Frequent travelers suffer from stress, fatigue, and can become depressed.
Nearly a third (28%) of surveyed business travelers said having a personal day during a work trip would be beneficial, and 27% mentioned they would be more inclined to remain with a company that permitted this.
While many employees appreciate business travel and acknowledge its benefits, a new Opinium survey commissioned by World Travel Protection revealed that frequent travelers might not feel the same, especially if they lack support from their employers.
The survey, which included 500 business travelers, indicated that although half of the respondents reported a positive impact of work travel on their mental wellbeing, many still believe frequent travel contributes to stress and burnout (47%), particularly for those who travel at least once every two months (56%).
The data indicated that many travelers face mental health challenges due to work travel. The most common feelings experienced on business trips include:
Homesickness/missing their family (38%),
Feeling exhausted (37%),
Anxiety (34%),
Stress (32%), and
Loneliness (26%).
Depression, high anxiety, and panic attacks are also concerns for many travelers (48%), especially younger ones aged 18-34 years (58%).
In response, at least one in four travelers (27%) has sought mental health support to cope with the demands of work travel, with this number increasing to more than one third (36%) for frequent travelers who travel at least once every two months.
However, more than a third (35%) feel their employers do not take their wellbeing seriously during business travel.
Dr. Neil Slabbert, Regional Chief Medical Officer (Asia-Pacific) at World Travel Protection, emphasized the importance of employees feeling safe and supported while abroad, both physically and mentally.
“Organizations have a responsibility to ensure their employees feel supported when they’re away from home and their loved ones, addressing both physical safety and mental health,” he stated.
Employer support initiatives include:
Providing pre-trip medical and country information,
Supporting daily family or next-of-kin video calls,
Downloading wellness or meditation apps to employees’ phones,
Having a solid emergency action plan.
The rise of ‘bleisure’ travel
Interestingly, many are embracing the trend of ‘bleisure’ travel—combining leisure time with business trips—to enhance their happiness while traveling for work.
Almost a third (28%) reported feeling less burnt out and stressed if a work trip included a personal day, with 27% saying they would be more likely to stay with a company that allowed for this.
Psychologist Patrea O’Donoghue noted that activities such as exploring local cuisine, enjoying quiet moments, or engaging with locals can enrich employees’ experiences and help them connect more deeply with the present moment, especially when feeling overwhelmed or homesick. This can help them decompress and recharge, leading to greater overall wellbeing and improved productivity.
She also recommended proactively managing expectations with employers before travel, discussing 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 a sense of control in unfamiliar environments. Consistently adhering to your exercise routine and choosing nutritious, light meals while traveling can also help you feel more like yourself,” she advised.