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News.com.au
a day ago
- Business
- News.com.au
New Gen Z work trip trend that would make Boomer's heads explode
Since Gen Zers started entering the workforce we have seen a rise of a multitude of different work trends, all focused around not letting work take of your life. It started with quiet quitting and bare minimum Mondays, before moving onto coffee badging and acting your wage. Now, the youngest working generation are taking things a step further. Rather than just focusing on work-life balance, they are now looking for ways their work can benefit them during their personal time. They are capitalising on perks like fully paid work trips by having their partner, a friend or even a family member tag along. It seems the younger generations have less reservations about mixing business and leisure, with the new trend fittingly dubbed 'bleisure' or 'blended travel'. And they aren't shy about sharing it either, with a rise in young people sharing their bleisure travel online. 'POV you take your bestie on all your work trips,' one TikToker wrote on a video. 'You hire me, you hire her.' Another showed a clip of her and her mum walking hand-in-hand, writing 'Normalise taking your mum on work trips.' Another video read: 'When your bf brings you on a work trip to NYC but he has to work all day while you enjoy the fancy hotel and explore the city.' While having a plus one tag along on a work trip isn't inherently problematic, it is the way some people are going about it that is causing controversy. A YouGov survey of 12,000 people commissioned by the Crowne Plaza hotel chain revealed that 74 per cent of employees would invite a family member or friend on a work trip, according to Business Insider. Shockingly, one in five admitted they had already done so and didn't tell their employer. It is the secrecy aspect that is the real issue with this new trend, according to recruitment specialist and author of Earning Power, Roxanne Calder. 'It's not the act of bringing someone that signals immaturity; it's doing it without transparency,' she told 'If your job funds the hotel room, there's a basic social contract in place.' Ms Calder said breaching this contract raises ethical questions and is not a good look professionally. 'Not telling your boss isn't clever; it's a failure to understand the power of trust in professional environments. And maybe the fact it is conducted in secrecy signals you might also sense it might boarder on being unprofessional,' she said. The act of bringing a plus one on a work trip isn't a new thing in and of itself, with Ms Calder saying what's new is the 'lack of shame about it'. Previous generations may have still done it, but it was done quietly and possibly with some guilt or awareness that they were bending the rules. 'Only in a generation raised to believe that every moment of their lives deserves to be shared, and preferably reimbursed, would this be considered a trend,' Ms Calder said. 'That shift isn't just cultural, it's psychological. Gen Z is the first generation raised to optimise experience as much as achievement. 'They don't view a career as a ladder, but as a landscape. And in that landscape, if you're travelling for work, why shouldn't joy come too?' HR specialist and founder of Corporate Dojo, Karen Gately, agreed that there has been a definite shift, with young professionals being more open about blending work and personal life. While the behaviour itself isn't unique to any generation, Gen Z are more comfortable challenging traditional boundaries. However, Ms Gately warned sneaking your bestie onto a work trip isn't without its risks, saying it could very easily lead to a breach of trust between you and your boss. 'If your employer finds out you've concealed this, it can damage your professional reputation and relationship with your boss,' she told A plus one could also prove to be a distraction from the main reason for the trip, which is to work. 'Even unintentionally, splitting your focus between work and personal time can impact your effectiveness,' she said. 'If you're disciplined enough to be focused on work when you're meant to be working, it can be OK. But if having your partner or friend with you is likely to distract you from achieving the outcomes you need to, it's not a good idea.' There are also insurance implications that need to be considered, with Ms Gately pointing out if your travel companion is injured or causes an issue it could complicate liability and insurance coverage. While for many, this trend may just be seen as a fun way of getting the most of your work life, Ms Calder said it also speaks to something larger. While the rise of hybrid and remote work has allowed employees previously unheard of flexibility, it also means workers are now more accessible than ever. Most people have access to work emails on their phones, making it easy to slip into the habit of responding out of hours. Is there a small 10 minute task that needs to be done over the weekend? Well you might as well log on at home and get it out of the way. Ms Calder said it is this type of overlap into people's personal lives that is driving young people to ask: 'If work shows up in my personal life uninvited, can my personal life show up in my work life by design?' 'Employers who treat this purely as a compliance issue will miss the point. And employees who treat it as a loophole to exploit miss the longer game: trust, maturity, and self-awareness will always outperform hustle masked as rebellion,' she said. In the end, the recruitment expert said it is not about whether we should ban or endorse blended travel. 'It is about having an honest conversation about boundaries, trust, and what professionalism means in a world where the personal and professional are increasingly entangled,' she said.
Web Release
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Web Release
Celebrate ‘Your Summer, Your Way' with IHG Hotels at Dubai Festival City
This summer, IHG Hotels at Dubai Festival City invites travellers to discover unforgettable moments and personalised escapes with its signature seasonal campaign – 'Your Summer, Your Way'. Whether you're seeking laid-back luxury, vibrant family fun, or a wellness-centred staycation, each of the four iconic properties—InterContinental, InterContinental Residence Suites, Crowne Plaza, and Holiday Inn & Suites—offers exclusive packages tailored to the essence of the season. 'Our summer campaign celebrates individuality and indulgence,' said Thomas Schmelter, Area General Manager, IHG Hotels at Dubai Festival City. 'With carefully curated experiences for adults, couples, and families alike, 'Your Summer, Your Way' showcases the best of Dubai hospitality through exceptional value, convenience, and connection.' InterContinental Dubai Festival City Embrace the spirit of the season with an elevated city escape at InterContinental Dubai Festival City. Guests can enjoy up to 25% off their stay in elegant rooms and suites overlooking the iconic Dubai Creek, along with a gourmet breakfast for two at Anise Restaurant. As a highlight, indulge in exclusive adults-only access to voco Monaco Dubai at The World Islands—offering a tranquil coastal retreat within reach of the city. Take advantage of VIP shopping privileges at Dubai Festival City Mall and earn 1,000 IHG One Rewards points with every booking. Rates starting from AED 691++ Book now | +971 4 701 1111 | [email protected] Crowne Plaza Dubai Festival City For those looking to balance rest and rejuvenation, Crowne Plaza Dubai Festival City offers a well-rounded stay. Guests can enjoy up to 25% off, with a night's stay that includes dinner and breakfast at Zaytoun restaurant, along with an AED 100 credit to unwind at SPA InterContinental. Families benefit from a 15% discount on full-day access to Hello Park, while shoppers can explore unbeatable offers at Dubai Festival City Mall. Every stay is rewarded with 1,000 IHG One Rewards points. Rates starting from AED 514++ Book now | +971 4 701 1111 | [email protected] Holiday Inn & Suites Dubai Festival City Unwind and reconnect this summer with Holiday Inn & Suites Dubai Festival City's Stay, Play & Indulge offering. Enjoy up to 25% off your stay, including a delicious dinner and breakfast for the entire family at Sirocco restaurant. Children can enjoy full-day access to Fabyland—the ultimate indoor fun zone—while adults relax with AED 100 credit at Dreamworks Spa. As an added bonus, receive a shopping voucher booklet from Dubai Festival City mall and earn 1,000 IHG One Rewards points. Rates starting from AED 324++ Book now | +971 4 701 1111 | [email protected] InterContinental Residence Suites Dubai Festival City Welcome summer with a rejuvenating escape at InterContinental Residence Suites Dubai Festival City. Guests enjoy up to 25% off their stay, a gourmet breakfast at MezzaLuna Trattoria Italiana, and special retail offers from Dubai Festival City mall. Families can explore Leo & Loona Indoor Family Park with exclusive access, while also collecting 1,000 IHG One Rewards points with every booking. Rates starting from AED 661++ Book now | +971 4 701 1111 | [email protected] A Season of Discovery and Delight From serene island escapes to spa indulgences, family-friendly adventures, and unparalleled shopping perks, 'Your Summer, Your Way' at IHG Hotels at Dubai Festival City ensures every guest finds their perfect summer rhythm. With direct access to Dubai Festival City Mall and sweeping views of Dubai Creek, your unforgettable summer getaway begins here. For more details and bookings, visit:
New York Post
6 days ago
- Business
- New York Post
Most employees would invite family or a friend on a work trip — and not tell their boss, new survey reveals
Have you ever had a business trip stowaway? As it turns out, most employees would invite family or a friend on a work trip — and not even tell their boss about it. A new YouGov survey commissioned by upscale hotel chain Crowne Plaza reveals that 74% of employees would invite a family member or friend on a work trip — and nearly one in five admit they've already done so without telling their employer, Business Insider reported. Advertisement 3 While many people can bring a loved one on a work trip, most wouldn't tell their boss. Davide Angelini – It's all part of a growing trend called 'blended travel' or 'bleisure,' in which business travelers mix work with leisure by adding personal time or bringing loved ones along for the ride. It's especially appealing to Gen Z and millennials, who value work-life balance more than previous generations, according to psychologist Jean Twenge. Advertisement 'They don't want their work to be their whole life,' Twenge said, noting that younger workers are often less tied down by family obligations that might prevent such travel. Yet many employees still hesitate to be upfront about bringing a plus one. Twenge suggests this may be because newer workers are unsure about workplace norms, especially when they're just finding their footing in professional environments. 3 There's a growing trend called 'blended travel' or 'bleisure,' in which business travelers mix work with leisure by adding personal time or bringing loved ones along. REDPIXEL – But some employers are beginning to embrace the shift. Advertisement Ginger Taggart, vice president of brand management for global premium brands at IHG Hotels & Resorts, said many companies now support blended travel — and now even encourage it, noting the presence of another can help reduce stress. 3 Bringing friends and family along is especially appealing to younger Gen Z and millennial generation members, who value work-life balance more than previous generations, according to psychologist Jean Twenge. Zoran Zeremski – 'It enables all of their workforce and their employees to benefit from the productivity of their business demands, but at the same time having their life enriched,' Taggart said. Still, boundaries matter. Stephan Meier, professor at Columbia Business School, emphasized that employers should set clear expectations. Advertisement If the workday ends at 5 p.m. and evenings are free, there may be no harm in a guest tagging along. But when dinners and team-building events are part of the itinerary, it can be a bit more difficult to steal time away. That's likely why some are using their work trips to kick off a vacation by adding extra days dedicated to PTO — some thing hotels have taken note of. The rise in 'bleisure' travel has jet-setters extending the length of their hotel stays and looking to book resort destinations, especially all-inclusive properties, according to a 2024 travel forecast from Hilton. To appease these travelers, hotels are adding Peloton bikes, pillow menus, digital room keys, plenty of outlets, wireless charging pads on nightstands and more. 'The continued rise of bleisure is reshaping standards for business travel as professionals look to balance productivity with meaningful, personal experiences,' Gary Steffen, global category head, full-service brands at Hilton, told Fast Company. 'Today's travelers want to make every journey count. As such, we're focused on delivering fulfilling stays where work and relaxation come together seamlessly, supported by thoughtfully designed spaces, a vibrant atmosphere, dynamic bars and restaurants, tailored service and exceptional wellness experiences.'
Business Insider
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Business Insider
Gen Zers and millennials are bringing plus-ones on work trips and not telling their bosses
Have you ever secretly brought a friend or partner on a work trip, leaving them to sneak around the hotel while dodging your boss? Brian, a millennial who works in the film industry and asked that we only use his first name, told Business Insider that when he traveled to Cannes Film Festival on a business trip in 2017, a friend secretly crashed in his hotel room. He said he didn't tell his boss because he didn't want to seem unprofessional. Even though the trip was mostly work, he and his friend ended up meeting people with whom they still hang out to this day, he said. Taking plus-ones on work trips is part of the growing blended travel trend, also known in the industry as " bleisure," or business and leisure. It's when work travelers also throw some leisure into the mix, either throughout their trip or by tagging on some extra, non-work days on either end. The trend is especially enticing to Gen Z, who have a greater focus on work-life balance than older generations, according to a recent YouGov survey of over 12,000 people commissioned by Crowne Plaza. The survey found 74% of respondents would invite a family member or friend on a work trip, with Gen Z and millennials being the most likely to do so. Nearly one in five respondents said they'd brought a plus-one on a work trip without telling their employer. Jean Twenge, a psychologist and the author of "Generations," a book about how Americans differ by generation, said Gen Z's approach to work-life balance could be part of the reason they're more likely to bring a plus-one on a work trip. "They don't want their work to be their whole life," she told BI. It could also be because they are less likely to have responsibilities like children that would require their partner to stay home, she said. As for why they might feel uncomfortable talking to their boss about bringing a plus-one, Twenge said it could be because they are relatively new to the workforce or their company, and they're just not sure if it would be okay. In some cases, blended travel and bringing a plus-one on a work trip is encouraged by employers, said Ginger Taggart, vice president of brand management for global premium brands at IHG Hotels & Resorts, which owns Crowne Plaza. She said IHG has heard from its partners that bringing a plus-one on a work trip is no longer a "dirty little secret." In fact, some employers are actively looking to plan work trips that make blended travel, including with a guest, more enjoyable. "It enables all of their workforce and their employees to benefit from the productivity of their business demands, but at the same time having their life enriched," Taggart told Business Insider, adding that employees say bringing a loved one on a work trip helps reduce their stress. Stephan Meier, a professor and chair of the Management Division at Columbia Business School, told BI that it should be the employer's responsibility to ensure that expectations on business trips are clear. For instance, it could be the case that employees are expected to work 9-to-5 and then have the night to themselves, in which case their boss might not mind if a partner tags along. In other cases, especially in the age of remote work, the employees may be expected to participate in team dinners or other bonding activities in the evenings. Either way is acceptable, Meier said, but it's important that those expectations are clearly set and communicated. "Everybody knows then what the rules are," he said. "There's no hiding in the lobby or pretending we don't know each other to make sure that somebody else doesn't see that I'm together with my significant other." Do you have a story to share about bringing a plus-one on a work trip or business travel in general? Contact this reporter at kvlamis@
Hindustan Times
22-05-2025
- Hindustan Times
Plan ahead, travel better: How to make the most of your summer break
Where are you planning to go this summer – relaxing on a beach holiday in Thailand, or soaking in the scenic beauty of the Swiss Alps, or exploring the buzz of a big city in the US? No matter the destination, it's always a good idea to plan your holiday in advance. Without a bit of preparation, a relaxing trip can quickly turn stressful. Scrambling for last-minute flights, dealing with expensive hotels, or feeling overwhelmed by too many options when you arrive can take the fun out of it. Planning ahead helps you make the most of your time away. A simple itinerary can go a long way in making your trip smoother and more enjoyable. Here are a few things worth considering before you start planning your trip: Secure your flight to catch early bird dealsOne of the most critical components of any travel plan is the air ticket. Last-minute searches could reveal inflated fares, limited seat availability, and inconvenient flight times. The minute you finalise your travel dates and destination, secure your flight tickets. Booking ahead, especially for popular summer vacation periods, can help you unlock competitive pricing, a wider choice of airlines and routes, and the flexibility to select preferred seats. Your home away from home deserves attentionJust as with flights, meticulously planning your accommodation is very important. Choosing the right hotel, resort, or home stay can significantly enhance your travel experience, offering the perfect blend of comfort, convenience, and ambience. Delaying this decision, particularly during peak seasons, can lead to some top options being sold-out and exorbitantly priced rooms – so you need to settle for properties that simply don't align with your preferences. Advance booking allows you to thoroughly research various lodging options, read reviews, compare amenities, and lock in the best rates. An event that simplifies it allIf you're looking for inspiration or guidance to plan your summer holiday, the upcoming Grand Travel Mela, organised by Thomas Cook in collaboration with Hindustan Times, is worth checking out. This one-day travel fair is designed as a one-stop destination for planning and booking holidays under one roof. Held on May 25, from 10 am to 8 pm, the event will take place at Crowne Plaza (opposite Signature Tower, Gurugram) and Le Meridien (Windsor Place, New Delhi). Thomas Cook's travel experts will offer complimentary consultations, help customise itineraries, and extend exclusive offers to attendees. Hindustan Times readers can also avail special discounts worth up to ₹15,000, along with gifts, giveaways, and access to specially curated travel plans—whether you're a solo traveller, a couple, a family with children, or a senior citizen. Visitors also stand a chance to feature their #DreamDestination in Hindustan Times. Click here to register for the fair now. Note to the Reader: This article has been produced on behalf of the brand by HT Brand Studio and does not have journalistic/editorial involvement of Hindustan Times.
