Just when we thought we had millennials all figured out, here comes Generation Z to shake things up in the corporate travel world.
Don’t be fooled by stereotypes about Gen Z being glued to social media or having short attention spans. This cohort is showing us there's much more to unpack when it comes to their approach to business travel. Their tech-savviness is matched by a desire for authentic experiences and environmental consciousness that clashes with some conventional corporate travel norms.
Youth Day corporate travel realities
As it's national Youth Day on 16 June - it's a good time to check in with our young travellers. What should we expect as Gen Zers hit the road for work trips? Here are the Youth Day realities versus your expectations.
-
Expectation 1: Gen Z workers are more into avocado toast than ambition
Reality: Think again. Research shows over a third of Gen Z workers say business trips have actually helped propel them into promotions. One in three Gen Zers feel travel for work has increased their passion for their jobs. And unlike older colleagues who cite networking as a top perk, 29% of Gen Z say it’s also boosted their mental health. So, stereotypes aside, Gen Z seems to be embracing their wanderlust through business travel. They’re racking up those frequent flyer miles not just for fun but to actively push their careers forward.
-
Expectation 2: Gen Z is all about social media
Reality: Forget the notion that Gen Z is always online, glued to screens like digital zombies. While they spend a fair bit of time online, their digital prowess goes beyond mindless scrolling. Gen Z values efficiency, convenience, and automation. They’re not just connected; they're purposefully digital. What can travel managers learn? Make sure your tech is mobile-friendly, and streamline your processes for quick responses. Embrace their digital expectations to provide the seamless experiences they crave in trip planning and beyond - whether they are a first time business traveller or have a few miles under their belts.
-
Expectation 3: Gen Z is self-absorbed
Reality: Sure, Gen Z is in touch with their needs and feelings, but they're just as dialled into sustainability. Don’t overlook this generation’s passion for protecting the planet when it comes to business travel. These eco-conscious pros will get amped about carbon-cutting transportation like rail over air travel. Accommodations with energy-saving initiatives and zero-waste programmes? Sign them up.
-
Expectation 4: Gen Z avoids IRL interaction like the plague'
Reality: It’s easy to peg Gen Z as the hyper-online, socially anxious recluses who do their best work from the refuge of a laptop. Gen Z workers are actually enthused at the prospect of business travel for some IRL collaboration. It seems Gen Z recognises the tangible benefits of looking colleagues in the eye, reading body language cues, and fostering those real-world rapport-building moments.
Highlight the opportunity to break free from virtual call fatigue and nurture real-world social skills. Position it as a growth accelerator, not just another trip on the books. Gen Z doesn’t want just to check the transactional meeting box either. Build in incentive travel, meaningful team excursions, collaborative mentorship workshops, and networking events to foster relationship-building.
Here's your 16 June message from Bonnie Smith, GM of Corporate Traveller.
“Gen Z’s youthful passion for progress shakes up business travel in the best way possible. This Youth Day in South Africa make a commitment to listen to what these young minds are all about, and we can revolutionise the entire corporate travel experience for the next generation workforce."
Your Youth Day corporate travel checklist
What's the take of a business travel expert? Here are Smith's tips to make your corporate travel programme more appealing to the young adults of Generation Z:
Sustainability initiatives
Wellness focus
Recognition and rewards
Incentive travel
