A new study finds that business travelers spend far more time working than relaxing while on the road.
A survey conducted by men’s clothing retailer Jos. A. Bank reports that the typical business travel day lasts about 14 hours, leaving travelers with only two hours of personal time each day.
Moreover, 63 percent of frequent business travelers say they feel pressure to use those limited free hours for additional work-related tasks, such as networking or preparing for meetings.
Among the 2,000 business travelers surveyed, many described travel-related stress stemming from separation from family, airport delays and the constant challenge of living out of a suitcase.
The survey also highlights the importance of appearance while traveling: many respondents feel obliged to maintain a professional look and find it difficult to keep clothing clean and presentable. Two-thirds of those surveyed indicated that a good suit is essential for a successful trip.
There are some positive aspects, too. Respondents enjoyed visiting new places, meeting different people, trying new restaurants and earning travel rewards while on business trips.