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As we step into 2025, it’s a great time to reflect on the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead in workforce travel. With businesses returning to full capacity after the festive season, the need for face-to-face interactions continues to drive frequent travel for many employees. However, whilst travelling for work is essential for networking and building relationships, it often comes with hidden costs – particularly to the mental health of employees. Our blog delves into understanding these challenges better and adopting strategies that promote well-being, ensuring that workforce travel can be both productive and sustainable for all involved.
Workforce travel has a long history, transitioning from a luxury for the few to a widespread necessity across many industries. As the business landscape evolved, advances in means of transport have made long-distance travel more accessible, laying the foundation for the globalised environment we see today. In the 21st century, this trend has only intensified, with companies increasingly expanding their reach across borders and markets. Today, the world is more connected than ever before, and workforce travel plays a critical role in maintaining these connections. Despite the convenience and popularity of virtual meetings, certain aspects of business, such as building trust, managing complex negotiations, and understanding cultural nuances, still benefit greatly from face-to-face interactions. Additionally, industries like construction often require employees to work away from home for extended periods as part of long-term projects, further emphasising the unique travel demands of certain workforces.
While the benefits of travelling for work purposes are well-documented, the negative impacts on employees’ mental health often go overlooked. Here are some of the key challenges: Stress and anxiety: The constant pressure to perform, combined with the logistical challenges of travel, can lead to heightened levels of stress and anxiety. Tight schedules, unfamiliar environments, and the need to adapt quickly can create a sense of overwhelming pressure. Isolation and loneliness: Despite being surrounded by people, those travelling often for work can experience feelings of isolation. Being away from family, friends, and familiar surroundings can lead to loneliness, especially when travel becomes a frequent part of life. Additionally, being separated from support networks while away from home can exacerbate these feelings. Fatigue and burnout: The physical toll of frequent travel, such as irregular sleep patterns, time zone changes, and poor diet – can lead to chronic fatigue. Over time, this can contribute to burnout, reducing overall job satisfaction and productivity.
While the demands of corporate travel can be taxing, there are strategies that individuals can employ to help mitigate these effects: Prioritise sleep: Establishing a consistent sleep schedule, even when in unfamiliar environments, can help reduce fatigue. Simple habits like using sleep masks, noise-cancelling headphones, and avoiding screens before bed can make a significant difference. Stay connected: Combat isolation by maintaining regular communication with family and friends. Tools like video calls and messaging apps can help bridge the gap, providing much needed emotional support. Practice mindfulness: Incorporating mindfulness techniques, such as meditation or deep-breathing exercises, can help manage stress and anxiety. Apps like Headspace or Calm are excellent resources for travellers. Healthy eating and exercise: Maintaining a balanced diet and incorporating physical activity into your routine, even while on the road, can improve your overall well-being. Many hotels also offer on-site gyms, and short workouts can be done in your room. Set boundaries: When possible, set clear boundaries between work and personal time. This might mean turning off email notifications after a certain hour or taking time to explore a new city rather than immediately diving into work. For more details on the above strategies for individuals, please see Mates in Mind’s blog series on optimising mental well-being, covering topics such as sleep, relaxation, mindfulness, being active, and nutrition.
While individual strategies are crucial, employers can also play a pivotal role in creating a supportive environment that prioritises the well-being of their staff. Encourage balance: Companies should encourage employees to maintain a healthy work-life balance, even while travelling. This might involve flexible travel schedules, limiting the duration of trips, or offering compensatory time off after extensive travel. Provide mental health resources: Access to mental health resources, such as counselling services or wellness programs, can make a significant difference. Employers should ensure that these resources are readily available and could even be included under health insurance and employee benefits. Create open communication: It’s important for employees to feel comfortable discussing the challenges they face. Employers should provide a culture where mental health is openly discussed and employees feel supported in seeking help. Utilise technology: Employers can also use technology to reduce the need for travel (and, in turn, their carbon footprint), such as advanced video conferencing tools where possible in place of face-to-face meetings. This can help reduce the frequency of travel without sacrificing the benefits of in-person interactions.
Workforce travel is an integral part of many careers, but it’s essential to recognise the toll it can take on mental health. By understanding the challenges and implementing strategies to address them, both individuals and employers can work together to create a healthier, more sustainable approach that benefits all parties. At Roomex, we believe that supporting the well-being of our frequent travellers is not just a nice-to-have, it’s a necessity. As we continue to develop our platform, we’re committed to providing solutions that not only make travel more efficient but also more mindful of the mental health challenges it can present.