Travel policies to avoid employee burnout

• Employees often want to travel, but business travel can be tiring.
• Business Insider spoke to three business leaders about improving the business and travel experience.
• They suggested providing paid time off after travel, upgrading accommodations, and limiting frequent travel.
• This article is part of the Business Travel Playbook series on getting the most out of business travel.

Although business travel provides opportunities to meet clients in person, attend conferences, and explore new markets, it also has some drawbacks. During business trips, employees are separated from their families, their normal daily routines are disrupted, and they work longer hours than usual, which can be stressful.

But these challenges are no deterrent. Business travel spending is expected to return to its pre-pandemic total of $1.4 trillion in 2024 and increase to nearly $1.8 trillion by the end of 2027, according to a 2023 World Business Travel Association report.

With business travel playing an important role in many workplaces, Business Insider asked three business leaders for their advice on how companies can help reduce stress and avoid burnout for business travelers. I asked for it. They recommended four policies:

1. Provide paid vacation after business trips.

Business travelers who have been on vacation for a few days are often expected to return to the office and continue working as if they had never left, which can exacerbate stress.

Danielle Sabrina, founder and CEO of public relations firm Society22, travels weekly for work. He said employers could ease the burden of travel by allowing employees to take time off to recover after a trip.

“Benefits like a generous paid time off policy that takes into account recovery time and travel time ensure our employees are well-rested and able to bring their best to work,” said Sabrina. Stated. “Together, these measures contribute to preventing burnout, increasing job satisfaction, and promoting a healthier and more productive working environment.”

Natalie Norfus, founder of independent staffing firm Norfus Firm, also recommended resting after a business trip.

Employees who travel for work may be primarily caregivers for children, pets or elderly family members, Nofus said. Since business travel often disrupts daily life and work-life balance, employees may need a day or two to return to work.

“If an employee goes on a week-long business trip, companies should require at least a day or two of rest,” Norfus said. “This policy allows employees to recover from jet lag, regain some personal time, and reduce accumulated stress from travel. It also helps employees properly balance their work priorities. You also need to make sure your employees feel like they can reasonably afford to take a break.” Worried about keeping up with work? ”

2. Do not allow meetings on travel days.

Whether your business trip involves commuting to a nearby city or traveling to another country, business travel can be exhausting. Once employees arrive at their destination, they should spend the rest of the day relaxing before attending meetings or events.

“The secret to achieving perfect balance while traveling is to prioritize rest and nutrition over a busy schedule,” Sabrina said. “Choosing a more relaxed approach, I often arrive the day before the meeting to ensure a restful night’s sleep.”

People flying can experience delays, all the more reason for businesses to avoid scheduling meetings and events on travel days.

“Dealing with travel arrangements, such as delayed or canceled flights, lost luggage, or traveling to an unfamiliar location, adds additional complexity and potential stress to a trip,” says Norfus, who herself He added that he often experienced delays. The past year.

3. Book upgraded flights or premium accommodation.

Ashley Brennan, vice president of vacation compliance at AbsenseSoft, a scheduling platform for human resources professionals, says her company’s travel policy requires business class seating on long flights, or at least the option of an upgrade. He said that it is necessary to provide.

“Employers should allow employees to pay extra for certain seats on airlines based on physical restrictions and limitations,” Brennan said. “Another policy might be to not require employees to choose the cheapest ticket, but instead choose the ticket that fits their schedule and personal obligations.”

Staying in more comfortable accommodations also improves employee morale. Luxury hotels with amenities such as gyms and spas are helpful for employees who want to get some exercise or relax after a long day.

“If the trip is longer than one or two days, companies should book upgraded hotels,” Sabrina told BI. “Staying in a luxury hotel not only increases comfort, but it also makes your trip more efficient thanks to the extensive amenities and healthy food options that luxury hotels offer.”

4. Expand business travel as needed.

For many employees, the best way to reduce the stress of business travel is to limit the number of trips they take.

“Putting a cap on the frequency of travel can help prevent burnout,” Norfus says. “This could mean limiting the number of trips employees can make each month or quarter. It’s important to assess the need for each trip and consider alternatives such as video conferencing. ”

Employees who tend to travel frequently may need to sit down with their managers to discuss how much travel they can do while maintaining a balanced schedule.

“If your job requires frequent travel, it’s important to be realistic about how much travel you can tolerate and how much work you can realistically complete,” Norfus says. “Once you’ve identified your needs, communicate openly and regularly with your manager and ask for accommodations to help you manage stress, such as flexible scheduling or resetting deadlines and priorities.”

In addition to reducing the amount of travel, employees can request accommodations such as adjusting their schedules or attending fewer social events.

“Business travelers should be upfront with their managers about their comfort level and whether there are benefits to making their trip easier,” Brennan says. “Business travel is often essential for many occupations. However, employees are not obligated to attend every social gathering during a week-long trip and have the option to seek accommodations that facilitate travel. You need to understand that there is.”