Work trips: What are the changes imposed by new generations?

The way work travel is viewed is undergoing a revolutionary shift as new generations take center stage in the workplace. According to the recent report from  SAP Concur , a recognized leader in travel and expense management solutions, Generation Z is leading this transformation with its unique demands and by 2030, it is expected to make up the majority of the global workforce.

Carolina Borzatto, SAP Concur Marketing Director for Latin America, highlighted the importance of understanding the changing needs of these emerging generations: "It is a generation that expects much greater personalization from its leaders, including, of course, corporate travel programs In this sense, having travel management tools that enable extreme flexibility while allowing you to maintain control of what happens will increasingly be a differentiating factor."

Generation Z: Reconfiguring Work Travel

Generation Z, born between 1997 and 2012, seeks flexibility, autonomy and sustainability in their work trips. The SAP Concur report revealed that 42% of them want to travel more frequently and 97% demand greater autonomy in making travel decisions. Additionally, they are looking for alternatives to reduce their environmental impact while traveling for business, reflecting a growing awareness of sustainability.

Dissatisfaction with traditional models is evident, with only 36% of Generation Z being satisfied with current travel programs. This group shows a notable willingness to take action, being 63% more likely to adapt travel programs to their needs compared to the general average of collaborators of all ages. Even 35% would be willing to change jobs if their expectations are not met.

Generation Alpha: The Future of Travel and Work

The next generation Alfa, born since 2013, is emerging as the generation with unprecedented technological abilities. The SAP Concur report predicts that within 10 years, they will be surpassing their predecessors in technological prowess and access to information. They are also expected to have the highest level of education and great autonomy, which could further revolutionize the ways of working and corporate travel.

According to Borzatto: "Organizations must be flexible, digital and collaborative to quickly adapt to the challenges posed by any new generation of employees entering the world of work. No company can longer cling to pre-digital policies and models."

Travel more and sustainably: Expectations of the Emerging Generation

The report highlights that 36% of Generation Z are dissatisfied with current travel programs. Among emerging demands, 42% want to travel more frequently and 94% consider greater flexibility in travel and reservations to protect their health and safety. Sustainability is also a crucial aspect, with 98% planning measures to reduce their environmental impact while traveling for business.

Borzatto concluded: "In an area undergoing such profound change, those responsible for corporate travel programs need to rethink whether existing options are aligned with the expectations, demands and desires of new generations."