The term ‘bleisure’ (a combination of ‘business’ and ‘leisure’) was first coined in 2009 to describe the extension of a business trip for leisure purposes. Today, bleisure is common practice in many companies, while others are still reluctant to adopt it in their everyday life. In this article we explain why it is worthwhile incorporating this new kind of travel into corporate culture.
- A better work–life balance
People who work often have little free time for family, friends or themselves. The possibility of combining business and holiday trips can significantly improve your well-being. On the one hand, you feel valued, on the other, you return from your trip refreshed and ready to take on new projects. This is also an advantage for the company, because thanks to increased performance, goals can be reached faster.
- Attractive for new employees
Giving employees the opportunity to extend their business trip, for example to spend time with their families, improves the company’s image. This can be an incentive for new applicants to choose this company and not another.
- Optimising costs
Booking flights at unusual times for business travellers – i.e. not in high season – can help reduce travel costs. Equally, hotels and services often offer loyalty programmes and promotions that are reserved for normal holidaymakers.
- Increased employee loyalty
Millennials and Generation X in particular tend to change jobs more frequently. Bleisure is one of the most effective methods of reducing employee turnover in the company, because if employees feel valued, their loyalty to the company increases.
More leisure time is certainly not the only solution for promoting employee satisfaction when travelling. More comfortable travel classes, access to airport lounges, in-flight Internet access and many other benefits can improve the travel experience for employees.
