For those who manage business travel, balancing cost with traveler success can be a challenge. Corporate travel managers are consistently under pressure to cut the costs of their travel programs, while balancing the need for travelers to remain productive.

But tougher, cost-focused travel policies carry significant negative consequences, according to a recent report, The Hidden Expenses of a Cost-Focused Travel Program , presented by ARC, American Express Global Business Travel and tClara.

According to survey results, travelers in cost-focused programs take 22 percent fewer effective trips than their colleagues in traveler-focused programs. Travelers in cost-focused programs also report twice as much traveler friction, the wear and tear of too much travel. The report also explores the costs of road warrior attrition.

Managers of travel programs can start making small, conscious decisions to shift their policies to increase traveler productivity. For detailed survey findings and recommendations, download the full report.