With more than a third of Europeans working an average of 50 hours a week₁, it’s not surprising that almost half (43 per cent) have a work/life balance that falls short of making them happy, according to a British Airways survey of 6,000 Europeans (commissioned by YouGov₁).

TOP LINE RESEARCH FINDINGS

· The Swiss and Germans are the worst affected by long working days with 53 per cent and 40 per cent respectively working eight or more hours a day

· Italians enjoyed the shortest working day with a fifth dedicating less than seven hours a day to business

· French and Spanish people were the most content with their work/life balance

· Sweden is perceived as having the best work/life balance, with Belgium, Israel and Russia being widely regarded as having the worst

Travelling for business is a big part of many Europeans’ lives and a vital part of global business. In a recent survey by the Harvard Business Review₂, 95 per cent of those questioned stated that face–to-face meetings are essential to success in building long term business relationships, and 87 per cent agree that meeting in person is essential for ‘sealing the deal’. In fact, travelling for business is so critical that 52 per cent said that restricting the number of flights they took for work would hurt their business.

However this time spent travelling for work can have a negative impact on family life. Over a quarter of those surveyed stated that missing friends and family was the main problem whilst away for work.

British Airways has recognised that spending time away from home is trying; in addition to the British Airways Club World facilities - such as privacy screens, larger tables, laptop connection points and a ‘z’ position bed - that allow the business traveller to make the most of their time away, the airline is also introducing one of the most attractive European Executive Club BA Miles promotions ever seen, rewarding frequent travellers with free flights* to enjoy with friends and family.

Until 31^st December 2009, all new and existing Executive Club members will be rewarded with enough bonus Miles to exchange for free flights* when they book Club World or First return flights.

For example, one return flight in either cabin will earn BA Miles to the value of one Club Europe or two Euro Traveller flights to London or the UK; while three return flights in Club World or First will qualify the customer for a Club World flight to the US or a World Traveller flight to the Far East or Australia. Perfect for over two thirds (39 per cent) of Europeans who would like to spend their spare time on holiday.

In a first for the airline, the offer also includes an automatic access to Silver Executive Club membership for new and existing Blue Executive Club members for a year**.

The coveted Silver status offers a host of extra benefits, including use of over 250 departure lounges around the world, plus access for a companion; priority check in and boarding; bonus BA Miles and a guarantee of an economy seat on a chosen British Airways flight, even if it is fully booked₃.

BA’s Commercial manager for Serbia, Montenegro and FYRMacedonia Natali Brodnik said:

“We’re all under pressure nowadays to work harder but still enjoy a full social life and spend plenty of time with our family - striking a balance is not easy. In business, travel budgets are being cut, and yet we know that face-to-face meetings are essential to help businesses grow₂. Flying British Airways allows the business traveller the opportunity to work smarter, making the most of precious budget spent on air travel. Plus this fantastic offer gives them opportunity to claim back some free flights, allowing our customers to take a well earned holiday with a loved one.”

The offer in detail:

Flying with British Airways brings a host of benefits to the business traveller, thanks to London Heathrow’s T5. Business travellers can enjoy seamless, ‘one-roof’ transfer, dedicated Club World check-in area and security, plus a fast track though immigration.

Exclusive worldwide lounges allow customers to continue working effectively outside of the office. On board, customers have the opportunity to make their time their own; British Airway’s new ‘Club Kitchen’ allows travellers to enjoy snacks between meals, while the Club World seat creates a unique cocooned environment, in which to sleep, work or relax. And a truly flat bed means a proper night’s sleep.

The premium that business travellers place on work/life balance has motivated the decisions behind the creation of the British Airways Club World experience, putting customer flexibility, free time and comfort at the heart of the proposition.

The extra BA Miles offer is a further step towards redressing the imbalance of time spend with family and friends, and offers anyone purchasing Club World or First seats the opportunity to enjoy another trip for free.

For more information, to join the Executive Club, book flights with British Airways and claim free flights, please visit www.ba.com/rewardflights.