Though business travel complaints seem widespread, a recent survey by market research company TNS for Marriott’s Fairfield Inn and Suites reported that corporate travelers have mostly positive feelings toward life on the road.
A survey of 1,001 business travelers who travel for work more than three times a year showed that 92 percent are satisfied with how much they travel.
Only 13 percent said business travel has negatively affected their emotional health, while 20 percent said it has affected their physical health. Nearly 80 percent stated that business travel made them feel more prepared in life.
“We knew very little about the emotional state of frequent business travelers and were surprised how positive travel was for their lives,” said Shruti Buckley, vice president for Fairfield Inn and Suites.
The survey showed:
• 68 percent said experiencing new places is the most enjoyable aspect of business travel. Close behind, 54 percent said meeting new people was their favorite part of travel.
• Nearly half find that earning points in airline and hotel programs is the most enjoyable part of business travel. Being able to leave the office was ranked highest by 36 percent.
• About 88 percent of those surveyed felt positive as they prepared for a business trip. On the flip side, 20 percent feel stressed before a trip.
• Half of respondents said the most difficult part of business travel was being away from home or missing family. Sleeping poorly, not maintaining a fitness routine and missing home-cooked meals also ranked among travel’s downsides.
• About 60 percent said the freedom to do what they want on the road empowers them in a positive way.
For more information, read the USA Today article.
