Nine out of 10 business leaders and high net worth individuals (HNWIs) find that travel empowers their most valuable thinking, according to new data unveiled from the global chauffeur service Blacklane.
Commissioned by Blacklane and conducted by Censuswide, the Finding Flow – How Executives Excel on the Move report explores the business travel habits of 2,000 executives in both the UK and US. Findings shows that, while overall travel can empower leaders, the reality is that often travellers struggle to achieve optimum performance when on the move.
While most respondents know they can achieve ‘flow state’ – the deep focus, clarity, and purpose that drives creativity and performance – when travelling, 86% find it difficult when on a work trip.
The research shows that seamless journeys materially improve productivity and decision-making. When trips run smoothly, 93% say they are more productive – with 44% saying significantly so.
However, when travel is disjointed, uncomfortable and therefore achieving a flow state is elusive, the cost extends both across the trip and far beyond. Worryingly, more than eight out of ten (81%) find it forces additional catch up work on their return, 79% state it reduces the quality of their decision-making, 79% report a reduced ability to perform their role, and 77% say failing to reach the deep-focus zone disrupts productivity for the entire trip.
“Any frequent traveller knows that finding focus within a packed itinerary is hard to achieve. This new report highlights the stark impact of friction and frustration when on the move; when travel is not calm and controlled leaders simply cannot function at their optimum during the trip and often beyond,” said Dr. Jens Wohltorf, founder and CEO, Blacklane.
“Travel schedules need to include the experiences that empower quality thinking, wellbeing and recovery. This includes adequate consideration for every aspect of the journey and not leaving elements such as ground transport to chance.”
To get the best out of business travel, the research identifies the a set of requirements that bring about a flow state. The top three most important factors influencing intense focus while travelling on business are feeling calm (86%), feeling in control (84%), and travelling with a trusted provider (83%) showcasing that both emotional and practical needs must be met.
When any element of the equilibrium is disrupted, travellers lose the productivity opportunity. Crowded or noisy environments with a lack of personal space are the top threat to clarity on the move (cited by 31%), followed by inadequate technology (29%), delays or uncertainty (28%), and sensory overload or overstimulation (28%).
The research findings are published in a downloadable white paper from Blacklane.
