Representative ImageA recent survey by SAP Concur reveals that three in five business travellers in the Asia Pacific (APAC) region have bent their company's travel and expense (T&E) policies at least once. This figure is significantly higher than the global average of 50%. The survey highlights the flexibility in policies as a key reason for this behaviour, with 54% of APAC respondents citing it as a factor.
The survey, which forms part of SAP Concur's annual Global Business Travel Survey, indicates that 20% of APAC travellers have used corporate discounts for personal travel, and 17% have used company funds for personal expenses. Additionally, 14% have taken non-employee guests on business trips. Generational differences are also evident, with 55% of Millennials and Gen Z admitting to bending rules, compared to 32% of Boomers.
Interestingly, more than a third of APAC employees (37%) have avoided submitting legitimate expenses to prevent unwanted attention, a rate higher than the global average of 25%. Concerns about being perceived as high spenders or spending more than colleagues drive this behaviour, with 21% fearing being flagged and 27% wanting to avoid appearing extravagant.
Chon Raman, Head of SAP Concur, APAC, emphasised the need for clearer policies, stating, “Organisations in APAC need to clarify their policies and embed transparent guardrails directly into T&E workflows.” This approach aims to reduce ambiguity and rebuild trust, ensuring compliance becomes a natural part of the employee experience
This story was selected and published by a human editor, with content adapted from original press material using AI tools and checked by the editor before publication. Spot an error? Report it here.
