The International SOS Foundation, working with Kingston University and Affinity Health at Work, has exposed insights into the habits, health and psychological implications of international business travel on the traveller.
New research has uncovered the rise in risky behaviours, burn out, and exhaustion from business travel.
The International SOS Foundation, working with Kingston University and Affinity Health at Work, has exposed insights into the habits, health and psychological implications of international business travel on the traveller.
While a sense of adventure, freedom and heightened engagement also comes with business travel, the downside is the impact on the international business traveller’s psychological health, the study finds.
Kai Boschmann, director, International SOS, Foundation, said research suggests that frequent travellers make three times as many claims for psychological treatment compared to those who don’t travel on business regularly.
“To foster business productivity and fulfil duty of care in a sustained way, organisations need to also understand how they can protect the mental health and physical wellbeing of their employees while travelling,” Boschmann added.
While 67% of respondents to the study reported increased engagement in their jobs due to business travel, over a third (34%) of international business travellers are more likely to engage in a number of risky behaviours when travelling, compared to their behaviour at home, and only 15% are more concerned about their safety while they’re away.
This trend is particularly evident among the younger, less experienced employees. The study shows that this may be the result of lowered inhibitions; the majority (75%) agree that they see business travel as an opportunity for adventure and exploration, and, for 59%, it’s an opportunity to enjoy freedom from home life.
Dr Rachel Lewis, associate professor in occupational psychology and programme director for the MSc and Professional Doctorate Programme in Occupational and Business Psychology, at Kingston Business School, said, “The combination of the physical demands and restrictions of international business travel, including the ability to eat moderately as well as keep a regular exercise routine, can have a major impact.
“Many people rely on this kind of activity to keep a balance both physically and psychologically, whether they are at home or away. This may be why only 40% of international business travellers reported a sufficient work/life balance.”
More information is available in the International SOS Foundation whitepaper, ‘Keeping International Business Travellers Happy, Healthy & Engaged at Home and Away’.