Stress in Europe

More than half European business travellers are stressed out by travel delays and uncertainty.

These are some of the findings of a new survey by the Global Business Travel Association and AirPlus International.

The study found that while 85 per cent of those polled say they actually enjoy business travel a swag of flight factors engender angst. The 2013 European Business Traveller Well-Being Study concludes stress levels elevate when:

- They have to deal with air travel delays or cancellations (66 per cent)

- Journey is affected by long layovers at the airport (49 per cent)

- Have to make a connecting flight (45 per cent

- They must travel outside normal business hours such as late night (44 per cent), weekends (42 per cent) or early mornings (40 per cent).

Overall, safety is the Eurobusiness traveller’s top consideration. Of those polled 76 per cent believe it’s important their employers take their safety and security seriously.

Among other concerns:

- 75 per cent say staying in touch with family and friend while on the road is important

- 65 per cent believe maintaining a healthy diet while traveling about is key

- 45 per cent of European business travelers say sticking to their exercise regimen is a priority.

Then there’s the color of business travel these days. It’s greener. Eurobusiness travellers are increasingly eco-conscious. The study finds:

- 58 per cent try to recycle paper, plastic or glass

- 52 per cent attempt to render their personal carbon footprint a bit lighter by booking hotels closer to their meetings, this so they can walk rather than take transport

- Wen they do take transport, 45 per cent try to take public transportation when it’s available.

The import of all this for corporate travel policy shouldn’t be underestimated. “Understanding what factors influence a business traveller’s well-being can help corporate travel managers design travel policies that better support road warriors,” says GBTA Vice President of Research Joseph Bates. He asserts, “Improving the travel experience” can help alleviate the stress that all too often accompanies getting from Point A to Point B. The result?: more productive and pleasant travels.

GBTA and AirPlus International conducted the online survey between June 19 and July 5, 2013 with 675 business travelers in Belgium, the Netherlands, France, Germany, Italy, the United Kingdom, Denmark, Finland, Norway and Sweden.