From security to location: what 'perfect' employee housing looks like

For employees across the globe, business travel is fast becoming a deal-breaker when it comes to accepting a new role. Business travel statistics show that 30% of jobseekers are willing to accept lower-paid salaries if they can travel for work, whereas 39% of Millennial and Gen Z workers wouldn’t accept a job that doesn’t allow them to travel. 

Employees want to travel as part of their careers and they’re not being quiet about it. They’re leaving jobs, even ones they’ve been loyal to, in search of better employee benefits. In short, they’re fuelling the Great Resignation era - a trend that isn’t going away. 

While the Great Resignation era may present challenges for many businesses, it also provides opportunity. Now is a pivotal time for companies to assess how they can retain loyal employees and attract talent searching for a new direction; a great way to do this is by reevaluating company business travel policies. 

Studies show that those who travel for business are less likely (23% vs 45%) to want a new job versus those who don’t travel. Employees who travel for work have been reported to have increased pride (14%) and enjoyment (9%) in their careers. 

With this in mind, offering travel packages to employees can be beneficial. However, in many cases, offering a travel package isn’t enough - employees want bleisure opportunities, flexibility and comfortable accommodation. 

Top five features of ‘perfect’ employee housing

The key to a successful business trip is in the quality of employee accommodations, as it’s very likely the majority of a corporate traveler’s time will be spent there. Here are some things to look for when booking:

1. In-room facilities 

Simple things like accommodation layout can make a huge difference to the well-being and productivity of your guest. For example, a room that allows differentiation between work time and leisure time can ensure they receive quality rest. Look for employee housing with larger living areas and separate sleeping quarters to help your workers set healthy boundaries. 

2. Security 

For anything to be successful, it needs to have a strong foundation. Make sure the basics like keeping your employees safe during their business trips are a top priority - and ensure they know it! 

Choose quality, vetted, and compliant accommodation to ensure your guests are comfortable in their home away from home. 3Sixty uses a thorough vetting process, with our partners GeoSure and Dun & Bradstreet, ensuring guests are kept safe.

3. Location

You can’t always choose an employee's business travel destination, but you do have control over where they stay in those cities. A great experience is more than being housed close to where they’ll be meeting clients and conducting business; it factors in everything, including how accessible it is to transport, dining facilities and city sights, to name a few! 

When booking employee housing, it’s important to keep this in mind, as no one wants to travel solo and spend their spare time stuck in a room. 

4. Wellness  

Wellness has been a major tourism trend in recent years and will continue in the years to come, the Global Wellness Economy report predicts an annual growth rate of 21% year on year for the next three years. This trend is especially important for business travelers, as their happiness, comfort, and productivity all hinge on their wellbeing. 

3Sixty has partnered with Delos, a wellness real estate and tech company, to offer their Stay Well program in our employee housing. Stay Well rooms are designed to help guests maintain their physical and mental health, with technology optimized to improve indoor air and water quality, sleep, and comfort, all the while reducing contamination risks. They also include access to online yoga and meditation classes.

5. Technology

Smart home tech is continually reducing inefficiencies in the travel industry; from platforms that keep guests connected to guest services 24-7 to contactless keyless entry technology to reduce risks from unnecessary face-to-face interactions. 

These hospitality tech advances also help your employees streamline their stay so they can focus on the purpose of their trip.

Corporate travel can be taxing on employees. Finding their way around a new city is tiring; let alone adapting to a new time zone and adjusting to being away from home comforts. This is why setting employees up in quality accommodation is vital. It can make their trip easier, more enjoyable, and more comfortable. Give them a home while away so they can be just as productive overseas as they are in the office. 

3Sixty

3Sixty is a state-of-the-art marketplace that reduces the noise in extended-stay travel.

Our HomeMatch™ technology leverages machine learning and human expertise to curate quality, cost-effective housing where your employees feel safe, comfortable, and at peace.