Nearly a Third of Consumers Want to Take Advantage of Their Remote Work

U.S. workers are taking “flexcations,” and they’re planning well in advance. Be sure to make it onto their itinerary.

The pandemic revolutionized the remote and hybrid work industry. While remote work isn’t required the way it was a few years ago, it’s still here to stay.

About 41 percent of full-time employees work either remotely or in a hybrid model. It’s even projected that by 2025 nearly 33 million Americans will be working remotely. This leaves people with plenty of time to travel without needing to take time off from work. They get to do their job during the day and explore a new city at night – a “flexcation.” Ninety-eight percent view remote and hybrid work as the ideal work experience.

Expedia found that the majority (85 percent) of business travelers work in a hybrid model. About a third of remote workers plan on taking advantage of their positions with a flexcation in the next 12 months. Not only do they have the freedom to plan these trips, but they’re increasingly more likely to do so well before the trip actually happens.

By targeting remote working business travelers, you can diversify your revenue streams. This means you can be less reliant on traditional leisure travelers and can maintain occupancy rates, even during off-peak seasons. Note that price is an important consideration for a third of these travelers, so make sure you keep your prices conservative while improving the experience for workers.

Quality internet connection

High-speed internet is an indispensable amenity for business travelers. Offering the minimum WiFi to get through emails isn’t going to be enough. Remote workers are often obligated to conduct virtual calls that need reliable video and sound. If your working guests’ calls start dropping, you’ll surely hear about it… and so will others. Slow or unreliable internet can lead to frustration, productivity loss, and missed opportunities, which no business traveler can afford.

Room amenities

The basic should be a desk within the room. Other in-room amenities like mini-fridges and coffee makers are convenient for business travelers who may need to store snacks or brew a quick cup of coffee before a meeting. Allowing your guests to skip the trip to the Starbucks 10 minutes away is a big bonus. Be sure to provide sugar and some form of creamer which can come as a dried powder. A microwave is a nice touch. Travelers don’t have to leave their rooms to heat up leftovers or another snack.

Loyalty programs

Remote workers have the luxury of flexibility, which means they have more time to take another visit. You’re more likely to keep their business with an enticing loyalty program. These programs reward repeat guests with exclusive benefits and incentives. If you provide a good guest experience and offer them discounts and packages for future stays, they can earn you more money than your average leisure travelers.

Places to work

Offering well-equipped meeting spaces caters to business travelers who need a comfortable space to get their work done. Being in their room is great and convenient, but sitting in one spot all day for several days can get boring. Give them a change of scenery with a lounge or sitting area in the lobby that has nearby outlets so guests can charge their laptops while they work.