What we actually do on enterprise journeys laid naked – and it is not work

Less than half the time on a business trip is spent doing work – with reading and watching TV filling time between meetings, research has found.

A poll of 1,000 adults who have travelled for work spend most of the time simply frittering away the hours, with just 48% of it spent working productively.

Watching telly in the hotel, reading a book and playing video games are among the most common things to do to kill time between meetings or work events.

And 94% find time to explore the local area on an average 72-hour work trip.

But 60% find it frustrating when they don’t do anything useful or meaningful with the free time they have.

The research was commissioned by Premier Inn, which has released The Downtime Series to help business travellers get the most out of their time away.

The series, hosted by Angellica Bell, includes interviews and tips from a sleep expert, deputy fundraising director from Great Ormond Street Hospital children’s charity and business leaders who travel around regularly for work.

Tamara Strauss, global customer director for the hotel chain, said: “Travelling for business can be both exciting and rewarding, but it’s not without its challenges.

“One of the most common experiences professionals face on the road is boredom.

“Despite the new locations and opportunities, the routine of time away from home – which for many also means time alone – can quickly become monotonous.

“When you’re constantly on the move, it’s easy for the excitement of the journey to fade, leaving you feeling disconnected from your usual sources of enjoyment and inspiration.”

The travellers polled go away for work eight times a year on average, although 13% are away from home 16 times or more annually.

And while 33% enjoy these trips ‘very much’, 15% don’t like them very much or at all, according to the OnePoll data.

As many as 85% have visited a totally new place for just one night, and not seen any of it apart from travelling between their hotel and place of work.

With 65% wishing they had more free time during their business travel to unwind and explore.

Despite being well-practised at it, 46% admit they’re likely to feel awkward doing something like dining alone, if they were travelling solo for work.

And 42% have a tendency to feel lonely if they go away for work all by themselves, as 35% prefer to travel with a colleague.

Going for dinner (56%), exploring the location (54 per cent) and having a drink in the bar (51%) were found to be the top ways travellers unwind on a business trip.

Premier Inn’s spokesperson added: “For those who do prefer staying in, business trips are a great opportunity to catch up on personal interests.

“Whether it’s diving into a good book, watching a movie you’ve been meaning to see, or working on a creative project, hotel downtime can be just as fulfilling as going out – safe in the knowledge of a great night’s sleep in front of you.

“The technology we have at our fingertips today also makes it easier than ever to stay in touch, no matter where you are in the world.”