Travelling to meetings can cost up to £16,000 per employee, says Regus

Business centre provider Regus is urging companies to rethink how they approach meetings.

A survey carried out by the company showed that travel costs and time spent going to and spent in meetings can cost businesses up to £16,000 per employee per year.

It also found that almost a fifth of those surveyed find themselves wasting working time because of long journeys to meeting venues.

Richard Morris, chief executive officer at Regus, said: “Face-to-face meetings remain essential to doing business but there are still some companies that are failing to think outside the meeting room box when it comes to organising them.

“Traditionally, meetings are held at the office of one of the participants but that often needn’t be the case, and actually there are usually other options that are far more convenient for all involved.

“Using meeting rooms located at hotels or even motorway services can mean lower travel costs, reduced journey times, and consequently, increased productivity.”

He added: “What’s more, a change of environment can encourage creative thinking and dynamic decision-making.”