While the idea of international business traveling may conjure images of jet setting to exotic locales on the company’s dime, a survey by WebEx Communications has found that–with the average business person spending 67.8 days spent away each year–business travel may be taking over our lives.
The survey also found that the average trip lasts 5.2 days, and the average business traveler is up to 12.9 flights annually. This increase has almost half of business travelers (46%) reporting that they would rather have dinner with the in-laws than the stress of international airports.
A further 42% would rather go house hunting and an astounding 37% would rather scrub the toilet than undergo the hassle of checking in, the irritation of passport control and the ‘dead time’ lost sitting in the airport lounge.
But it also seems that business travel is a lonely existence: 81% of us say the first thing we do on reaching the safety of the hotel room is call our partners. According to the survey, men that miss their partners the most, with almost twice as many men (60%) than women admitted to missing their partners when travelling for work. The survey found that 49% of women miss their children, not their partners.
Almost half of the respondents admitted to continuing to work, well into the evening, when travelling for work. When it comes to social activities, they’re no more exciting. Books remain the most popular choice, with over 72% indulging in light bedtime reading. In fact just 8% of respondents venture out of their hotel room on the average business trip.
“Business travel is a notoriously painful experience,” commented Sylvia Jensen, director of communications, WebEx. “The survey results show that there is a strong case for encouraging workers to engage in virtual business meetings. Obviously, there are many occasions where it isimperative to meet face-to-face, but business professionals should understand that there is an alternative to the frustration of international travel.”