Workers travel less for business
Nearly one-half of U.S. workers are traveling less frequently for business than they did five years ago, according to a survey released on Tuesday.
The bleary-eyed business traveler is becoming a less frequent sight in airports and hotels across the country, a new survey suggests. Nearly half (48 percent) of employees polled said they travel for work less frequently compared to five years ago.
The survey was developed by Robert Half Management Resources, the world's premier provider of senior-level accounting and finance professionals on a project and interim basis. It was conducted by an independent research firm and includes responses from 972 men and women 18 years of age or older and employed in professional environments.
Workers were asked, 'Are you currently traveling for business more or less frequently than you were five years ago?' Their responses:
• Much more frequently 15%
• Somewhat more frequently 21%
• No change 16%
• Somewhat less frequently 21%
• Much less frequently 27%
'Companies that scaled back travel allowances over the past several years continue to closely monitor expenses, despite an improving economy,' said Paul McDonald, executive director of Robert Half Management Resources. 'Many firms are capitalizing on less-costly communication channels, such as webcasts and videoconferences, to facilitate project management and information sharing between remote parties.'
McDonald cautioned that while virtual interaction might save time and money, it often cannot replace the value of a handshake. 'Meeting with clients or vendors in person, even if it requires occasional travel, strengthens business relationships by encouraging open dialogue on critical issues. Face-to-face discussions allow for more direct communication, enable participants to pick up on each other's nonverbal cues and reduce the potential for misunderstandings.'
The survey was developed by Robert Half Management Resources, the world's premier provider of senior-level accounting and finance professionals on a project and interim basis. It was conducted by an independent research firm and includes responses from 972 men and women 18 years of age or older and employed in professional environments.
Workers were asked, 'Are you currently traveling for business more or less frequently than you were five years ago?' Their responses:
• Much more frequently 15%
• Somewhat more frequently 21%
• No change 16%
• Somewhat less frequently 21%
• Much less frequently 27%
'Companies that scaled back travel allowances over the past several years continue to closely monitor expenses, despite an improving economy,' said Paul McDonald, executive director of Robert Half Management Resources. 'Many firms are capitalizing on less-costly communication channels, such as webcasts and videoconferences, to facilitate project management and information sharing between remote parties.'
McDonald cautioned that while virtual interaction might save time and money, it often cannot replace the value of a handshake. 'Meeting with clients or vendors in person, even if it requires occasional travel, strengthens business relationships by encouraging open dialogue on critical issues. Face-to-face discussions allow for more direct communication, enable participants to pick up on each other's nonverbal cues and reduce the potential for misunderstandings.'
