Four Pillars of Mental Health for Travel and Work

Like all things, the global pandemic has affected worry too! As a symptom of stress, it’s becoming more common in the workplace wherever the hybrid model many of us work. In fact, over half of employees report feeling stressed on a daily basis in the past year.

Part of the concern stems from employees’ concerns that their work and personal lives will be disrupted unless they travel more. They worry about their ability to make and maintain business connections, diminishing income, and career advancement.

But even when companies resume business travel programs, business travel can be difficult. There is always the preparation, travel and subsequent filing of expense reports, not to mention ever-changing health regulatory requirements, flight cancellations/delays, and time spent away from home and family. Nearly two in five of his traveler girlfriends rate the business trip itself as the most stressful part of the trip.

Employers can help their employees get back on the road, but they also need to help relieve stress. Here are his four ways business travel programs keep employees mentally healthy. These methods have the added benefit of helping companies attract and retain talent during a critical time.

Prioritize safety and flexibility over sales

Health and safety are key values ​​for Generation Z, who are projected to make up nearly a quarter of the workforce by 2030. According to a recent survey, Gen Z business travelers (94%) consider it essential for companies to allow flexible travel and booking options. To protect your health and safety when traveling.

As Gen Z makes up a larger share of the workforce, companies should look for opportunities to meet their needs, such as increasing business travel. Of his 35% of Gen Z business travelers, he said he would look for a new job if his travel schedule didn’t improve.

Travelers of all ages want peace of mind and flexibility. 91% believe flexible travel and booking options are essential for their company to stay healthy and safe when traveling.

Businesses should consider travel policies that are as lenient as possible to allow employees to choose their preferred accommodations and transportation, book trips directly on supplier websites, and determine the length of their trips. I have.

Expanding diversity, equity and inclusion (DE&I) efforts to travel

Mental health and DE&I go hand in hand. Because an inclusive work culture welcomes and presents employees of all backgrounds.

The travel industry has important inclusivity issues for employers to address. For example, women and LGBTQ+ travelers experience harassment while on business or have to hide their sexual identity. In addition, 73% of business travelers report discriminatory practices such as travelers avoiding sitting near certain people while traveling (35%) and being ignored by service workers (33%). I saw it or know someone who saw it.

Employers can make a difference by engaging diversity leaders in their corporate travel programs and collaborating on travel policies and resources. Travel programs need tools that educate employees about potential risks at destinations and provide immediate assistance should something happen on the road.

In addition, employers should ensure that hotels and other travel destinations that act inclusively toward diverse populations, such as hotels that accommodate people with disabilities or that have enhanced security to protect women and LGBTQ+ travelers. Vendors should be prioritized.

establish a health check

Companies should establish more regular communication to check in and gather feedback. According to Professor of Psychology, Dr. Thomas Plante, “In addition to professional mental health services, employers should check on their employees, treat them with respect and compassion, and provide regular daily They can participate in simple interventions such as encouraging exercise and meditation practices.” He holds a Ph.D. from Santa Clara University and is a clinical professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at Stanford University School of Medicine.

“Paying attention to employee well-being goes a long way. It reminds us that people are important, sacred, wholly human and want to thrive, thrive and contribute to a better world.” is also important.

When companies offer health and wellness services to support business travelers, employees take advantage of them. Nearly all (93%) travel managers report that most employees use these services at least occasionally during their travels.

Embedding sustainability into corporate social awareness programs

Nearly all business travelers (94%) plan to take steps to reduce the environmental impact of business travel in the next 12 months, especially Gen Z (98%) and millennials (96%). is. Gen Z (22%) and millennials (28%) would even consider declining business if they had to use unsustainable travel options.

Companies can help their employees reach their sustainability goals by setting company-wide policies. Establish eco-friendly travel parameters, for example, prioritizing direct flights to reduce carbon footprint or hotel suppliers working to reduce waste and emissions. Encourage employees to contribute to these initiatives by providing incentives, enhancing training and education, and electing sustainability ambassadors.

Safety, DE&I, Wellness and Sustainability should be key pillars of all travel programs (and the workplace itself) so that employees can focus on their mental health.