A recent survey conducted by travel risk management provider World Travel Protection has shed light on the mental health effects of business travel among Australians. Carried out by Opinium and interviewing 500 Australian business travelers, the survey uncovered a nuanced picture of both the benefits and challenges associated with frequent work-related travel.
While half of the respondents reported a positive impact on their mental health from business travel, a significant portion—47%—expressed that it heightened their stress and contributed to feelings of burnout. This sentiment was notably more pronounced among those who traveled at least every two months, with 56% experiencing heightened stress levels.
The survey delved into the specific emotional toll that business travel takes on individuals, revealing that homesickness or missing family ranked as the most common emotion at 38%, closely followed by exhaustion (37%), anxiety (34%), stress (32%), and loneliness (26%). Gender differences were also evident, with women more likely to report experiencing these emotions compared to men.
Dr. Neil Slabbert, the regional chief medical officer (Asia Pacific) at World Travel Protection, underscored the responsibility of employers in safeguarding the well-being of their employees during travel. He emphasized the need for organizations to provide comprehensive support, both from a physical safety and mental health perspective, to ensure employee well-being and maximize the benefits of business travel.
Despite the challenges identified, the survey revealed a prevailing belief among Australian business travelers in the importance of in-person meetings for building long-term business relationships, with 73% considering them essential. Additionally, nearly half of the respondents (47%) felt that business travel has become more important since the widespread adoption of remote work.
However, the survey also highlighted areas where organizational support falls short. A significant portion of respondents—35%—felt that their employers do not prioritize their well-being during travel, with concerns about mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression, and panic attacks prevalent among 48% of respondents. Among younger travelers aged 18 to 34, this concern escalated to 58%.
In response to these challenges, Dr. Slabbert emphasized the importance of proactive planning and comprehensive travel risk management services to mitigate risks and support employee well-being during travel.
Furthermore, the survey pointed to the emerging trend of combining business and leisure travel, known as “bleisure.” Nearly 28% of respondents reported that incorporating leisure time into their business travel itinerary helped reduce stress and burnout, with 27% indicating that they would be more loyal to employers offering this flexibility.
Psychologist Patrea O’Donoghue highlighted the benefits of blending business with leisure, noting that it provides opportunities for relaxation and rejuvenation, ultimately enhancing productivity and well-being. Whether through culinary exploration, quiet moments, or cultural immersion, these experiences enrich the travel journey and foster a deeper connection to the present moment.
