Business trips may be billed as an opportunity to build client relationships and close deals — but for many, they’re also a chance to throw caution to the wind.
A new survey by Opinium, commissioned by World Travel Protection, reveals that 79% of employees admit to taking risks on work trips that they would never consider at home.
The annual survey of 2,000 business travellers across the UK, US, Canada and Australia paints a picture of road warriors embracing out-of-character behaviour. From gambling and recreational drug use to hopping on motorbikes or scooters in unfamiliar destinations, many respondents described work trips as occasions where normal boundaries slip.
Younger travellers more reckless
The data highlights a generational divide. Travellers aged 18 to 34 are almost four times more likely than older colleagues to engage in hazardous behaviour.
• 22% of younger travellers admitted to getting into a car with a stranger or new acquaintance.
• 21% said they would jump on a scooter while abroad.
• 15% confessed to gambling or taking illicit substances.
The findings suggest that younger employees, particularly those newer to the workforce, are tempted to treat work trips as hybrid “bleisure” escapes. Letting off steam after a stressful meeting or celebrating a major deal often blurs the line between business and leisure.
By contrast, Gen X travellers are more restrained, with 42% stating they do not alter their behaviour when travelling for work. With more life experience, they are far less likely to take a ride with a stranger or attend risky after-parties.
Risky choices, serious consequences
Beyond generational differences, the survey also uncovered a willingness among younger travellers to ignore health advice. Respondents admitted to drinking local tap water, eating at questionable street food stalls and brushing off basic safety guidance.
While some may shrug these off as youthful indiscretions, employers cannot afford to. Companies have a legal and moral duty of care for employees travelling on business. That means ensuring their health, welfare and safety abroad — and mitigating risks that could lead to medical emergencies or worse.
Frank Harrison, regional security director for the Americas at World Travel Protection, warned: “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. Failing to uphold this obligation can carry serious legal consequences.”
The stakes are high. No HR department wants a call saying a junior executive has broken a leg in a motorcycle accident or been hospitalised with food poisoning mid-trip.
What employers can do
So how can companies reduce the risks? Harrison advises preparation and education are key.
“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,” he said.
Practical measures include:
• Pre-trip briefings on local laws, health and safety issues.
• Guidance on safe transport and accommodation choices.
• Ensuring robust travel insurance and emergency support are in place.
Ultimately, while adventurous young professionals may be tempted to treat a business trip as a mini holiday, the risks are real — and employers must ensure safety comes first.
As the report notes, fun is fleeting, but the consequences of reckless choices can be long-lasting. Or, as one security expert put it: if you are planning to bunk off a meeting for a jet-ski booze cruise, at least make sure you’ve got insurance.