Employers will need to adopt flexible working arrangements and offer “blended” travel experiences to attract and retain staff, according to a study by Crowne Plaza Hotels & Resorts.
The Blended Travel report put together by the IHG-owned brand found the majority of both Millennial (aged 25-44) and Generation Z (aged 18-24) consumers in the UK were more inclined to work for a company offering frequent travel, as well as the ability to combine work and leisure trips.
Flexibility in working hours is also one of the most important factors in choosing a job for 55 per cent of people in the UK - just ahead of having a high salary (52 per cent).
The survey further found that 30 per cent of UK residents believe that combining business and leisure travel will allow them to progress further in their career and 33 per cent said it would increase their happiness levels.
Ginger Taggart, vice president, brand management, at Crowne Plaza Hotels & Resorts, said: “As British employers struggle to fill vacancies, there is pressure on them to attract and retain the best talent.
“We’ve been playing in this space for many years, and we closely monitored evolving work and leisure trends. The shift since the pandemic has accelerated dramatically. Across our hotels and resorts, we’ve seen an uplift in those who blend work travel with leisure.
“People want in-person connections, and they also want the space to satisfy demands outside of the traditional nine-to-five to enhance their wellbeing.”