work” explores how the current approach to global business travel planning causing executives to lose productive work hours as a result of fragmented journeys: 86% of participants claimed to lose at least one hour of productive time across their trip once they had arrived at their destination as a result. Of that 86%, over a third (36%) reported losing between four and eight hours, equating to a full working day. The impact on C-level executives is higher, with almost half (45%) losing between four and eight hours of productive work time due to travel stress.

One of the most popular and effective ways to relieve the stress of business travel is through the addition of luxury experiences. According to Blacklane's report, 51% of US business travelers indicated they would opt for luxury services while traveling for work, even if they had to pay out of pocket. This preference isn't just about comfort—it's directly tied to productivity. In fact, 85% of US respondents agreed that adding elements of luxury to their journey contributes to greater productivity and overall success. As a result, investing in premium travel options is emerging as a valuable strategy for employers looking to improve employee well-being and efficiency during business trips.

In order to enhance work productivity, up to 90% of business travelers are combining work and leisure, and are seeking out more premium experiences, such as traveling with a chauffeur.

Dr. Jens Wohltorf, CEO and Founder at Blacklane, said: "This report highlights a significant shift in business travel, where enhancing comfort and ensuring safety is not just a perk, but essential for boosting productivity, especially among executives. Understanding these evolving expectations is crucial for the industry and businesses overall to better meet the needs of today’s executive travelers. At Blacklane, we ensure that all our services, from airport transfers to in-city travel, deliver a higher quality of travel options which enables our guests  to ‘arrive’ better, creating a seamless journey that directly increases overall wellbeing. Our high standards ensure that we are utilizing industry-leading experience to drive growth and innovation and offer outstanding services."

The Rise of Premium Experiences: A Key To Productivity 

Over the past year, the majority (59%) of business travelers have noticed cuts when it comes to travel budgets, which were mostly felt in a lack of flexibility in travel times (41%), cramped seating (33%) and a limited luggage allowance (37%). For a huge proportion (67%), these cuts have negatively impacted their productivity on business trips. With this increasing to 68% for senior management, and even up to 81% for C-Level execs, there is an opportunity for travel planners to reconsider their travel planning processes in order to optimize productivity on business trips. 

The most sought-after premium amenities when on-the-move are WiFi access to allow work on-the-go, business or premium class flights and private pre-booked chauffeurs to help get to and from the airport, support with other errands and be available during multiple meetings in different locations during the trip. These experiences when traveling for business would not only reduce stress, a staggering nine out of ten business travelers believe it would actively contribute towards their productivity and success.

Where Business Meets Leisure

The “bleisure” trend which has come into existence after the pandemic looks like it’s here to stay, with 90% reporting they have combined business and leisure while traveling for work. Similarly, during trips dedicated to business, roughly two in every three participants (65%) said that they prioritize time for personal activities and relaxation at some point during the trip.

When asked what the attraction of such travel is, almost half (48%) said that it was because they want to explore the locations they visit for business. Four out of ten participants referred to “bleisure” having the potential to improve productivity on business trips.

It might be that “bleisure” travel is another key to productivity, with the majority (54%) of participants believing that combining business and leisure makes them more productive, citing stress reduction and increased motivation as the main reasons. 

Looking to the future, four in every 10 people are optimistic about the growing trend of combining business and leisure travel. 

"As both business and leisure travel continue to grow, luxury experiences have become essential for maintaining productivity and enhancing the overall travel experience”, said Kyle Fackler, Head of Market Management Americas at Blacklane. “The emerging 'corp-luxe' trend reflects a shift in priorities, where employers and travelers alike are recognizing that comfort and stress reduction are crucial for performance.This report highlights the increasing demand for Blacklane’s premium services, which help travelers—whether for work or leisure—reduce stress and maximize their time. Luxury is no longer just a convenience; it’s a strategic investment in well-being and success."

Blacklane is dedicated to providing a high quality experience that meets the needs of its guests everywhere and ensures that they arrive better. The company offers a portfolio ranging from airport transfers to City-to-City routes connecting metropolitan areas, Chauffeur-by-the-hour services as well as In-city mobility to address all needs and is one of the safest mobility services globally, showcasing 60% less incidents than taxi services.

For more information on Blacklane's research and information on their routes, our Travel Trend Report

ENDS

Notes to Editor:

The survey was conducted by Censuswide in September 2024, across business travelers in the UK, US and UAE, with 1000 participants per market.

Press kit available here.

Media Contact: 

Autumn Communications

Blacklane@autumncommunications.com 

About Blacklane:

We are Blacklane, providers of premium global chauffeur services. Our mission is to create true peace of mind for discerning travelers by delivering perfect experiences around the world and to inspire a better future. Blacklane is offering airport transfers, long distance City-to-City rides, in-city mobility chauffeur hailing and Chauffeur-by-the-hour in over 50 countries globally, either pre-booked or on-demand. Whether it’s for business or pleasure, Blacklane and its 300 employees and tens of thousands of chauffeur partners have the right premium transportation service for you. By changing how people move, we opened up new opportunities for our chauffeur providers and set industry standards for climate protection in the travel industry. Book on www.blacklane.com or download our app.