How Gen Z is Shaping the Future of Business Travel?
Generation Z, set to make up over 27% of the workforce within the next two years, is bringing a new approach to the workplace, including how business travel is handled. Raised in the digital era, this generation prioritizes flexibility, work-life balance, and sustainability. So, how is Gen Z reshaping the world of business travel? Let’s dive into the key trends and expectations of this young workforce and explore how companies can adapt to meet their needs.
Flexibility: The Core of Business Travel
For Gen Z, a job is more than just a paycheck—it’s about job satisfaction and maintaining a healthy work-life balance. When it comes to business travel, this means that trips must be flexible and tailored to individual needs. Bleisure (a blend of business and leisure travel) is gaining popularity among young employees who want to combine professional duties with the opportunity to explore new destinations.
According to SAP Concur, 96% of Gen Z business travelers would refuse a trip that doesn’t meet their expectations. Unlike older generations, Gen Z demands that business trips align with their lifestyle, requiring companies to incorporate more flexibility into travel planning.
Digitalization: Gen Z and Technology in Business Travel
Generation Z has grown up with technology at their fingertips, making them naturally adept at using modern digital tools, such as mobile apps and automation systems. For this generation, traditional travel agencies and paper tickets are outdated—they prefer online tools that make organizing travel fast and easy.
A Deloitte report highlights that companies investing in technology are better equipped to meet the needs of young employees. Digitalization not only streamlines the booking process but also enhances the travel experience by eliminating unnecessary formalities, which is crucial for reducing the stress associated with travel.
ESG and Social Responsibility: Priorities for Young Travelers
Sustainability is a key priority for Gen Z. They are highly conscious of the environmental impact of travel and expect companies to support initiatives that promote environmental protection. According to McKinsey, young employees are more likely to choose companies that prioritize sustainability and corporate social responsibility.
In the context of business travel, this means choosing more eco-friendly transportation options, staying at environmentally conscious hotels, and reducing carbon footprints. Companies need to adapt their travel policies to meet these expectations to attract and retain young talent.
Workation and New Approaches to Business Travel
The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the shift towards remote work, influencing how Gen Z approaches business travel. Workation, the blend of work and vacation, has become an attractive option for young employees, allowing them to balance professional responsibilities with leisure. With modern technology, Gen Z can work from anywhere in the world, offering them more freedom and flexibility when planning business trips.
Companies that offer remote work options during business trips are more appealing to young employees. Gartner predicts that workation will become a standard practice in many organizations, requiring businesses to adapt their travel policies to new realities.
Conclusion
Generation Z is bringing new values and expectations to the world of business travel. For companies looking to attract young talent, it will be crucial to adapt their travel policies to their needs, invest in modern technology, and focus on sustainability. At WorkTrips.com, we understand these changes and provide tools that make organizing travel easier, more efficient, and aligned with the expectations of the new generation.
If you want to learn more about trends and the future of the business travel industry, we invite you to download our report.