Singaporean business travellers maintain fitness on the corporate road

By SMBWorld Asia Editors | Jul 13, 2011

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Contradicting reports of swelling Singaporean waistbands and increasing obesity, Singaporean business people are actually so bent on fitness that they would not leave home without their swimming costumes or tracksuits - even when they travel for work. Over 17,000 respondents from more than 80 countries were asked what was the most unusual thing they habitually take on a business trip and two-fifths of Singapore business travellers (39%) declared that they are inseparable from their fitness clothing, according to a new survey from workplace environment specialist Regus.

Globally, over a quarter (27%) of respondents reported they pack a swimsuit or gym clothing. This top selection was followed by a photograph of the family (16%) and a gift for hosts (15%) highlighting that the ‘human touch’ in business has not lost its importance even in today’s fast paced environment.

Some weirder responses include: a pedicure set, a toilet seat, fish maw and fried pork. Other personal things that may be caught peeping out of a briefcase could easily be computer games to be played in the spare time, carried by 22% of Singaporeans and a gift for their hosts, packed by a thoughtful 22% of respondents.

William Willems, Regional Vice-President for Regus, ANZ and South-East Asia, comments: “The weird and wonderful things people were found to take on business trips, from fitness equipment to favourite foods and objects, often reveal how personal and professional lives struggle to co-exist in today’s high pressured work environment.  Evidently, the line between business and pleasure is blurring with more people feeling they need to take a bit of home away with them. This may well be because people are working more and more in flexible workspaces, so they like to have something with them that adds the personal touch wherever they are.

“After all, flexible work arrangements are certainly going to grow, both in terms of office hours and location, so that employees can maximize their free time while also giving real commitment on the business front. Of course with thousands of businesses now turning to video communications to avoid unnecessary business travel, in future Singaporeans won’t need to bring their trunks abroad so often.”