Post-pandemic business travelers are feeling stressed, exhausted, and homesick, with only a third being happy to be back on the road.
Post-pandemic business travelers are feeling stressed, exhausted, and homesick, with only a third being happy to be back on the road.
The Challenges and Anxieties of Business Travel in a Post-Pandemic World
The world is slowly returning to normalcy as travel restrictions ease and businesses start to resume their operations. However, the transition back to business travel is not as smooth as it may seem. Recent research has revealed that many business travelers are not enthusiastic about being back on the road. The lack of guidance on how to navigate travel in a post-pandemic world has left them feeling stressed, exhausted, homesick, and anxious.
The impact of this sentiment is significant for businesses. According to an Opinium survey commissioned by World Travel Protection, only a third of business travelers are happy to be traveling for work again. The concerns about health and well-being while traveling have increased compared to pre-pandemic times. This shift in perception demands a closer look at the factors that have permanently changed the global travel landscape and left their mark on corporate travelers.
One of the new threats is the rise in geopolitical conflicts and discrimination against certain communities and ethnicities. Advancements in artificial intelligence (A.I.) and other technological shifts also impact travel. Climate change has led to an increase in the incidence of natural disasters such as hurricanes, earthquakes, and wildfires. These new challenges, combined with the existing staffing shortages in the travel industry, have resulted in flight delays, itinerary interruptions, and more, further exacerbating employees’ aversion to travel.
Women, in particular, face anxiety when it comes to business travel. Almost seven in 10 business travelers agree that traveling as a woman is less safe than traveling as a man. Additionally, a quarter of all business travelers, regardless of gender, prefer not to travel to countries where women’s rights aren’t protected. This gender-related unease highlights the need for a more inclusive and safe environment for all employees.
Another group facing increasing anxiety is LGBTQIA+ employees. With homophobic rhetoric, hate speech, and discriminatory legislation on the rise globally, they face overt danger and harassment. This anxiety can be further heightened if they feel compelled to hide their sexuality or gender expression to avoid repercussions. It is imperative that organizations create a supportive and inclusive environment for these employees.
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Despite these heightened risks and anxieties, organizations often fail to provide their employees with adequate education and information on how to prepare and protect themselves while traveling. Less than three in 10 employees report receiving practical advice such as emergency contact information or guidance on what to do in the event of an incident. Only a small majority of business travelers believe their company would be able to assist them in case of an emergency or personal crisis while traveling abroad.
This lack of support leads many business travelers to take matters into their own hands. In fact, nearly half of business travelers ensure that their family members or someone at work knows their whereabouts at all times. Approximately a quarter of them avoid going out alone after dark, and some have even resorted to placing obstacles in front of hotel room doors to prevent break-ins. This reaction highlights the importance of providing clear support and guidance to employees to alleviate their concerns.
It is crucial for employers to prioritize the well-being of their employees, not just in terms of physical health and safety but also mental health and well-being. Neglecting the mental health and support needs of travelers can result in significant legal and reputational consequences for organizations. Employers are responsible for protecting their employees from reasonably foreseeable risks, both during and after travel.
The COVID-19 pandemic has intensified social isolation and deteriorating mental health, particularly among travelers. After years of working remotely from the comfort of their homes, the volatility, complexity, and unpredictability of today’s travel landscape can be overwhelming. Organizations must take a proactive approach to travel safety, reducing anxiety and stress among their employees, addressing their mental health needs while away, and ensuring they can travel safely and confidently in a post-pandemic world.
In conclusion, the return to business travel comes with its own set of challenges and anxieties for employees. The global travel landscape has permanently shifted, and new threats and risks are now a reality. Employers must recognize the importance of actively supporting their traveling employees, providing them with the necessary information, resources, and guidance to navigate these uncertain times. By doing so, organizations can not only mitigate risks but also foster a positive and secure travel experience for their employees in a post-COVID world.
Frank Harrison is the regional security director, Americas, at World Travel Protection. The opinions expressed in Fortune.com commentary pieces are solely the views of their authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions and beliefs of Fortune.
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