Young business travellers aged between 23-35 and who attend meetings on the road have revealed to Hilton Hotels & Resorts in a survey that while buzzing social environment and in-person interactions during regular work hours, this segment would rather spend their evenings on their own.
The research identified that 84% of young business travellers say that they cherish their alone time during business trips, and nearly three-fourths (73%) report that they have a better experience when they spend downtime on their own.
When asked how this group prefers to spend their free time, results included: eating at local restaurants (69%); exploring the city and/or neighbourhood (59%); sleeping or relaxing (56%); working out (35%); and attending a Happy Hour (38%) or unwinding at the lobby/hotel bar (32%).
“We’ve all had over-scheduled business trips – with meetings from 09.00 to 17.00. and social obligations the rest of the evening – and the result is pure exhaustion. We applaud this next generation of travellers for highlighting a tension point many of us have dealt with for years,” said Vera Manoukian, senior vice president and global head, Hilton Hotels & Resorts.
In looking at preferred work styles while travelling for business, findings were consistent with Hilton Hotels & Resorts’ 2018 survey results with 81% of respondents believing that they can get more done in-person.
Findings also underscore how their workspace – whether that’s a formal meeting room or multifunctional common space – plays a key role in spurring creativity, encouraging collaboration and ultimately contributing to positive outcomes. Key findings include:
Bustling environment: Two-thirds of respondents (63%) are more inspired in a busy, social environment when they are working alone/independently
Natural Light: 92% prefer natural light/windows in a meeting space
Colourful Spaces: 80% prefer a colourful meeting space with elements inspired by their surroundings
Intuitive Technology: 82% prefer a meeting space with ad
