The benefits of bleisure travel for employees and businesses

Gone are the days when business trips were confined to stark hotel rooms and hours of rigid schedules. Today, the concept of ‘bleisure travel’ is making waves in the corporate world, allowing employees to merge business with leisure seamlessly. Imagine this: A week-long conference in Barcelona paired with a weekend exploring the vibrant Gothic Quarter. Sounds appealing, doesn’t it?  

Companies that recognise the potential of bleisure travel are discovering that it’s not just a perk for employees but also a strategic tool that can benefit business operations. This post will explore the many advantages of adopting a travel policy that embraces the art of combining work and play. 

What is bleisure travel? 

Bleisure travel blends business trips with leisure experiences. Essentially, it allows employees to extend their work-related travel for personal leisure, either before, during, or after official business engagements. 

Such flexibility benefits both the employee and their employer more than you might think. Here’s why companies should consider embedding bleisure elements into their corporate travel policies. 

The benefits of bleisure travel for employees 

Improved job satisfaction  

Happy employees are productive employees. Offering the option of bleisure travel adds a personal touch to business trips, showing employees that their wellbeing and work-life balance are valued.  

For many, frequent business travel can become a point of stress. The long hours, packed agendas, and time away from family can take their toll. Allowing employees to add leisure time to their trips transforms work-related travel into a more enriching and rewarding experience. 

Reduced burnout  

Burnout is an issue that workplace leaders cannot afford to ignore. Studies show that 77% of employees have experienced burnout in their current job. Bleisure travel offers workers a chance to decompress while still accomplishing business goals.  

Spending just a couple of days sightseeing, relaxing, or unwinding in a new environment can lead to improved mental health and reduced burnout. Employees return to work refreshed, recharged, and ready to tackle challenges with renewed energy. 

Valuable personal development  

Travel exposes individuals to diverse cultures, ideas, and environments. Employees who engage in leisure activities during business trips broaden their horizons and often gain fresh perspectives that are invaluable in their professional and personal lives. 

The benefits of bleisure travel for businesses 

Enhanced employee retention  

Providing bleisure travel is a forward-thinking move that positions your company as an employer of choice. It demonstrates that your business values its workforce and is willing to evolve with modern workplace trends.  Forward-thinking perks like these can lead to loyalty among your top talent.  

Increased productivity 

A more relaxed, happy employee is often a more productive one. After enjoying some rewarding leisure time and recharging their batteries, employees return to work with enhanced focus and efficiency. This can translate into sharper performance, better decision-making, and stronger overall outputs.  

Stronger business relationships 

During bleisure trips, employees are motivated to attend networking events, conferences, and client meetings with a renewed sense of energy. This zest is often reflected in their ability to forge stronger connections and add value to these business interactions. 

Reimagine business travel with benefits for all 

Bleisure travel is more than just a modern workplace trend. It’s a practical strategy that enhances employee satisfaction, improves productivity, and positions your company as a leader in employee wellbeing. 

Here at Travel Counsellors for Business, we’re in the unique position of being able to tap into our wider network of leisure Travel Counsellors to create unforgettable leisure stays before or after a work engagement. Whether you want to enjoy some solo R&R or have your family fly out to join you for some quality time, we’ll make it happen – with every detail taken care of. Get in touch to find out more.