It’s been reported a lot in the media recently that by 2030, more than 3/4 of the workforce will be made up of Millennials (born between 1980 and 2000). It’s a shocking fact but one that must be considered when developing business travel programmes and policies for new teams, with high expectations.
A report from MMGY Global claims that Millennials take more business trips than any other generation before them. In fact they expect to travel more and even choose jobs based on the ability to traverse the globe.
Because of this shift in approach and expectations, business travellers are now embracing BLeisure trips (ones where leisure activities, extended stays and non-business events are built in) more than ever before and are wiling to travel further and more often, for corporate purposes.
So how can you take all this into consideration when developing a travel program for the future? Well making just three basic changes could be all you need.
Business Travel Technology
Millennials love their tech. They are the generation of Google Maps, of TripAdvisor and of AirBnB. They manage their daily lives with technology and want to do the same with their business travel.
Make it easy for them to manage bookings, check into flights, book restaurants, claim expenses and more from their mobile phones.
We have put together an article on our top 8 online tools and apps that we recommend for Business Travel. As well as independent products, we also provide access to free, cutting edge technology to all our clients, which lets Millennials manage all aspects of their trip, from a mobile device.
Better still, we can help with safety concerns, by providing tracking technology for all travellers and 24/7 means of communication and support should plans change or things go wrong.
Flexible Corporate Accommodation
Younger travellers won’t always want to stay in corporate hotels but will expect some flexibility with their travel arrangements. Very often our clients will ask for an AirBnB style apartment, as opposed to a room near their conference destination.
Bloomberg recently reported that more than 250,000 companies are now signed up to book properties through AirBnB. The figure was just 250 in 2015.
Travel Management Companies like ours have technology to filter these self catering properties, to recommend ones that are ‘BTR’ (Business Travel Ready). This guarantees high speed WiFi and other features, likely to be sought by your team members.
Build Leisure into the Business Trip
As previously reported, we are seeing a marked increase in the number of business travellers who want to extend their stay and build in some leisure time.
Where possible, it’s worth offering employees the chance to stay an extra day or more after their appointment. Perhaps even allow them to take a friend or spouse, to enjoy the new destination too.
Some employers incentivise travellers, by offering them money towards leisure activities (meals, tours, shows etc) if they cut costs on other aspects of their trip.
Let Beyond Business Travel Help
We can help you tailor your travel programme with ease. We offer cutting edge technology, flexible booking opportunities and even better, we can access negotiated rates and discounts with thousands of travel partners, that will not be available to you online.
To find out more about how Beyond Business Travel can assist, whilst saving you time and money simply send us your details below and make a no obligation enquiry.
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