Business travel, which virtually came to a halt just a few years ago, is becoming more and more popular again.
Despite common hassles like flight delays and unattractive hotel stays, employees seem generally open to traveling for business again. According to a global survey of 3,750 business travelers conducted by SAP Concur, about 67% of employees who took three or more business trips in the past two years believe that business travel is important for career advancement. However, many employees also feel that travel opportunities are not shared equally.
Younger workers are more likely than older generations to say business travel is important for career advancement, but they are also the most likely to say they have limited opportunities to travel: About 19% blame their lack of travel opportunities on a lack of seniority, and 18% on their age, according to the report.
Around 14% believe they don't have the opportunity to travel because they're a carer, and a further 11% say it's because of their gender. Breaking it down further, we see that women are more likely than men to feel they don't have the opportunity to travel.
When it comes to addressing challenges in corporate travel programs overall, SAP advises employers to take three basic steps: First, reach out to employees to see where the pain points are and ask if they feel they have equal travel opportunities compared to their peers. Then, act on that insight and ensure employees have the right tools they need to travel successfully. Finally, get help from outside resources if needed.
Paige McGloughlin
paige.mcglauflin@fortune.com
@Paedion
Around the table
We've rounded up the most important HR headlines.
– Once merely arbitrary legal agreements intended to prevent individuals from sharing trade secrets, NDAs play a much larger role in today's society. New York Magazine
– Brooke Shields has added a new title to her diverse career: union president. The actress, author and businesswoman is currently president of the Screen Actors Guild, the union that represents theater actors and directors in the United States. The New York Times
– Warehouses are springing up across rural America to support the online shopping craze, transforming the economies and learning of the towns where they are built. Bloomberg
– The battle for talent among big law firms is starting to resemble the bidding wars that sports teams wage for professional athletes' draft picks, with top lawyers commanding eight-figure salaries as law firms take on more lucrative clients. The New York Times
Water cooler
Everything you need to know luck.
DEI alienation. Tractor Supply recently announced that it would eliminate all diversity positions and roll back other diversity and ESG goals, likely defusing threats of boycotts from conservative activists, but the decision could hurt the agricultural retailer in the following ways: Alienating customers in diversifying suburban areaswhich constitutes an important customer segment. —Phil Wahba
We signed a contract. Canadian airline WestJet has come to an agreement with its maintenance staff to end the strike that has caused the cancellation of more than 820 flights Between Thursday and Monday. —AP
Lack of vacation. German and French workers get nearly 2.5 times as much paid vacation as Americans, More likely to feel like their vacation time has been taken away New research shows that more foreigners are entering the country than the United States. —Prarthana Prakash
The key to resilience. Prudential Financial CEO Charles Lawrie said these four elements are Keys to a resilient enterpriseInvest in great people, ensure all employees believe in the North Star, understand their role within the company, are able to deliver on the company's objectives, and support them with benefits, perks and more. —Fortune CEO Initiative
