New Study Highlights Impact of Business Travel on Australian Mental Health

Tuesday, May 7, 2024

World Travel Protection, a leader in travel risk management and support, has unveiled findings from a new survey it conducted, highlighting the effects of business travel on the mental health of Australians.

Conducted by Opinium, the survey included 500 Australian business travelers and revealed that while half of them reported a positive impact of work travel on their mental health, many expressed that frequent travel contributes to stress and burnout (47%), with this issue intensifying for those who travel at least once every two months (56%).

The survey also found that a significant number of travelers face mental health challenges due to work-related travel, particularly those who travel often. Around one in four travelers (27%) have sought mental health support to cope with these challenges, and this figure rises to more than a third (36%) among those who travel frequently.

Common feelings among Australians on business trips include homesickness and missing family (38%), exhaustion (37%), anxiety (34%), stress (32%), and loneliness (26%), with a higher percentage of women experiencing these emotions.

Dr. Neil Slabbert, Regional Chief Medical Officer (Asia-Pacific) for World Travel Protection, stresses the importance of supporting employee well-being on business trips. He notes that disruptions in daily routines, physical separation from family and friends, and challenges like jet lag and time zone differences can exacerbate stress and anxiety, particularly for travelers with young children who have fixed schedules disrupted by travel.

The study shows that 73% of Australians consider face-to-face meetings essential for fostering positive, long-lasting relationships. Additionally, nearly half (47%) believe that business travel has gained importance since they began working remotely.

Dr. Slabbert points out that while many Australians value business travel for its benefits, the survey indicates a lack of support for employees. Over a third (35%) feel that their well-being is not taken seriously by their organizations when traveling for business, and mental health issues such as depression, high anxiety, and panic attacks are a concern for many (48%), particularly among younger travelers aged 18-34 (58%). The survey also reveals that only about a quarter (26%) of travelers are fully briefed by their employers about their destination before or during their business trips.

“Having peace of mind about your safety when abroad can play a big part in how confident you feel when you’re working. Travel risk management companies support corporate travellers by providing pre-trip medical and country intelligence, which sets expectations before the trip. Being proactive is something that supports travellers’ well-being. 

“Other initiatives include supporting daily family or next-of-kin video calls, downloading a wellness or meditation app to their phone and having a solid action plan in case of an emergency. Employees should also have contact details on hand of their travel assistance company should they require urgent care,” says Dr Slabbert.

The survey highlights the growing trend of “bleisure” travel, where Australians blend business with leisure to enhance their well-being while traveling for work. Nearly a third (28%) report feeling less burnt out and stressed when their business trips include personal time, and 27% would be more inclined to remain with an employer that allows such flexibility.

Patrea O’Donoghue, a high-performance psychologist, says blending business with leisure (bleisure) travel allows employees to decompress and recharge, leading to greater overall well-being and improved productivity. 

“Whether it’s exploring local cuisine, enjoying quiet moments or engaging in conversations with locals, these experiences enrich your journey and foster a deeper connection to the present moment, especially when you’re feeling overwhelmed or homesick,” O’Donoghue explains.

She also advises proactively managing expectations with employers before travel, addressing workload, boundaries and the importance of downtime to promote more effective and sustainable work travel.

“It’s important to maintain routines during business trips, which can provide stability and control in unfamiliar environments. Consistently adhering to your exercise routine and opting for nutritious, light meals while travelling can also help you feel more like yourself,” O’Donoghue adds.