Frequent business travel can take a toll. As many as one third of business travellers have admitted to having concerns about the impact of travel on their mental health, according to a study by Collison. These same respondents also admitted to giving false reasons to avoid a business trip.
Bonnie Smith, GM Corporate Traveller, says, “As travel managers, it is our responsibility to look for ways to reduce travel risk and stress and ensure the safety and wellbeing of all travellers. This shift from simply maximising value and savings to a policy that puts people first requires a new level of dedication and commitment from us.”
“This shift from simply maximising value and savings to a policy that puts people first requires a new level of dedication and commitment from us.”
To that end, here are 7 features of a well-designed travel programme that support the wellbeing and mental health of staff when they’re ‘on the road’.
#1 Make it easier to make healthier choices
Employees are more likely to look after their health if there are easy and accessible ways to do this. Travel managers can look at booking flights that depart and arrive at a convenient time, choosing a hotel with a gym and healthy food options, and so forth.
#2 Reward the right habits
Travel wellness policies can be structured to encourage healthy habits. For example, you can allow employees to work from home, or give them a duvet day, when they return from a trip. Gift cards can also be used as rewards for healthy behaviour.
#3 Improve the travel experience
Travelling a lot and often can be stressful, but there is much you can do to make the experience more comfortable. For instance, many frequent flyer programmes offer perks like free upgrades and lounge access. You can also schedule in a rest day after flights that exceed a certain distance or time.
#4 Empower employees with choice
Having a choice is empowering and has been shown to reduce stress. Allow your employees to tailor their travel to meet their preferences and needed – within the parameters of your policy, of course. This could be a choice in service provider or accommodation, for instance.
#5 A home away from home
Find out if your staff would prefer a serviced apartment rather than a hotel room. These can provide a home-away-from-home set up that some business travellers prefer. For instance, it allows them to prepare their own healthy meals in a fully equipped kitchen rather than resorting to frequent takeaways.
#6 Encourage “bleisure trips”
Bleisure travel – the blending of business and leisure travel – allows business travellers to take a break from work and have fun exploring their destination. This can make a business trip something to be looked forward to, while helping to prevent travel fatigue.
#7 Have a good support system in place
The travel industry is facing many disruptions right now, which can make business travel even more stressful. Just think of the potential for flight delays and changes, and lost baggage. This is why it can help to use a travel management platform that can streamline the travel process, with up-to-date information and more.
