90% of Employees in Travel-Related Fields are Increasing Travel and Spending

Rising labor demands are encouraging frequent travelers to embark on more journeys, based on findings from business travel platform Engine. Around 93% of respondents have increased their travel in the last year, with 77% pointing to the high demand in their sector as the main driving factor.

While 56% of these travelers spend over three months on the road annually, 10% are away for more than six months. Moreover, Engine noted that 90% of employers have witnessed a surge in travel-related expenses.

Engine’s first-ever “Powering Travel Trends Report” delves into the experiences of road warriors—individuals in vocations that demand extensive travel—by surveying 2,000 employees and employers across various industries like construction, transportation, engineering, field service, and disaster relief.

“Workers are engaging in more travel than ever before, and it’s crucial to understand their perspectives on life on the road,” stated Florent Silve, Engine’s executive vice president of supply and strategy. “Our research indicates that road warriors generally view travel as beneficial, with their primary concerns revolving around uncertainties. Thus, our focus is on simplifying the process for businesses to find suitable accommodations for each employee’s specific requirements, whether it’s a hotel near a job site or one with ample parking for large vehicles. The aim is to offer employees peace of mind so they can have a seamless experience while away from home.”

The report revealed that respondents typically had a positive outlook on business travel.

Around 35% believed that travel accelerated their career growth, while 45% noted that it broadened their perspectives. Moreover, they tended to report positive effects on their mental and physical well-being.

Notably, a significant challenge for frequent business travelers was the uncertainty surrounding their time away from home. Approximately 39% changed jobs due to last-minute schedule alterations, a much larger figure compared to those who left because of demanding travel schedules (29%) or prolonged separations from family (26%). Having control over their travel plans was paramount, with the ability to select days spent away from home being the primary reason for job changes.

Hilton’s annual Trends Report indicated that post-pandemic travelers are combining relaxation with high-energy activities to optimize their time and resources, with roughly 70% enjoying active pursuits and one out of every five planning outdoor adventures in 2025.