Exploring the Impact of Business Travel on Employee Well-Being: A Focus on Leisure Opportunities
Exploring the Impact of Business Travel on Employee Well-Being: A Focus on Leisure Opportunities

Author(s): Jetmir Muja, Albana Borici, Ardita Borici
Subject(s): Social Sciences
Published by: Udruženje ekonomista i menadžera Balkana
Keywords: Bleisure travel; Sustainable tourism; Travel satisfaction; Employee well-being; Work-life balance
Summary/Abstract: For the modern business traveler, the idea of working most of the time and not having fun is changing and more emphasis is given to the balance between business and leisure. Companies are recognizing the importance of relaxation during working trips, whereas technology is helping travelers find leisure opportunities easily. The theme in travel and tourism research has been largely focused on leisure tourism, neglecting the changing landscape of business travel. The aim of this research is to explore the relationship between business trips and leisure activities while explaining the role of travel satisfaction on well-being. The term ‘bleisure’ is frequently used these days to describe professionals traveling domestically and internationally for work while taking time to enjoy leisure activities. Motivated by the desire to maximize travel opportunities and enhance work-life balance, bleisure travelers seamlessly integrate leisure activities into their business trips. The findings of the study highlight that 68% of domestic business travelers on their business trips incorporate some leisure activities, while 83% of international business travelers add leisure activities to their business trips. This hybrid, new form of travel, where travelers integrate work-related activities with leisure pursuits offers the opportunity to achieve higher levels of satisfaction. Travel satisfaction and well-being intertwine as individuals embark on journeys to new destinations, seeking new experiences and a chance for personal growth. This study highlights how integrating leisure activities into business travel aligns with sustainable tourism practices by fostering cultural exchange, boosting local economies, and reducing travel redundancy. By recognizing the value of travel satisfaction and well-being, businesses can enhance employee satisfaction while contributing to sustainable tourism and promoting long-term success and growth.

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