(And Why Your Company Needs to Change That)
JOHANNESBURG – Business travel is bouncing back, but not everyone’s getting a seat on the plane. A new SAP Concur survey reveals a growing divide in who gets to pack their bags for work, with Gen X often dominating the field. This disparity threatens to leave younger generations, particularly the rising Gen Z workforce, at a significant disadvantage.
While two-thirds of employees see business travel as crucial for climbing the corporate ladder, an equal number feel they’re not getting the same opportunities as their colleagues. This gap has actually widened over the past year, jumping from 62% to 66%.
Bonnie Smith, GM of FCM, sees this as a wake-up call for companies. “We’re seeing a generational divide in business travel, with Gen X taking the bulk of the business trips. But in today’s global market, that’s a missed opportunity for businesses and younger employees alike.”
The benefits of a more equitable approach extend beyond just having a well-rounded workforce. It brings fresh perspectives to client meetings, aids in succession planning, and boosts employee engagement across generations, she says.
The reasons behind this travel inequality are varied. Seniority, age, and parental status all play a role. But so do factors like office attendance and even physical appearance. Women and LGBTQ+ travellers report facing additional hurdles.
The Gen Z Challenge
As Gen Z enters the workforce, there is a clear need for more inclusive travel policies. Recent insights from the Global Business Travel Association Convention highlight the unique perspectives and needs of this generation.
Emese Graham, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Manager at Flight Centre Travel Group, emphasises the ‘DITTO’ system for Gen Z travellers, which encapsulates specific recommendations for organisations on diversity, individualism and teamwork, technology, and organisational supports. She says: “Gen Z has different considerations than previous generations with 28 per cent now identifying as LGBQT+, only 15 per cent believing they have ‘excellent’ mental health, and the fact they’ve grown up around crises – meaning their travel behaviours are different.”
This generational shift demands a re-evaluation of current travel policies that may inadvertently favour Gen X travellers.
Making travel more inclusive
To address the Gen X dominance and create more equitable opportunities, Smith offers several strategies:
“First, review your travel policies. Are they inadvertently excluding certain groups? For example, policies that require extensive travel might disadvantage parents or caregivers. Consider offering flexible options that allow for work-life balance.”
“Second, implement a fair rotation system for travel opportunities. This ensures that all eligible employees get a chance, regardless of their position or background.”
“Third, create mentorship programmes where less experienced employees can shadow senior staff on trips. This provides valuable exposure without full responsibility.”
Smith also highlights the role that Travel Management Companies (TMCs) can play in this process. “Your TMC can be a valuable partner in creating a more inclusive travel programme. At FCM, we offer data analytics that can help identify disparities in travel opportunities. We can also assist in developing policies that promote inclusivity and ensure duty of care for all travellers.”
She adds, “TMCs can provide cultural briefings and safety information tailored to diverse traveller needs. For instance, we can offer specific guidance for LGBTQ+ travellers heading to countries with less progressive laws, or accessibility information for travellers with disabilities.”
So, companies face a choice. Will they stick with the Gen X-dominated model, or embrace a more inclusive approach?
“The future of business travel is diverse and flexible,” Smith concludes. “Organisations that recognise this will be better positioned to thrive in the global market. It’s not just about who’s travelling; it’s about cultivating a global mindset across your entire organisation.”
This article first appeared on Inside Travel.