Nearly eight in 10 employees engage in behaviours on work trips they wouldn't consider at home, with younger travellers four times more likely to ignore safety advice than older colleagues.

A global survey has revealed that 79% ofbusiness travellers engage in riskier behaviours whilst on work trips than they would at home.

The research, conducted by travel risk management company World Travel Protection across the UK, United States, Canada and Australia, found that only 20% of business travellers behave the same way on the road as they do at home.

The findings highlight a stark generational divide, with only 15% of under-34s saying they don't behave differently whilst travelling for work, compared to 42% of those over 55.

In fact, those under 34 nearly are four times more likely than colleagues over 55 to ignore health advice such as drinking tap water or eating at questionable venues. They were also more likely to ride motorbikes and electric scooters and engage in risky recreational activities.

The survey found that 20% of business travellers globally get into cars with new friends or strangers, rising to 22% among under-34s compared to just 10% of those over 55. In the UK specifically, this figure stood at 20%.

Other risky behaviours included venturing out without informing anyone of location or plans (18% globally, 15% in the UK), riding electric scooters or motorbikes (16% globally, 14% in the UK), and ignoring health precautions (15% globally, 12% in the UK).

Frank Harrison, regional security director for the Americas at World Travel Protection, says: "While engaging in these kinds of risky behaviours may seem fun at the time, they not only endanger the traveller but also place employers in a challenging position. This data is a reminder of companies' legal and moral obligation to ensure the safety of travelling employees, or what we refer to as duty of care. Failing to uphold this obligation can carry serious legal consequences."

The research comes amid an increasingly volatile travel climate that has intensified discussions among business leaders about identifying and mitigating risks associated with work travel.

Harrison adds: "Before they travel, employers should educate employees on local risks, help them plan ahead, and make sure they're prepared to make safe decisions while on the road."

The survey was conducted online with 2,000 people who travel for business at least once a year across the UK, United States, Canada, and Australia between February 3-10, 2025.

by Olivia Palamountain | GLOBETRENDER