Month: October 2024

While jet-setting around the globe for work might seem glamorous and fun, one question we may not ask ourselves often enough is “how does business travel impact mental health?” The constant trips, hectic schedules and unfamiliar surroundings can leave you feeling isolated and stressed, especially when you’re battling jet lag. But don’t worry – it’s absolutely possible to stay healthy and happy even if  you’re on the road a lot. In this guide, we’ll share some practical tips on how to find balance, manage stress effectively and make self-care a priority while you’re travelling for work. After all, taking care of your mental well-being leads to performing your best and enjoying your work to the fullest. {Image: senivpetro via Freepik } Woman sitting on the sofa while making video call over laptop with her doctor. The negative impact of business travel on mental health Frequent flyers aren’t just accumulating air miles; they’re often gathering a mix of stress, disrupted sleep and psychological strain. Research published in the Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine highlighted this very issue, showing a link between frequent business travel and increased reports of stress, anxiety and even depression. Here’s a look at how the demands of travelling for business can impact your mental well-being: Stress and pressure  Long hours, tight schedules and the pressure to perform in unfamiliar environments can lead to chronic stress and anxiety. Disrupted sleep Constantly changing time zones and sleeping in different beds each night can wreak havoc on your sleep cycle, leading to fatigue and difficulty concentrating. Social isolation  Being away from friends, family and your usual support network can leave you feeling lonely and disconnected, even when surrounded by colleagues or clients. Loss of routine  The constant changes in environment and schedule can disrupt your healthy habits, making it harder to exercise, eat well and maintain a sense of normalcy. Emotional strain  The cumulative effect of these factors can lead to a decline in mental well-being, manifesting as mood swings, irritability and even depression. Safeguarding your mental health Even when you’re on the road for work, your mental health is important. One thing that can make a significant difference is creating a sense of routine. Here are a few straightforward tips: Make sleep a priority Jet lag can have a huge factor on your overall health if you’re crossing time zones. To help, try to align your sleep schedule as early as possible. This means going to bed and waking up at the times you normally would in your destination, even if it feels strange at first. While you’re away, resist the urge to nap for too long during the day, since this can further disrupt your sleep cycle. Keep your body moving  Squeeze in a brisk walk around the neighbourhood, take advantage of the hotel gym or try a quick yoga session in your room. Even light exercise like stretching or a few jumping jacks can do wonders for easing tension and lifting your spirits. Take time to unwind  Schedule some downtime, even if your schedule is chockablock. Block out time in your calendar, just like you would for a meeting, and dedicate it to relaxation. Whether it’s curling up with a good book, listening to a guided meditation or watching an episode of your favourite series, it’s super important to give your mind a break from work-related stress. Write it out Journaling is a simple but effective way for business travellers to stay grounded. It’s your private space to vent, reflect and process the ups and downs of life on the road. Maybe you jot down a few thoughts before bed or reflect on a challenging meeting during your flight home. Whatever your approach, writing a diary can help you gain perspective and build resilience for future journeys. Technological support These days, there are tons of apps and online tools that can provide valuable insights into mental health, even when you’re on the move. Let’s take a look at a few. Mindfulness apps  Apps like Headspace or Calm can be your pocket-sized zen masters, offering guided meditations and relaxation exercises. They’re perfect for stealing a moment of peace in a bustling airport or a stuffy hotel room. Hopefully they’ll help you dial down the stress, catch better Zzz’s and just feel more chilled out overall. Online mental health forums  Online forums and communities, like the subreddit r/businessTravel, are full of road warriors swapping tips, venting about travel woes and offering each other support. It’s a place to connect with people who get it – the jet lag, the endless hotel breakfasts, the struggle to find a decent gym on the road. Talking to others who share your lifestyle can be incredibly reassuring and make you feel less alone. Digital therapy sessions  If you’re struggling with the mental load of business travel, online therapy could be a huge help. You can easily connect with licensed therapists from all over the globe, to help you keep up with your therapy sessions even when you’re on the road. Many of these therapists specialise in travel-related issues, so you’ll get support that’s tailored to your unique situation. {Image: Drazen Zigic via Freepik } Organisational support Companies can make a real difference in their employees’ well-being by addressing the connection between jobs and mental health, especially when it comes to the stress associated with frequent travel. Flexible travel schedules Even if you have a dedicated travel manager, try to give employees some say in their travel plans. Let them choose flights that work best for their sleep schedules and build in enough buffer time between flights for rest and recovery. Trust us, a little flexibility goes a long way in keeping everyone happy and less stressed. Mandatory downtime Give your team some breathing room after they get back from a business trip. A day or two off to sleep in, hang out with their family and friends and just chill can work wonders. This goes beyond being a nice gesture; giving..

COVID-19 has quickly impacted nearly every aspect of our lives. It’s taken a serious toll on our healthcare infrastructure, the economy, and of course, travel. Many of us have been working remotely since the beginning of March – and have somewhat adjusted to a new normal. Our governments have put restrictions in place to protect us, and as they begin to lift, we face new questions, anxieties, and challenges. Key Workers have been travelling throughout the lockdown, and many businesses have updated their operations to best serve them, and keep them safe. In the travel industry, hotels have completely overhauled operations to increase cleanliness and safety of both guests and employees. Now, as construction and manufacturing industries, for example, get back on the road, businesses must quickly react to ensure they are in safe accommodation. On top of this, many businesses are facing budget and staff cuts, making managing these already difficult to coordinate bookings even more of a challenge. How to book safe accommodation for your workforce while remaining cost and time-sensitive: 1. Be flexible Many hotels have closed down or halted operations due to the impacts of COVID-19. Particular chains or hotels that you’re used to booking may no longer be available. The good news is, there is often a similar property that is in the same price range and distance. It’s also good practice to book rooms with refundable rates at this time – as it’s had to predict the next change or amendment to our current travel restrictions. Platforms like Roomex are constantly updating their inventory with hotels that are available, and that are offering refundable rates. Our hotel experts promise a one hour response time and will negotiate and confirm project bookings on your behalf.  They will alert you to any changes you need to be aware of upon arrival with a confirmation call to the hotel, and are available for contact through live chat at any time. 2. Get ready for a very different travel experience  Workforce travel is not what it used to be. The entire experience has changed, from check-in, to how rooms look, to the way food is served. Many hotels have implemented social distancing screens at check-in, promise sanitized key cards, and have removed any non-essentials from the rooms such as menus and binders. Most hotels have halted dine-in services and will deliver boxed meals to guest rooms or for takeaway. Since we’re constantly negotiating large group rates, we promise safe hotels in-line with the WHO’s cleaning guidelines. Our team has clear direction into what particular hotels have done to ensure safety and they will inform you prior to check-in. 3. Educate your staff on staying safe while on the road, and check in on them Your most important asset is your team. They will likely be excited to get back to work and to some level of normalcy, but with caution. Just like you, the pandemic has impacted their day to day and how safe they feel while leaving their homes. You’ll want to provide them with the most up to date travel information for the location they are working, how to interact with colleagues and others on the job. Our hotel experts can guide you on how to have these conversations and send them off with helpful advice that our Key Worker customers have been following. We’ve updated our Duty of Care map so you’re able to get historical and future booking data so if there is another hotspot, you know what staff may have to quarantine. We can also provide bespoke, detailed reports on travel history and spend should you require it. If your staff needs anything on the road such as meeting rooms, meal services or meeting supplies like computers or projectors we can also work with you to accommodate any special requests. Business travel is going to be different – and managing project bookings and long term stays are no different. Coordinating such projects may seem difficult, but with some help, patience, and expertise, your team will be back on the road in no time. Our hotel experts have been reacting to the changes that the travel industry has undergone over the last few months – and have been making project bookings on behalf of front line staff and key workers. Get in touch with one of our travel experts here and we’ll advise your next group booking.