Prioritizing wellness for business travelers: Tips for travelers and travel managers
Not long ago, the concept of traveler wellness—encompassing both physical and mental health—was barely on the radar. Business travel was simply part of the job, no questions asked. Today, however, the toll of frequent travel is better understood, and companies are paying closer attention to its impact. In fact, travel managers are now expected to take traveler satisfaction into account, with 37% increased focus on traveler satisfaction, according to a BDC travel survey. With employee satisfaction taking center stage, it’s time to ask: Does your travel program prioritize the health and wellness of your business travelers?
December 10, 2024
This isn’t just another duty of care conversation about ensuring traveler safety and security. While those factors are essential, traveler wellness introduces another critical dimension.
Consider the challenges: jet lag that disrupts sleep schedules, poor dietary habits fueled by rich meals or alcohol, inadequate hydration, and a lack of time for exercise or outdoor activities. These common pitfalls add up, leading to stress, fatigue, and compromised health. The result? A tired, unwell employee who is less satisfied and less productive.
Stacie Prusha, formerly with Medical Solutions LLC and now Supplier Relations Director at Christopherson Business Travel, recently presented groundbreaking findings on this topic at GBTA. Together with Joseph Metallo of Argonne National Lab, Gloria Gonzalez of Direct Travel, and Ana Lenis of AARP, they spent a year studying traveler wellness to inspire companies to rethink their travel programs.
The findings were telling. Their key takeaway? Traveler wellness needs to be more of a priority, and this applies to road warriors as well as those who only travel occasionally.
“Americans in general have this expectation of, if I send that email, I’d better get a response within five minutes, and if I don’t, I’ll ask again,” Prusha said. Constant stress builds as everything feels urgent. And unfortunately, that mindset doesn’t shift during travel. Many employees try to keep up with what’s going on at the office while fulfilling their role as business travelers.
That perspective won’t cut it, Prusha added. Travelers lose time and sleep while traveling, and they must balance that so that when they are actively working, they can be rested, refreshed, and ready to be productive.
Impact of travel on wellness
Years ago, no one knew the impact of cigarette smoking. But now, plenty of research shows the impact. The same idea is emerging for traveler wellness, Prusha explained. In general, business travel can predispose employees to making poorer health decisions, according to the Harvard Business Review.
As more research is done, organizations will see just how much their employees are impacted by travel. Here are the main points of impact:
Travelers lose 23 minutes of sleep per night, compounded by jet lag, especially with significant time zone shifts. “On business trips where you’re losing sleep while also trying to make up for lost time in the office —this really adds up,” Prusha said.
Time away from loved ones—including business travel—can have negative impacts on relationships.
Job satisfaction
According to the group’s research, 83% of employees prioritize travel policies over higher pay or responsibilities at new companies because of how business travel affects home life.
Meaningful work-life changes
That’s a lot of impact. Now, what to do with it? How do companies combat the effects of travel so that employees stay healthy and productive?
“You have to give yourself permission to focus on your wellness,” Prusha said. “You have to tell yourself it’s okay to block that hour. It’s okay to not check emails until after you do XZY. We don’t know how bad we are until it’s brought up. How many times do you check email during a layover or after hours?”
To create meaningful change in her own life, Prusha blocks off an hour every day at lunch as a way to take a break from work life.
“I gave myself permission. The world is not going to stop if I’m not available for an hour. Stopping to reset during the day (getting some steps and fresh air in while walking my dog, for example) allows me to come back more focused” she said.
That kind of out-of-the-office mentality can translate to travelers. Block off down time. Then set aside specific time Monday morning during work hours to get caught up on emails missed during a trip.
Another key point was companies prioritizing traveler wellness from the top down.
“As leaders, you must practice what you preach. If you’re responding to emails during a business trip or on Sunday night, what will your people expect of themselves?” Prusha explained.
Companies: Update travel policies
Edyta Satchell, travel wellness expert and CEO of Satchelle, strives to help people balance travel with self-care. After spending 20 years in the corporate America travel industry, tired of getting sick from travel-related issues, she decided to become a health coach.
“For a long time, I suffered. But did I suffer alone? The answer is no. But no one wants to talk about it,” she said. That’s why she developed wellness programs for companies to help them focus on traveler wellness and help people look and feel their best before, during, and after their trips.
“We don’t have to ‘get used to it,’” Satchell added. “People are slowly realizing wellness must be incorporated. We can’t ignore it anymore.”
Her books, training courses, programs, and live events offer tips for travelers and travel managers so they can incorporate best practices into their travel programs and help their employees feel better.
“The mistake TMCs and corporations make is looking at traveler well-being from the perspective of safety and security,” she said. There is technology for tracking travelers; wellness is an entirely different thing. That’s why she teaches how to be healthy and well on trips and how to recover after trips.
“Travel policies need to be updated. Measuring traveler satisfaction is a new trend,” she said.
Companies should ask employees directly about their travel policies. Are they working? How could they be better to help the wellness of the traveler? Because a travel policy that doesn’t address wellness could be a liability, Satchell explained. As part of her company offerings, she offers regular surveys to stay ahead of wellness.
“Who travels the most? People who are responsible for money,” she said. “What happens when they get sick? Sales goals not met. How much money are you investing into that person’s health and wellness?”
Typically, traveling workers are not treated any differently than someone who isn’t traveling. Companies should review travel policies in terms of health and wellness. While the bottom line is ruled by money, Satchell pointed out that paying attention to wellness can actually save money on a happier, more productive employee.
“Many times corporations are moving away from traveling business class. What are they doing with the saved money? They could spend it on giving employees access to the airport business lounge which offers more leg room, better restrooms, better food. Some business lounges even have spa care. At the end of the day, it can save money.”
Tips for business travelers to prioritize wellness
Pre-trip tasks: Confirm your travel policy, set your out of office emails, use Air Tags for your luggage, ensure your medicine is packed in your carry-on, research your destination, take note of time zone changes, wear compression socks.
Connect with loved ones: Share your itinerary with your spouse. Set up times to video chat with loves ones.
Plan for rest: Schedule flights that align with your body clock to minimize jet lag. Use apps like TimeShifter to help adapt to new time zones quickly.
Stay hydrated: Prioritize drinking water throughout your trip. Be wary of water sources, focusing on quality water, Satchell added, as poor quality water can cause digestive issues. Opt for fruits and vegetables, which can offer hydration. Avoid excessive caffeine or alcohol, which can dehydrate you.
Eat mindfully: Opt for balanced meals with plenty of fruits, vegetables, and lean protein. Avoid heavy, rich foods before meetings or flights. Pay attention to the time of day you typically eat, Satchell added. Your organs need time to detox, so if you’re a few time zones away, try not to eat too late and avoid greasy food and alcohol during the time you typically are asleep.
Pack helpful items: Satchell recommended packing sun block and using it when you fly, as many people’s skin gets irritated from hours of sun exposure through the airplane windows. Satchell also suggested table tray covers and other helpful items for travel.
Incorporate movement: Walk around the airport, take short strolls during layovers, or do light stretches. Choose accommodations with fitness centers or explore the city on foot when possible.
Protect sleep quality: Bring essentials like noise-canceling headphones, eye masks, or travel pillows. Keep your sleep environment comfortable and stick to a consistent sleep schedule.
Prioritize mental health: Take breaks to recharge, even during a packed schedule. Use meditation or relaxation apps to manage stress.
Post-trip tasks: Block out time for catching up on emails and to submit travel receipts. Immediately unpack and throw clothes into laundry so they’re ready for the next trip.
Tips for travel managers to support traveler wellness
Flexible itineraries: Avoid booking back-to-back flights or tight schedules. Build in time for rest and recovery between meetings. Consider adding a day before or after a long trip, especially in another time zone.
Health-conscious accommodations: Partner with hotels that offer fitness facilities, healthy dining options, and comfortable workspaces to make it easier for employees to feel their best.
Promote pre-travel preparation: Encourage employees to pack wellness essentials like reusable water bottles, snacks, and comfortable clothing.
Educate travelers: Provide wellness training or workshops for frequent travelers. Share best practices for staying healthy on the road.
Emphasize ergonomics: Book seats with extra legroom for long flights and prioritize comfortable transportation options.
Incorporate wellness policies: Establish policies allowing for breaks during extended travel and reimburse expenses for gym access, healthy meals, or mental health support.
Track and evaluate traveler wellness: Use feedback and data to understand the challenges your employees face and adapt travel programs accordingly. This is something Satchell strongly believes in and helps clients on a regular basis.
Conclusion
For travelers and travel managers alike, it’s important to recognize that wellness is no longer a luxury—it’s a necessity. When companies invest in the well-being of their travelers, the benefits ripple outward, leading to stronger performance, greater job satisfaction, and long-term success for both employees and organizations.
By prioritizing health-conscious travel practices, organizations can empower their employees to stay productive, satisfied, and healthy while on the road. From updating travel policies to providing actionable wellness resources, there are countless ways to support business travelers in managing the challenges of frequent travel.
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