Business travel has long been considered a prestigious and exciting part of corporate life. However, beneath the allure of jet-setting lies a more challenging reality: isolation. Frequent trips can take a significant emotional toll, leaving professionals battling loneliness, anxiety, and burnout. As global travel increases, finding ways to stay mentally healthy while travelling is more important than ever.
The Loneliness Epidemic in Business Travel
According to research by Corporate Traveller, a Flight Centre Travel Group division, Australian professionals spend almost twice as long on business trips compared to their global counterparts. On average, they spend six nights away per trip, compared to the worldwide average of 3.5 nights. This extended time away from home and loved ones often exacerbates loneliness, especially for those who travel frequently for work.
The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare reveals that one in four Australians experiences loneliness, a statistic that skyrockets for those engaged in corporate travel. A survey by World Travel Protection found that one-third of frequent business travellers report feelings of anxiety, stress, and homesickness, with male travellers being particularly affected. Mental health concerns can directly impact job performance, productivity, and overall well-being, so addressing these issues proactively is crucial.
Insights from the Experts
Corporate Traveller Global Managing Director Tom Walley.
Tom Walley, Global Managing Director of Corporate Traveller, highlights the importance of connection during corporate travel. “Business travel is about forging relationships—whether with colleagues, clients, or partners. But being on the road can also foster feelings of isolation. Prioritizing social interaction, even in small ways, can make a big difference.”
In response to this growing issue, Corporate Traveller has identified five key strategies to combat loneliness during business trips, focusing on maintaining mental health, building connections, and fostering well-being.
1. Embrace Bleisure Travel
One of the fastest-growing trends in business travel is bleisure, the practice of blending business with leisure. According to Walley, adding personal time to a work trip can significantly impact overall well-being. “By extending a trip to explore the destination or allowing family members to join after work commitments, business travelers can recharge mentally and emotionally.”
Nearly 28% of frequent travellers who participated in the World Travel Protection survey said the ability to combine leisure with work travel significantly reduced their burnout. Bleisure fosters a sense of balance and can mitigate homesickness, allowing travellers to feel more connected to their destination—and, by extension, to themselves.
2. Leverage the Buddy System
Travelling solo can amplify the sense of isolation, but many forward-thinking companies are adopting a buddy system for their corporate travellers. Pairing employees travelling to the same destination offers a chance for companionship, making it easier to share experiences and decompress.
Walley explains: “Having a colleague to share a meal or discuss the day’s events can help alleviate loneliness. We’ve also seen companies take proactive steps, like scheduling regular check-ins through calls or messages to ensure their traveling staff feels supported.”
For those travelling alone, staying in shared accommodations or participating in group activities can foster connections and provide a sense of camaraderie, even when away from familiar surroundings.
3. Maximize Technology for Connection
With advancements in communication technology, staying connected to loved ones has never been easier. Business travellers are encouraged to leverage technology to keep in touch with family and friends while on the road. Video calls, instant messaging, and social media platforms can help bridge the gap between home and the workplace.
“Ensuring travelers have access to sufficient data to make calls or participate in virtual meetings is essential,” Walley says. “Remote working functionalities allow people to maintain their home relationships while still fulfilling their professional duties. For those looking to expand their social circle, local networking groups or professional meetups are a great way to connect with like-minded individuals in unfamiliar places.”
4. Explore the Local Scene
Often, business travellers fall into the trap of retreating to their hotel rooms after a long day of meetings. However, venturing out to explore the local scene can be a powerful antidote to loneliness. Whether visiting a local restaurant, exploring nearby cultural attractions, or taking a stroll through a local market, immersing yourself in the destination can foster a deeper connection with the environment and help break up the monotony of business travel.
Walley encourages professionals to integrate leisure into their travel itinerary: “By taking advantage of what the destination has to offer, travelers can find joy in their surroundings while also saving on expenses. Many travel management platforms are now designed to incorporate leisure activities into business schedules, making it easier to enjoy the destination while working.”
5. Prioritize Physical and Mental Well-Being
Maintaining physical and mental well-being while travelling is essential to combat loneliness. Long trips can disrupt routines, leading to stress and anxiety, but implementing small self-care practices can help keep those feelings at bay.
Walley suggests staying proactive about health: “Be intentional about your routines, whether it’s fitting in a workout, eating healthy meals, or ensuring you get enough sleep. By maintaining aspects of your home life, you’ll feel more grounded even while on the road.”
Many companies also offer comprehensive risk management strategies that include mental health support, 24/7 medical assistance, and emergency resources tailored to the unique pressures of business travel. These resources can help reduce stress and promote safety while travelling.
Conclusion: Combatting Loneliness is Key to Business Success
Loneliness is a growing issue for many professionals engaged in business travel. However, with the right strategies, it’s possible to turn a challenging experience into an opportunity for personal growth and professional success. By embracing bleisure, fostering connections through the buddy system, leveraging technology, exploring local destinations, and prioritizing well-being, business travellers can stay mentally and emotionally balanced, ensuring they perform at their best—no matter how far from home they may be.
Written by: My Thanh Pham
