Nine out of ten business leaders and high net worth individuals (HNWIs) find that travel empowers their most valuable thinking according to new data unveiled at the Business Travel Show from the global chauffeur service Blacklane.
The ‘Finding Flow – How Executives Excel on the Move’ report – commissioned by Blacklane and conducted by Censuswide to explore the business travel habits of 2,000 executives in both the UK and US – shows that, in reality, 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 per cent find it difficult when on a work trip.
The research is clear that seamless journeys materially improve productivity and decision-making. When trips run smoothly, 93 per cent say they are more productive – with 44 per cent 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 per cent) find it forces additional catch up work on their return. 79 per cent state it reduces the quality of their decision-making, 79 per cent report a reduced ability to perform their role, and more than three-quarters (77 per cent) say failing to reach the deep-focus zone disrupts productivity for the entire trip.
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Dr. Jens Wohltorf, founder and CEO, Blacklane explains:
“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. 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. Blacklane’s chauffeur service takes care of every detail to ensure the highly valuable thinking time that powers success is protected.”
To get the best out of business travel, the research identifies the highly nuanced 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 per cent), feeling in control (84 per cent), and travelling with a trusted provider (83 per cent) 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 per cent), followed by inadequate technology (29 per cent), delays or uncertainty (28 per cent), and sensory overload or overstimulation (28 per cent).
Unveiled at the London edition of the Business Travel Show, the research is also brought to life at stand H53, where guests visiting Blacklane can step into an immersive flow-state ‘Pause Pod’. Tailored to help them relax, focus or re-energise, the pod is designed to create a sensory reset within the busy ExCeL venue.
The research findings are published in a downloadable white paper from Blacklane. The ‘Finding Flow’ report was commissioned by Blacklane as the global chauffeur service continues to hone its efforts in reducing friction across every stage of a journey. Blacklane’s personal service and attention to detail ensures discerning travellers arrive taken care of, and in the best possible state for what lies ahead.
For more information on how Blacklane supports business travellers, please visit https://www.blacklane.com/en/business/.
