Meetings by computer are not quite it after all, according to research by BCD Travel. The desire to see each other live is strong. Business travelers are concerned about the reliance on screen interaction as their primary meeting method. In addition, they want control, convenience and simplicity more than ever, according to a recent survey of 738 business travelers worldwide. Business travel organization BCD Travel conducted the survey between July 6 and July 20.
While virtual meetings and remote working are here to stay, business travel and face-to-face meetings remain extremely important. Seventy-six percent of respondents said business travel helps them perform their jobs efficiently. Once the pandemic is over again, 60% would like to travel as much as before the pandemic, while 26% would rather travel less and 9% would rather travel more.
In terms of business travel policy after the pandemic, respondents consider it most important that they can decide for themselves whether or not to travel (64%). They also want a simpler approval process (58%) and more options for direct flights (53%).
In terms of physical or virtual meetings, 74% see face-to-face meetings with customers as the top reason for business travel, followed by team building, sales meetings and meetings with partners or suppliers.
The main concerns of business travelers remain similar to the results of previous surveys: they are most concerned about post-trip quarantine, followed by sudden lockdowns and rapid changes in travel regulations.
Respondents expect remote work and meetings to be permanent, but there are obvious shortcomings when it comes to building relationships. The main downsides of virtual meetings, according to them, are:
- Lack of human contact (66%)
- Limited interaction (58%)
- Quick distractions (54%)
- Not suitable for every type of meeting (51%)
- ‘Zoom-fatigue’ and technical problems (49%)
“Face-to-face meetings are not only critical to achieving business goals, but are also essential to meeting companies’ need for efficiency and human interaction,” said Mike Janssen, Global Chief Operating Officer and Chief Commercial Officer at BCD Travel. ” With the number of vaccinations increasing by millions a day, a majority of the workforce is ready to travel again, despite recent spikes in the delta virus. Even when the pandemic is over, companies must continue to provide guidance. To remain an attractive employer in these dynamic conditions, they should also consider empowering employees to make their own travel decisions.”
“While in some parts of the world the pandemic is slowly subsiding, other parts may continue to rely on virtual meetings,” says Scott Graf, Global President at BCD Meetings & Events. “Event planners and managers need to improve their skills so they can compensate for the shortcomings of virtual meetings, such as the lack of interaction. Training or outside support may be the answer to keep employees focused and motivated in a constantly challenging environment.”
Additional highlights from the study:
Respondents also shared their views on the work future. Currently, 57% work from home, compared to 24% before the pandemic.
Opinions about the future workplace:
- 71% prefer a mix of home and office work
- 20% want to work from home full-time
- only 6% prefer to work full-time in the office
Opinions on “bleisure”:
- 49% say they would like to extend a business trip with a few days off
- 38% like to travel for work in the company of a partner or friend
- 33% want to extend stay and continue working remotely at destination
- 32% consider combining a business trip with a 1-2 week vacation
For more research and reports from BCD, click here.
