Business travellers feeling homesick

Six out of 10 (59.95%) UK office workers suffer from homesickness when working away from home, new national research has revealed. More than 10% of those surveyed say they?ve missed home so much it made them want to change jobs.

The research conducted by hotel booking specialist LateRooms.com reveals some mixed feelings from employees when it comes to going away on business, including:
? 38% think of home every hour
? 47% work less effectively when away from home
? However, business travel leads to a better social life
? 57% admit they actively do more and 10% try new experiences when working away
? Over-55 year olds say that being away with work strengthens their personal relationships in contrast to half of 18?24 year olds who find travel puts a strain on their relationship

According to the survey, the noted drop in productivity is caused directly by homesickness for almost one in 10 (8%) business travellers, while a quarter said they found it harder to concentrate in unfamiliar surroundings.

A third of those surveyed said that they combat homesickness by keeping busy in the evenings. A quarter are more likely to dine out with friends and colleagues than they would at home, while 17% take in culture by visiting local galleries and exhibitions, the theatre, or cinema.

Nearly eight out of 10 of those working away from home maintain contact with loved ones daily to avoid feeling homesick. Some 78% make a point of getting in touch with their nearest and dearest at least once a day.