Work Travel: Damaging Your Soul And Wellbeing

Travelling for work might seem glamorous, but it can take a toll on your mental and physical health. Research has shown that frequent business travel is linked to poor long-term health outcomes such as obesity and cardiovascular disease. Other negative impacts include lack of sleep, poor food choices, increased sedentary behaviour, and the stresses of travel. These factors can affect travellers' health not just in the long run but also in the short term. A study published in the Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine found that as the number of nights spent travelling for business increased, so did the incidence of poor behavioural and mental health outcomes. So, while travelling can broaden your horizons and provide new experiences, when done for work, it may leave you feeling less than inspired.

Lack of sleep, poor food choices, sedentary behaviour, and travel stress

Travelling for work can be detrimental to your health, and a lack of sleep, poor food choices, sedentary behaviour, and travel stress are all factors that contribute to this.

Lack of Sleep

Sleep deprivation is a common issue for those who travel for work, and it can have a significant impact on their health. Research has shown that insufficient sleep is linked to a higher risk of obesity and metabolic diseases such as insulin resistance, hypertension, and atherosclerosis. Not getting enough sleep can also lead to increased food intake, as people tend to snack more and consume more meals throughout the day. This can result in weight gain and a higher risk of obesity.

Poor Food Choices

When travelling for work, people often make poor food choices due to the limited options available, especially at airports. They may also be more likely to eat out or order room service, which can result in consuming more calories and less nutritious food. Additionally, stress can lead to increased consumption of "comfort foods" that are high in fat and sugar. This can further contribute to weight gain and increase the risk of obesity and other metabolic diseases.

Sedentary Behaviour

Those who travel for work often spend a significant amount of time sitting, whether on planes, trains, or in cars. This sedentary behaviour can have negative effects on health, including weight gain and a higher risk of obesity. It can also lead to a more sedentary lifestyle overall, as people may be less likely to engage in physical activity during their travels.

Travel Stress

Travelling can be stressful, and this stress can have a negative impact on health. It can lead to increased consumption of alcohol and unhealthy foods, further contributing to weight gain and metabolic issues. Additionally, travel stress can disrupt sleep patterns and increase the risk of mental health issues such as depression and anxiety.

Overall, a lack of sleep, poor food choices, sedentary behaviour, and travel stress are all factors that can contribute to the negative health effects of work travel. It is important for individuals and employers to be aware of these risks and take steps to mitigate them, such as by encouraging healthy eating and physical activity while travelling.

Higher risk of depression, anxiety, poor sleep, and alcohol dependence

Travelling for work can have a significant impact on your mental health and overall well-being. Research has shown that there is a link between frequent business trips and adverse behavioural and mental health outcomes. Those who travel for work extensively are at a higher risk of experiencing depression, anxiety, poor sleep, and alcohol dependence.

Depression

The constant stress and disruptions caused by work travel can contribute to feelings of depression. Being away from home, dealing with unfamiliar surroundings and routines, and facing travel-related challenges can take a toll on one's emotional well-being. This is especially true for those who travel frequently or for extended periods, disrupting their daily lives and sense of stability.

Anxiety

Work travel can induce anxiety due to the various stressors associated with it. These include last-minute travel arrangements, unfamiliar environments, demanding schedules, and the pressure of representing one's company while on the road. The anxiety may also stem from concerns about one's work piling up while away or the difficulty of catching up upon returning.

Poor Sleep

Maintaining a healthy sleep schedule while travelling for work can be challenging. Factors such as jet lag, adjusting to different time zones, late-night work dinners, and unfamiliar sleeping environments can disrupt one's sleep patterns. Poor sleep can then exacerbate other mental health issues, creating a cycle of fatigue and anxiety.

Alcohol Dependence

The stress and pressure of work travel can lead to increased alcohol consumption as a coping mechanism. Social events and client dinners often involve drinking, and for some, it may become a way to relax and unwind after a long day. However, relying on alcohol to manage stress can lead to alcohol dependence and negatively impact overall health and well-being.

It is essential to recognize these risks and take proactive measures to mitigate them. This may include implementing stress management techniques, maintaining a healthy lifestyle while travelling, and seeking support when needed. Additionally, employers should also play a role in promoting the well-being of their travelling employees by providing resources and accommodations that support their mental health.

Strained relationships with suppliers

For travel agents and advisors, establishing and maintaining strong relationships with travel suppliers and partners is crucial for success in the industry. Here are some reasons why strained relationships with suppliers can occur and ways to improve these relationships:

• Access to Exclusive Offers and Amenities: Building solid relationships with travel suppliers can provide access to exclusive deals, discounts, and perks that can enhance the value of travel packages. This, in turn, attracts more clients and fosters customer loyalty. Strained relationships may lead to a lack of access to these benefits, making it challenging to offer competitive and appealing packages to customers.
• Reliable and Trustworthy Service: Trust is the foundation of successful business relationships. When travel agents have strong connections with suppliers, they can rely on their expertise and dependability. This ensures that clients receive exceptional and consistent service throughout their travel experiences. Strained relationships may lead to unreliable service, impacting the quality of the travel agent's offerings.
• Faster Problem Resolution: Travel plans can sometimes encounter issues, and quick resolution is key to customer satisfaction. A good relationship with suppliers can expedite problem-solving, minimizing client dissatisfaction and maximizing repeat business. Strained relationships may hinder this process, leading to prolonged issues and unhappy customers.
• Staying Updated with Industry Trends: Travel suppliers are often at the forefront of industry innovations, introducing new products and services. By maintaining positive relationships, travel agents can stay informed about the latest trends and provide cutting-edge experiences to their clients. Strained relationships may result in a lack of access to this valuable information, causing travel agents to fall behind in offering the latest travel options.
• Competitive Advantage: In the highly competitive travel industry, strong supplier relationships can set travel agents apart from their competitors. Agents with robust supplier networks can offer unbeatable deals and unique experiences. Strained relationships may limit access to such advantages, making it challenging to stand out in the market.

To improve strained relationships with suppliers, travel agents can focus on nurturing connections, attending industry events, utilizing social media for networking, providing feedback, showcasing their value proposition, and prioritizing long-term relationship building over short-term transactions.

Less time for exercise

Travelling for work can be detrimental to your health, and one of the main reasons for this is that it leaves less time for exercise.

Firstly, when you are travelling for work, you are often at the mercy of your schedule, which may not leave much time for exercise. You may be expected to work long hours, attend client dinners, and participate in other activities that leave little time for working out. This disruption to your regular exercise routine can have a negative impact on both your physical and mental health.

Secondly, when you are in a new and unfamiliar place, it can be challenging to find suitable places to work out. You may not have access to a gym or other fitness facilities, and the local area may not be conducive to outdoor activities such as running or cycling. This can make it difficult to maintain your regular exercise routine or find alternative ways to stay active.

Additionally, business travel often involves a lot of sitting. Whether it's sitting on a plane, train, or in the back of a car, the sedentary nature of travel can take a toll on your body. The lack of movement can leave you feeling stiff and sore, and contribute to a more sedentary lifestyle overall.

Furthermore, the demands and stresses of work travel can make it challenging to prioritise exercise. You may be dealing with jet lag, unfamiliar surroundings, and the pressure of representing your company in a new environment. As a result, your own health and wellness may take a backseat, and you may find yourself skipping workouts or making unhealthy choices.

Finally, work travel often involves a lot of time spent in hotels or other accommodations that may not have adequate fitness facilities. Even if you bring your workout gear, the lack of space or equipment can make it difficult to maintain your regular exercise routine.

To mitigate these issues, it's important to prioritise your health and make time for exercise, even when travelling for work. This may involve waking up early to fit in a workout, taking advantage of any fitness facilities available, or getting creative with bodyweight exercises that can be done in a limited space. Additionally, incorporating physical activities into your sightseeing or exploring can be a great way to stay active while travelling.

Negative health effects can persist long after returning home

Why Work Travel is Bad for the Soul

The negative health effects of work travel can persist long after returning home, affecting travellers' health in both the long run and the short term. Research has found a strong correlation between the frequency of business travel and a wide range of physical and behavioural health risks.

One study published in the Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine found that as the number of nights away from home for business travel increased, so did the incidence of poor behavioural and mental health outcomes. Those who travelled for business 14 or more nights per month were most at risk for these negative symptoms, including depression, anxiety, poor sleep, and alcohol dependence. These issues can have immediate costs for employers, including reduced employee productivity and performance, absenteeism, and strained relationships with suppliers.

Work travel can also disrupt healthy routines and lead to a lack of sleep, poor food choices, more time spent sedentary, and increased stress. These factors can contribute to long-term health issues such as obesity and cardiovascular disease. For example, those who travelled 21 or more nights per month had a 92% higher risk of obesity and higher diastolic blood pressure compared to those who travelled only one to six nights per month.

The negative health impacts of work travel can be mitigated through various strategies. Employers can play a role by offering stress-management programs, cognitive behavioural therapy, and ensuring accommodations with well-equipped fitness facilities and healthy food options. Ultimately, however, the simplest precaution may be to evaluate whether frequent work travel is truly necessary.

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