Business travel has traditionally been considered unhealthy as it often involves long hours, irregular schedules, and unhealthy eating habits. However, the Covid-19 pandemic has shifted the focus of employee wellness during business travel. Companies such as Corporate Travel Management (CTM) have started taking a more personalized approach to caring for their employees while on the road. This includes implementing a scoring system to measure the impact of travel on an individual’s health and well-being, as well as providing alternative suggestions for travel itineraries that may be less stressful.
Global Travel Collection (GTC) has also adopted a holistic approach to encouraging healthy habits among business travelers. They have facilitated the delivery of yoga mats and Peloton bikes to client’s rooms, as well as arranging partnerships with local gyms for travelers to join classes while away. Additionally, GTC has incorporated leisure travel with families into business trips, providing a sense of calm and home away from home for travelers after a long day of work. These efforts aim to keep employees recharged and less disrupted throughout their trips.
Francesca Mendola from GTC emphasizes the importance of providing elements of calm and a sense of home for business travelers, as it can help them stay healthy and energized during their trips. This focus on wellness in business travel has been welcomed by industry experts, such as Business Travel Association Chief Executive Clive Wratten. However, Wratten also highlights the need for companies to further understand the impact of extensive business travel on individuals of different ages and introduce more tailored wellness programs to meet their needs.
The Covid-19 pandemic has forced a shift in the traditional concept of wellness in business travel. With a growing focus on preventing burnout and prioritizing employee well-being, companies like CTM and GTC are implementing measures to ensure their employees can maintain healthy habits while on the road. By taking a more personalized approach and offering alternative suggestions for travel itineraries, businesses hope to reduce the stress and strain that business travel can have on individuals. Additionally, partnerships with local gyms and leisure travel components are being incorporated to provide a sense of calm and home for travelers during their trips.
Overall, the emphasis on employee wellness in business travel is a positive shift in the industry. By acknowledging the unique needs of individuals and taking steps to ensure their well-being during trips, companies can attract and retain top talent. The call for more comprehensive wellness programs and a deeper understanding of the impact of business travel on individuals of varying ages is a reminder that there is still work to be done in this area. As companies continue to evolve their approach to employee wellness during business travel, the hope is that more tailored and effective programs will be developed to support the health and well-being of their employees on the road.
