Credit: DenPhoto / AdobeStock
Nearly eight in 10 business travelers between 18 and 34 say they are more likely to gamble, use illicit substances, get into a car with a stranger or ignore local safety advice when away from home, according to a survey by World Travel Protection.
Only 20% of respondents say they behave in the same way on the road as they would at home, the data showed, with younger business travelers especially prone to taking chances, often in ways that increase personal risk.
Risks by age
- Travelers under 34 are nearly four times more likely than older colleagues (55+) to ignore health advice such as drinking tap water or eating at questionable venues; they are also more likely to ride motorbikes and electric scooters and engage in other risky recreational activities.
- In contrast, older business travelers (55+) are far more likely to stick to their usual habits, with four in 10 (42%) stating they don’t behave any differently while traveling, compared to just 15% of those under 34.
“While engaging in these kinds of risky behaviors may seem fun at the time, they not only endanger the traveler but also place employers in a challenging position,” said Frank Harrison, regional security director, Americas, World Travel Protection.
“This data is a reminder of companies’ legal and moral obligation to ensure the safety of traveling employees, or what we refer to as duty of care,” he added. “Failing to uphold this obligation can carry serious legal consequences. 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.”
Meanwhile, the workers' comp insurance market in the U.S. is projected to reach $56.7 billion in 2025, with the potential for an uptick in costs despite a softer market.
Data compiled by Risk Strategies shows wage inflation, reduced rates and increased size of primary claims could lead to premium increases.
Wage inflation rose 4.8% from March 2023 to March 2024, according to Risk Strategies, while some states reduced workers' comp rates.
At the same time, the National Council on Compensation Insurance (NCCI) increased the size of primary claims to up to $18,000.
© Touchpoint Markets, All Rights Reserved. Request academic re-use from www.copyright.com. All other uses, submit a request to TMSalesOperations@arc-network.com. For more information visit Asset & Logo Licensing.