What Is Business Travel Expected to Look Like in the UK Throughout 2025?
Business travel in the UK is set to undergo significant transformation in 2025, shaped by evolving workplace trends, shifting priorities, and new technological advancements. While travel is expected to increase, with a return to pre-pandemic levels of activity, companies will be more discerning in their approach, focusing on efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and employee wellbeing. Why? In reality, this is the only way to retain employees in a world of digital opportunities and sector shortages which means higher salaries and more appealing benefits are readily available.
Sustainability will play a key role in the future of business travel, with many organisations looking to reduce their carbon footprint by opting for eco-friendly transportation and greener accommodation options. Hybrid and remote working practices will also influence travel patterns, with businesses making more strategic decisions about when and where travel is necessary, aligning it with long-term goals. Additionally, the rise of smart technologies is expected to streamline the business travel experience, from seamless booking systems to AI-powered itineraries, allowing for a more efficient and personalised approach.
Ultimately, business travel in 2025 will be a careful balance of convenience, sustainability, and innovation, all while ensuring employee wellbeing and business success.
How Can Companies Prepare for Business Travel in 2025?
While there will also be ways unique to each sector to ensure business travel runs smoothly, below we’ve shared some top considerations that any business should be aware of. Whether your goal is to save money, facilitate more travel or improve staff happiness, these factors will ensure any travel runs smoothly.
Establish Wellbeing Practices
The health and comfort of employees should be a priority when organising travel. Offering flexible itineraries, comfortable accommodation, and ensuring adequate rest time between meetings will help prevent burnout and improve productivity.
To achieve a structure that works for all teams, wellbeing should become a core focus within everyday business. This means travel considerations can then be created as an extension to ensure consistency and better awareness throughout teams.
Use Booking Tools
Selecting software designed to facilitate business travel is also essential, as it ensures that all considerations have already been addressed. This is why many companies choose Comfy Workers, as every element—from property costs to managing staff while on the move—has been accounted for in one tool. In addition to providing better experiences, our software ensures that companies can operate more reactively, developing an agile structure that is essential in sectors such as construction and corporate.
Investing in these technologies will streamline the planning process and ensure a smoother travel experience for employees.
Focus on Budgeting at all Times
With business travel spend on the rise, it’s important to implement clear budgeting and cost-control measures. Setting travel policies, negotiating corporate rates, and ensuring employees book within guidelines will help keep travel expenditure in check.
This will ensure that it's not only easier to maintain operations without exceeding budgets, but ensures decision making is more free-flowing as the financial position of an opportunity is always easy to understand.
Select an Agent That Prioritises Employee Experiences
Selecting an agent that prioritises employee experiences is crucial when booking corporate accommodation, as it directly impacts staff satisfaction, productivity, and wellbeing. Employees who stay in comfortable, well-located, and well-equipped accommodation are more likely to feel valued and supported, which in turn can enhance their performance and morale.
A focus on the employee experience ensures that their needs are met, from easy access to work sites to amenities that promote relaxation and work-life balance. It also allows companies to offer more tailored options, such as flexible check-in times, high-speed internet, and quiet, comfortable environments conducive to rest.
If this sounds ideal for your business, click here to find out how Comfy Workers prioritises your employees.
