Survey: 90 percent of travel related workers increase travel and spending

HIGH LABOR DEMANDS are pushing frequent travelers to take more trips, according to business travel platform Engine. About 93 percent reported increased travel over the past year, with 77 percent citing high demand in their field as the primary reason.

While 56 percent spend over three months a year on the road, 10 percent exceed six months. Additionally, 90 percent of employers report increased travel spending, Engine said.

Engine’s inaugural “Powering Travel Trends Report” explores the lives of road warriors—those in travel-intensive industries—by surveying 2,000 workers and employers across construction, transportation, engineering, field service, and disaster relief.

“Workers are traveling more than ever, and it’s important to hear what they have to say about life on the road,” said Florent Silve, Engine’s executive vice president of supply and strategy. “It’s clear from our research that road warriors view travel as a net benefit. Their concerns are mainly about uncertainty. That’s why we’re focused on making it easy for businesses to find lodgings for each employee’s specific needs, whether it’s a hotel within walking distance of a job site or one with parking for a semi truck. The goal is to give employees peace of mind so they can have the best experience while away from home.”

Respondents generally held positive views on business travel, the report said.

About 35 percent felt that travel accelerated their career growth, while 45 percent said it broadened their worldview. Additionally, they were more likely to report positive impacts on their mental and physical health.

The report also highlighted a key pain point for frequent business travelers: uncertainty about when they’ll be away from home. Around 39 percent quit jobs due to last-minute schedule changes, significantly more than those who left because of a demanding travel schedule at 29 percent or extended time away from family at 26 percent. Control over travel was crucial, with the ability to choose days away from home being the top reason for job switches.

Hilton’s annual Trends Report recently revealed that post-pandemic travelers are blending relaxation with high-energy adventures to maximize their time and investment, with about 70 percent enjoying active pursuits and one in five planning outdoor adventures in 2025.