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Mental health can suffer from 'business travel impacts' - study

The data also showed that many travellers struggle with mental health due to work travel, especially those who travel frequently. At least one in four travellers (27 per cent) has sought mental health support to address the challenges of work travel, with the number increasing to more than one third (36 per cent) for frequent flyers (travelling at least once every two months). 
 
The research shows the most common feeling experienced by Australians on business trips is homesickness/missing their family (38 per cent), followed by feeling exhausted (37 per cent), anxious (34 per cent), stressed (32 per cent) and lonely (26 per cent). A higher proportion of women reported these feelings.  
 
Dr Neil Slabbert, regional chief medical officer (Asia-Pacific), World Travel Protection, highlights the importance of addressing the well-being of employees during business trips. 
 
"Disruptions to routines, physical distance from support systems like family and friends, as well as jet lag and time zone differences can worsen stress and anxiety for travellers,” he said. 
 
"This is especially true for travellers with young children whose fixed routines, such as school and bedtime, can be disrupted by early or late calls from one parent.
 
“Organisations have an obligation to ensure their employees feel supported when they’re away from home and their loved ones, both from a physical safety and mental health perspective. The outcome not only ensures employee well-being but also maximises the benefits of business travel for both staff and the company,” said Slabbert.  
 
Many Australians enjoy business travel and see the importance and benefit it can have, but this survey reveals gaps in support for employees. 
 
More than a third (35 per cent) feel their organisation does not take their well-being seriously when travelling for business; while experiencing depression, high anxiety and a panic attack are also a concern for many travellers (48 per cent), especially younger travellers between 18-34 years (58 per cent). 
 
The survey also finds only about a quarter (26 per cent) of travellers receive a full briefing about their destination from their employer prior to or during a business trip.  
 
Slabbert notes this uncertainty and lack of support from employers can have a detrimental impact on an employee's mental well-being, potentially causing significant distress. 
  • Bali_pic1.jpg
  • Bali_pic2.jpg
  • Bali_pic3.jpg
  • BALI_pic5.jpg
  • Bali_pics4.jpg

Mental health can suffer from 'business travel impacts' - study

The data also showed that many travellers struggle with mental health due to work travel, especially those who travel frequently. At least one in four travellers (27 per cent) has sought mental health support to address the challenges of work travel, with the number increasing to more than one third (36 per cent) for frequent flyers (travelling at least once every two months). 
 
The research shows the most common feeling experienced by Australians on business trips is homesickness/missing their family (38 per cent), followed by feeling exhausted (37 per cent), anxious (34 per cent), stressed (32 per cent) and lonely (26 per cent). A higher proportion of women reported these feelings.  
 
Dr Neil Slabbert, regional chief medical officer (Asia-Pacific), World Travel Protection, highlights the importance of addressing the well-being of employees during business trips. 
 
"Disruptions to routines, physical distance from support systems like family and friends, as well as jet lag and time zone differences can worsen stress and anxiety for travellers,” he said. 
 
"This is especially true for travellers with young children whose fixed routines, such as school and bedtime, can be disrupted by early or late calls from one parent.
 
“Organisations have an obligation to ensure their employees feel supported when they’re away from home and their loved ones, both from a physical safety and mental health perspective. The outcome not only ensures employee well-being but also maximises the benefits of business travel for both staff and the company,” said Slabbert.  
 
Many Australians enjoy business travel and see the importance and benefit it can have, but this survey reveals gaps in support for employees. 
 
More than a third (35 per cent) feel their organisation does not take their well-being seriously when travelling for business; while experiencing depression, high anxiety and a panic attack are also a concern for many travellers (48 per cent), especially younger travellers between 18-34 years (58 per cent). 
 
The survey also finds only about a quarter (26 per cent) of travellers receive a full briefing about their destination from their employer prior to or during a business trip.  
 
Slabbert notes this uncertainty and lack of support from employers can have a detrimental impact on an employee's mental well-being, potentially causing significant distress.