The majority of business travellers feel “out of pocket” at the end of a work trip, according to research from Mintel.
The study found that only 27 per cent of corporate road warriors said they had been “fully reimbursed” for all costs related to a business trip.
Almost a quarter of respondents (22 per cent) also said that they worked longer hours than normal while travelling, and only 19 per cent said they had been reimbursed for time spent travelling outside of normal working hours.
Mintel found that 14 per cent of business travellers would be unhappy if they were required to take more trips while 8 per cent said being on the road caused “a strain on their relationships with family, partner or friends”.
Harry Segal, travel and tourism analyst at Mintel, said: “While respondents may have different views over what ‘fully reimbursed’ constitutes, it is a fair assumption that the majority of business travellers feel out of pocket at the end of a business trip.
“With a sizable proportion of business travellers claiming that they work longer hours and that business trips are putting a strain on their relationships, companies looking to get the best out of employees in the time they are away should perhaps take note of where negative implications are occurring.”
The survey also confirmed that many companies were taking a harder line on their travel policies and budgets: 18 per cent said that their firm now opts for budget travel options, while 16 per cent added that travel policies were being more strictly enforced than previously.
Only 6 per cent said that their employer was willing to pay extra for a premium travel service, while 17 per cent are allowed to choose their own travel options. Another 14 per cent said they had shared a room with a colleague while travelling.
Segal added: “As companies cut back on premium travel options, the line between traditional business travel and consumer travel will become increasingly blurred.
“Low-cost airlines are keen to gain share in the business travel market, as shorter lead times in the booking process often mean higher ticket prices compared to holidaymakers.”
Nigel Turner, CWT’s director of programme management and business development, said: “Outside of compensation for a longer working day, filing of actual expenses incurred on a business trip is often a complex and difficult process.
"However, companies could be doing more to ensure their employees are fully reimbursed for business travel."