Last month we relaunched our Macroscope trends, updating them for 2024 and adding in a new ninth trend.
Over the coming weeks, we’ll be releasing a podcast where our Roaders take a deep dive into each updated trend, sharing their knowledge and expertise to help keep you abreast of the changes we’re seeing in our industry, as part of our mission to #CreateBetter.
To get things going, we’re kicking off with two trends that have been accelerated due to the pandemic: The Future of Work and ESG
The future of work – dispersed but not forgotten
Working from home. Working from anywhere. Mandated office days. Flexible working. Fully remote. Office based only. The options for workers and businesses feel endless.
But whilst workplace and employee attitudes have clearly been disrupted since 2020, the debate over office Vs remote work keeps rumbling on.
How does this change in attitudes and options impact travel? And how are the new ways of working changing the Travel & Expense category in general?
We’re already seeing a very different demand mix, altering both the balance of spend and programme attributes. Programmes that were previously global heavy, are now seeing an increase in regional or local travel. Where air might have been the anchor of the programme, suddenly there is a shift to accommodation or ground transport.
And these are just two examples. The impacts of this trend go much wider, bringing new opportunities for travel vendors and payment solutions, if they can meet the needs of a dispersed, redefined workforce.
One thing is certain though – there are big times ahead for travel managers who wish to play a central role as a connector.
ESG to at the purposeful core
The second trend that got a fast-track pass thanks to the pandemic is ESG.
Yes, sustainability concerns have been on the table for years prior to 2020. But it was the events during that time, and the years that followed, that brought ESG to the forefront for individuals and businesses alike.
The need for action is clear, but the way forward is less so. There are no practical alternatives to flying medium and long haul, SAF is expensive and hard to acquire, and carbon offsetting continues to be controversial. As a Travel Manager, navigating a world of “greenwashing” and “greenhushing” on top of the day job, places even more pressure and complication onto already complex role.
And that is just tackling “E”. We must remember that environment is only one element of ESG. Let’s not forget the “S” and “G”. Ensuring safety for LGBTQ+ employees when travelling, recognising travel suppliers DE&I credentials and incorporating “Ethical Sourcing” are new and important trends we’re now seeing in business travel.
However, the intense focus on ESG presents opportunities for organisations and travel managers to completely re-imagine their travel programmes, goals and objectives, in a way that hasn’t been seen before.
Is our community ready for that? No doubt we will need to spend an immense amount of time ironing out the detail, but if there’s one thing we know about the business travel community, it’s that they’re always up for the challenge.
Where next?
As these trends look set to stay on our radar for the long haul, we need to ask the question why. We know that these trends are not new, they have simply been accelerated since the pandemic. So, is it conceivable that this rate of acceleration will result in speedier action and quick resolution? Or will we find ourselves dissecting their importance again this time next year?
Whatever happens, all we do know is that now is the time to focus in on these trends and to develop your knowledge. It’s an ongoing, potentially divisive discussion, but it’s not going away – so brace yourself and dive straight in.