As business travel rebounds to pre-pandemic levels, with spending projected to hit new highs by the end of the year, a fresh report from chauffeur service provider Blacklane reveals how travel planning is affecting the productivity of business travellers. The report, titled “Premium experiences meet productivity: the changing face of travel and work”, highlights key challenges executives face in balancing work and travel, while underscoring the importance of premium amenities in enhancing performance.
The findings come as 85% of UK businesses plan to either maintain or increase spending on business travel in the next 12 months. Yet, according to Blacklane’s research, many executives are losing valuable work hours due to poorly organised travel schedules. Globally, 86% of respondents reported losing at least an hour of productive time during business trips, with the figure rising to 87% in the UK. In some cases, the disruption is severe, with over a third (34%) of UK business travellers losing between four and eight hours—equivalent to an entire working day—due to fragmented travel arrangements. This figure jumps to 38% among C-level executives.
Dr Jens Wohltorf, CEO and Founder of 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 to better meet the needs of today’s executive travellers.”
The Premium Experience: A Productivity Booster
The report also sheds light on the impact of budget cuts on productivity. Over the past year, 59% of UK business travellers noticed reductions in travel budgets, and for nearly two-thirds (62%), these cuts have negatively affected their productivity. The impact is even more pronounced among business owners (74%) and C-level executives (79%), highlighting the need for travel planners to reconsider priorities and potentially reinvest in premium experiences.
For many, the key to maximising productivity lies in premium services. The report found that the most critical aspects of business travel are punctuality (38%), comfort (33%), and convenience (30%). Additionally, business travellers are increasingly prioritising premium amenities such as flying business class (38%), WiFi access for on-the-go work (37%), and private airport transfers (35%) to reduce stress and improve efficiency. Nearly 90% of respondents believe that such experiences would enhance their productivity during trips.
“Bleisure” Travel on the Rise
The report also highlights the growing trend of “bleisure” travel, where business trips are combined with leisure activities. Some 86% of respondents said they had mixed business and leisure travel, and almost all (92%) made time for personal activities or relaxation during work trips. The appeal of such trips is clear, with nearly half (45%) of participants keen to explore the destinations they visit, and 38% saying it made the business side of their trip more enjoyable.
Despite its popularity, some believe stricter rules around “bleisure” may soon be introduced. A third (33%) of respondents expect businesses to implement formal regulations on the practice within the next five years.
A Need for Better Planning
Blacklane’s research offers a stark reminder of the need for better travel planning. James Dow, the company’s UK general manager, said, “Poorly planned business travel has a stark impact on the UK’s productivity. Traveller wellbeing needs to be carefully protected. Blacklane is supporting travellers to ensure all stages of a journey are high quality, comfortable, reliable, and memorable, which ultimately results in more productive business trips.”
Blacklane’s services range from airport transfers to city-to-city routes, offering high-end, reliable mobility solutions with 60% fewer incidents than traditional taxi services.
For more information on the report and Blacklane’s services, visit www.blacklane.com.