Is business travel bad for your health? Our latest survey is here

In today’s corporate world, travelling for business is a common requirement. Business travel can have many benefits, such as fostering global connections, networking and new business opportunities. In fact, 87% of employees think it’s important to company growth. But what is the impact of frequent travel on a business traveller’s health?

In this article we explore how business travel impacts business travellers’ mental and physical wellbeing. Our latest survey shows that business travel positively impacts 52% of business travellers’ wellbeing and 46% of their physical health. We also explore how that differs between generations and between international and domestic travellers, as well as the main strategies for preserving one’s wellbeing on the road.

How travelling for business benefits travellers’ health

As we live and work in an increasingly globalised world, business travel wellbeing is a topic of crucial importance for corporate travellers.

While business travel can sometimes negatively impact travellers’ mental wellbeing and physical health, studies show it can also have major positive consequences:

• Career growth – 82% of business travellers think that travelling for business helps them expand their knowledge of the industry they’re working in and keep them motivated.
• Personal development – 75% report that corporate travel boosts their self-awareness and self-confidence, helping them feel more relaxed and at ease.
• Mental wellbeing – 52% of business travellers report that having a change in scenery benefits their mental health and helps them grow.
• Physical wellbeing – even though corporate travel can be physically demanding, 46% of business travellers see a positive impact on their physical health. They report appreciating on-site fitness and relaxation facilities, and 42% would appreciate a health and wellness monitoring app during their trips.
• Family and relationships – 39% of business travellers report that going on a business trip has positive consequences on their relationships.

Younger generations benefit from business travel more

Our study noted that the impact of business travel on health varies across different age groups. 18-35 year-olds are more likely to experience a positive impact of business travel on their wellbeing than 36+ year-olds:

• 63% of 18-35-year-old business travellers report a positive impact on their mental health, compared to 55% of 36-45-year-olds. For 46+ year-olds, that number falls to 41%.
• 59% of 18-35-year-old business travellers report a positive impact on their physical health, while 47% of 36-45-year-olds do. It’s even less for 46+ year-olds, with only 34% reporting positive effects.
• 48% of 18-35-year-old corporate travellers experience a positive impact on their family and relationships, while only 42% of 36-45-year-olds and 29% of 46+ year-olds do.

For younger professionals, business travel can offer unique career and personal growth opportunities. Being exposed to other cultures, networking with peers and experiencing different working environments can help them develop their skills and broaden their horizons. Younger professionals also tend to have fewer familial responsibilities, allowing them to travel with more peace of mind.

International travellers are more likely to benefit from business travel

According to our latest data, international and domestic travellers don’t see the same benefit in business travel. International travellers are more likely to benefit from business travel than domestic travellers:

• 90% of international travellers see a positive impact on their personal development against 73% only for domestic travellers.
• 77% of international travellers feel like their mental health benefits from business trips, while only 48% of domestic travellers do.
• 74% of international travellers observe a positive impact on their physical health, against 41% of domestic travellers.

International business travellers’ wellbeing benefits more from travelling for work as being exposed to different countries, cultures and business practices can foster career and business growth. It can also help develop a more extensive professional network, which is essential in today’s globalised world.

International travel can also contribute to personal development and self-growth by helping to become more adaptable. Despite some challenges, many international business travellers find that the benefits of travelling for business outweigh the drawbacks.

Biggest concerns for business travellers

Despite many travellers finding some mental and physical health benefits to travelling for business, there are still some concerns associated with corporate travel.

Here are some of the biggest concerns for business travellers:

• 23% of business travellers worry about health challenges such as sleep loss, stress management and diet. They’re also concerned about getting sick and about the impact of long flights on physical health. Navigating unfamiliar environments, disrupting one’s regular routine and sitting in aeroplanes for extended periods of time can impact wellbeing.
• 18% experience health issues such as anxiety. Being in an unfamiliar environment and experiencing an increased cognitive workload due to making travel plans and adjusting to different cultural expectations can impact mental health significantly.
• 22% are more prone to getting ill while travelling for business. Being exposed to different climates, foods and sanitation standards can increase the risk of getting sick.
• 22% report missing their families and being impacted emotionally. Managing family relationships remotely can be particularly stressful for business travellers.
• 18-35 year-olds experience loneliness more often than 36+ year-olds during business trips (24% against 10%).

Measures to preserve health and wellbeing on a business trip

Here are preventative measures that business travellers take to preserve their wellbeing while travelling:

• Eat healthier – 59% of international travellers versus 46% of domestic travellers try to maintain a balanced diet.
• Form bonds with colleagues – 42% of international travellers make efforts to connect with colleagues compared to 30% of domestic travellers.
• Meditate – 43% of international travellers practise meditation to manage the stress business travellers can experience. Only 26% of domestic travellers do so.
• Take safety precautions – 42% of international travellers are extra cautious versus 26% of domestic travellers.
• Connect with loved ones – 50% of domestic travellers try to connect with loved ones back home to preserve their wellbeing, while only 29% of international travellers do so.

Other measures that business travellers can take to stay healthy while travelling include:

• Exercising, walking and stretching.
• Prioritising sleep by sticking to a regular sleep schedule.
• Make sure they have valid health insurance when travelling internationally.
• Learn about the destination country’s local customs to reduce stress.

Conclusion

While business travel can cause some health and wellbeing challenges, it usually offers significant benefits. By understanding the impact of business travel and adopting proactive measures, business travellers can make the most of their travel experience. Employers also play a crucial role in supporting the health and wellbeing of their employees, ensuring that the benefits of business travel outweigh the cons.

Methodology

From 22 November–4 December 2023, Booking.com for Business surveyed online 502 full-time (95%) and part-time (5%) business professionals across the US who travel for business. Of this subset, 65% were male and 35% female between the ages of 18–65 years old. We included a representative mix of employees from various-sized companies, departments, industries, and job roles within their organisations.