A new study from Carlson Wagonlit Travel finds business travelers are carrying more devices than ever, and that these devices directly support productivity on the road.
The survey reports the average business traveler now carries four different types of technology—laptops, smartphones, tablets and other gadgets—and identifies the mobile phone as the most indispensable tool. Eighty percent of respondents rely on their mobile phones to conduct work while traveling.
Technology is widely seen as simplifying travel logistics: 88 percent of travelers say technology makes navigation and planning easier. At least half use online resources to book hotels and flights, and airline and hotel apps rank among the most commonly used travel apps, alongside maps and navigation tools.
Staying connected to family and colleagues is another key benefit. The survey shows many business travelers use international calling (44 percent), Skype (24 percent) and text messaging (17 percent) to maintain contact while away from home.
“Business travelers can be far more productive than even five years ago thanks to technology,” said Simon Nowroz, chief marketing officer of Carlson Wagonlit Travel. “Where once travelers had long stretches of downtime between flights, taxis and hotel check-ins, they can now log in and work from the plane, the car or wherever they happen to be. The rise of tablets and the wide range of mobile apps mean travelers can stay connected and keep business moving.”
Overall, respondents view business travel positively. Many cited professional benefits such as gaining new knowledge and perspectives (86 percent) and improved productivity (80 percent). The most commonly reported downsides are maintaining health and wellness routines while on the road (54 percent) and concerns about safety (46 percent).