Offer a variety of transportation options to cater to Gen Z preferences and promote sustainable travel.

In today’s business landscape, adapting to the preferences of Gen Z employees has become a top priority for many companies. This includes not only their work environment and practices but also their travel preferences, especially when it comes to ground transportation. However, despite the growing number of Gen Z workers and the changing dynamics of business travel, most businesses have yet to align their travel policies to reflect these new habits and needs.

One significant shift in business travel patterns is the polarization of journeys. On one end, there has been a dramatic increase in shorter business trips, often under 100 miles, reflecting the shift to hybrid working and the need for more flexible travel options. On the other end, many employees are taking longer trips with higher mileage, opting to rent cars for multiple days to maximize their visits.

A recent study conducted by Enterprise, polling 4,000 business travelers across four European countries, including around 25 percent Gen Z workers, revealed that approximately half of workers’ business trips are taken in a privately-owned car. Surprisingly, this trend was consistent across both younger and older employees, indicating that Gen Z employees are just as likely as any other age group to default to car travel for business.

One possible explanation for this could be the lack of viable alternatives offered by corporate travel policies. While research shows that younger generations are deferring car ownership and learning to drive later in life, they still rely on cars for work-related travel. This suggests that businesses need to provide better options to cater to Gen Z preferences.

Fortunately, the study also highlighted a promising mindset shift among Gen Z workers. They are more open to using new modes of transport and micro-mobility compared to other generations. Around one in five Gen Z employees are willing to use active travel options such as walking, cycling, or scooters for business trips, compared to one in seven older employees. Additionally, one in three Gen Z employees are more likely to embrace multi-modal travel for business trips abroad, using a car only when necessary and opting for train, bus, or other shared modes.

Gen Z workers also prioritize personal safety when selecting a transport type for business travel. One in four Gen Z employees cited safety as a key factor, compared to one in six older employees. This focus on safety aligns with their desire to travel in a more sustainable manner and try new forms of transportation.

The implications for businesses are clear – by creating travel policies that offer a range of transportation options to cater to Gen Z preferences, companies can not only meet the evolving travel behaviors of their employees but also contribute to a shift towards more sustainable travel practices. This could include providing access to shared bikes, e-scooters, and e-bikes, as Gen Z employees are more likely to use these modes of transport compared to older generations.

In conclusion, businesses need to recognize the changing dynamics of business travel and adapt their travel policies accordingly. By offering a variety of transportation options that cater to Gen Z preferences and promote sustainable travel, companies can not only attract and retain young talent but also contribute to a greener future.