Three in five business travellers have curbed their flying habits as a result of the pandemic, according to a survey by Transport & Environment as part of its Travel Smart Campaign.
In a poll of 2,506 employees across the UK, US, France, Germany and Spain, 74 per cent said businesses must set corporate flying reduction targets and that these must be part of travel policy in order to combat climate change.
The survey found that nearly three-quarters of employees believe reductions in air travel are an important factor when it comes to reducing a company’s carbon footprint. And of the 1,279 respondents who report needing to fly for work, 62 per cent said they have curbed their flying habits compared to pre-pandemic levels, 27 per cent said they fly as often as they did previously, and 11 per cent said they are now flying more.
“Corporate flying habits have changed and employees want a new normal where businesses take responsibility for reducing their share of emissions,” said Denise Auclair, corporate travel campaign manager at Transport & Environment.
“Change will happen with clear targets and policies that align with employees’ expectations. This can only help businesses in the current race to recruit and retain top talent.”
The survey also highlighted a potential impact on meetings, with 72 per cent of respondents saying they are willing to take fewer flights for internal meetings, and 67 per cent willing to plan more local meetings, rather than global meetings, to reduce long-haul flights.
“Employees understand the climate impact of long-haul flying and are willing to curb their travel. But they expect top management to lead by example and set ambitious business travel reduction targets,” Auclair said.