In 2024, the United States has faced numerous catastrophic natural disasters, including Hurricane Helene, which caused over $175 billion in damages and claimed 230 lives. In the wake of such disasters, an influx of professionals—construction workers, disaster relief teams, and field service engineers—arrive in affected areas to assist with recovery. These essential workers play a pivotal role in rebuilding efforts.
A recent report by Engine.com, conducted by Phronesis Partners, provides insight into the trends and preferences of these critical workers. The study surveyed 800 employees who travel for work and 1,200 employees who manage travel at their companies. The respondents, all employed in fields such as construction, disaster relief, insurance, engineering, field services, and transportation, shared their experiences. The fieldwork for this report was conducted online from August 9 to August 26, 2024.
Key Insights: The Pulse of Road Warriors
Key Findings on the Life of Road Warriors
In 2024, 93% of respondents report an increase in work-related travel, driven by a surge in industry demand. Notably, 80% rate their travel experiences an 8/10 or higher, showcasing a generally positive sentiment despite the challenges.
Road Warriors: A Demographic Snapshot
These professionals spend 3-6+ months annually on the road. The majority are mid-level employees aged 42, earning $75K+ with many balancing family life while traveling. They hail from industries such as construction, transportation, and disaster relief, where travel is a significant part of their job roles.
Desires and Challenges
Comfortable accommodations are essential as they frequently carry heavy equipment and endure demanding schedules. Travel is seen as a career booster, with 35% saying it accelerates growth, and 28% willing to switch jobs for more travel opportunities. However, unpredictable schedules are a major challenge: 40% have left jobs due to this, and 46% would change employers for more flexibility.
Travel Management
Travel logistics are often a source of frustration, with 32% stating they would switch jobs for dedicated travel support, while 22% struggle to find good deals. Managing team schedules and last-minute changes (which occur more than half the time) further complicates travel planning.
Ultimately, road warriors continue to face both opportunities and challenges in a rapidly evolving travel landscape, with flexibility and better travel management emerging as key factors for satisfaction and retention.
The Good, the Bad, and the Changeable
Road warriors are generally satisfied with their travel experiences, but a few key factors make a big difference in their overall satisfaction. Here’s how they view their time on the road:
The Good:
• 80% rate their travel experiences 8/10 or higher.
• 69% enjoy their accommodations.
• 35% stay fit thanks to hotel gyms.
• 41% access healthier food options while traveling.
The Challenges:
• 22% struggle to find good deals.
• 35% spend 3-5 hours weekly on travel administration tasks.
• 40% have left jobs due to frequent schedule changes.
• Hotel cleanliness is a concern: 93% request better accommodations.
• 41% find their hotels are too far from work sites.
• 25% face financial strain due to personal credit card holds for incidentals.
• 29% report a lack of recreational options post-work.
• 24% experience inadequate parking.
• 25% report limited food options in the area.
Solutions to Enhance Stays:
Despite enjoying their travel, issues like cleanliness and extra costs persist. Engine addresses these issues by offering clean, well-located properties, direct billing, and superior amenities.
Employers: Balancing Costs and Comfort
With rising travel expenses, managing costs is a top priority for employers. In 2024, 90% of travel managers reported an increase in travel spending compared to 2023. The top priorities for employers are:
• 44% prioritize staying within budget.
• 36% focus on approved hotel chains.
• 40% seek proximity to job sites to cut down on travel time.
Finding the right balance between comfort and cost is critical for both employers and road warriors as they navigate the changing landscape of business travel.
