“These findings reveal that business travel, a cornerstone of many Canadian industries, comes with hidden costs—primarily in the form of stress and personal well-being impacts. That data indicates younger employees could benefit from supportive travel policies designed to help them manage stressors,” says Chris Lynes, managing director for Flight Centre Travel Group Canada—including global travel brands Corporate Traveller and FCM Travel.
Many business travellers are experiencing mental health troubles during their trips, and they want employers to provide better supports,according to a previous report.
Flexible travel policies needed
With nearly half of Canadian business travellers experiencing significant stress, companies need to implement flexible travel policies and support systems, according to Corporate Traveller.
“We’ve found that implementing flexible business trip policies that integrate leisure with work travel contribute to happier, healthier employees, fostering a balanced work-life environment and reducing turnover rates,” says Lynes. “Enhanced support and adaptive policies can make a significant difference, especially for frequent travellers and younger employees new to the workforce.”Â
Aside from impacts on mental health of disruptions amid business travel, there is a more direct business case for employers to address this interference, according to Corporate Traveller.