Any seasoned business traveller will attest it’s not all glam and gram. Beyond the polished LinkedIn posts lies the reality of disrupted sleep, packed schedules, and, often, solitude. While business travel incorporates work and routine, it doesn’t have to be stressful. Companies who infuse health and wellbeing into their travel programmes often witness a higher ROI from their business trips, thanks to more content and productive travellers.
Here are 10 tips to help you take the stress out of business travel:
- Flight Times: Opt for overnight flights to combat jet lag and ensure effective use of travel time. Prioritise rest – a refreshed and relaxed traveller yields a better return on investment. Frequent flyers recommend having dinner and then sleeping until arrival.
- Connections: The choice of airport and flight connections matters. For example, where possible, choosing to travel to a smaller airport vs. a hub airport is usually less stressful simply because they have fewer passengers, which means shorter queues, faster check-ins, and a generally more relaxed atmosphere. Remember, travel stress lingers; uncomfortable trips can lead to prolonged exhaustion, affecting both the traveller and the business.
- Layovers: Break up long journeys with layovers. Many airlines offer inclusive stays and layover offers, providing travellers with a chance to explore and relax en route. Extending time away and allowing personal downtime significantly impacts traveller wellbeing positively.
- Transfers: Pre-paid transfers reduce stress and ensure duty of care, especially for travellers in unknown locations. Organising group transport can enhance team relations and cut costs.
- Airport Transit: Stress peaks during airport transitions. Fast-tracking services, once a luxury, are now accessible and can help travellers bypass long queues, reducing stress significantly. Also make sure that you provide enough time for the transit to avoid rushing.
- Airport Lounges: Lounges provide a calming environment before boarding, which helps travellers unwind. Airport lounges, with their myriad of amenities, offer a serene space away from the hustle.
- Schedule Personal Time: Turn business trips into informal mini-vacations. Many business travellers schedule personal days during their trips and avoid meetings on the last day to unwind.
- Don’t Overspend: Staying within budget reduces stress. Prioritise both price and quality to ensure comfort without breaking the bank.
- Stay Healthy: Maintain regular sleep, exercise, and eating routines to avoid falling into a cycle of poor health habits and increased stress levels.
- Stay Connected: Being physically disconnected can be stressful. Utilise technology to stay in touch, and opt for travel brands that offer control and convenience.
A holistic approach considering the entire travel journey can alleviate pain points and stress for business travellers. By implementing these practical tips, businesses can optimise their travel programmes, promoting happier and stress-free travellers, which, in turn, contributes to business success. The true narrative of business travel can indeed be one of exploration, relaxation, and accomplishment, veering away from the notion that it’s just about packed schedules and solitude.
