While flying to new cities domestically and abroad is exciting for many workers in the events industry, an often-overlooked challenge can be the toll of loneliness for those who spend extended periods on the road.
According to data from Corporate Traveller, a division of Flight Centre Travel Group, Australian professionals spend almost double the length of stay compared to the global average work trip, averaging six nights away per trip.
For some people, this time away from family and friends, and hitting the pillow each night alone, can bring some mental health challenges.
According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, one in four Australians feel lonely, which can impact mental health and the ability to be productive at work.
For people who travel for their job, the rate of loneliness is higher. A recent study by insurance company World Travel Protection reveals anxiety, stress, exhaustion and homesickness is reported by one-third of corporate travellers, particularly males.
“A big purpose behind corporate travel is to connect colleagues, clients, customers and business partners with one another,” says Tom Walley, Corporate Traveller’s Australia-based global managing director.
“There are several ways we encourage customers to embrace connection, even when they’re away from family and friends.
“When you’re travelling frequently, you can tend to revert to locking yourself in your hotel room at the end of an exhausting day, or some might feel it’s not appropriate to mingle outside of ranks or business hours.
“In Australia, we face the added challenge of being so spread out.”
To help beat the feeling of loneliness, Walley offers tips for cultivating connection and avoiding disconnection while travelling for work:
Embrace “bleisure” travel
“By extending trips to explore destinations beyond your work commitments, professionals can recharge and combat loneliness,” says Walley.
“Extending trips for themselves or having family join them after work-related travel is a great way to build upon health and wellness in the workplace.
“In the World Travel Protection Survey, nearly 28 per cent of frequent travellers said having the flexibility to add personal time to explore a destination or connect with friends nearby significantly reduced burnout and stress.”
The buddy system
“Having a travelling colleague to debrief the day’s events over a drink or meal can be huge,” says Walley.
“We’ve seen instances of companies mandating that managers or travel teams regularly check in to ask how the traveller is feeling and if they need any support.
“It’s a low-effort gesture that signals you’re seen and valued.
“Whether it’s networking with colleagues, or exploring local culture, seek opportunities to connect with others during your trip.”
Leverage technology
“The ability to video call spouses, kids or even the family dog helps sustain crucial bonds back home,” says Walley.
“Use those functionalities to maintain relationships virtually with loved ones back home.
“Additionally, explore local social media groups or networking events to meet likeminded professionals.”
Explore the local scene
“Break free from the hotel room – discover local attractions, restaurants and cultural experiences,” says Walley.
“Taking the opportunity to combine business with pleasure allows travellers to enjoy a destination while saving on expenses.
“Travel management platforms can even build this breathing room into the itinerary.”
Prioritise wellbeing
“Prioritise self-care by getting enough rest, staying active and maintaining a healthy routine,” says Walley.
“The emotional toll of business travel is real and a good way to counter loneliness is to be ready for it from the beginning.
“Having a plan makes loneliness easier to deal with when it comes knocking.
“Be proactive about maintaining your normal routines as much as possible.
“Even squeezing in your usual workout can give you a glimpse of your home life, which can be very grounding.”
