TIPSLIFEHACKS

New Zealand businesses are increasingly reliant on a mobile workforce – people travelling for conferences, client meetings, or extended project work overseas. While these trips can be vital for growth and success, they also come with a unique set of challenges that can significantly impact employee mental wellbeing. As a business leader, it's your responsibility to ensure your team feels supported and equipped to navigate these pressures. This guide provides practical strategies and insights for safeguarding the mental health of your travelling workforce, fostering a culture of care and boosting productivity.

The Hidden Pressures of Travel

It's easy to focus on the logistics of travel – flights, accommodation, and meetings. However, the mental and emotional toll can be substantial. Consider these common pressures:

• Jet Lag and Disruption to Routine: Altering sleep patterns and disrupting daily routines can cause fatigue, irritability, and reduced cognitive function.
• Isolation and Loneliness: Being away from family and friends, particularly in unfamiliar environments, can lead to feelings of isolation and loneliness.
• Culture Shock: Adapting to new cultures, customs, and languages can be overwhelming and stressful.
• Workload and Time Zone Differences: Managing demanding workloads while dealing with significant time zone differences can create immense pressure.
• Safety Concerns: Worries about personal safety and security in unfamiliar locations can contribute to anxiety.

Practical Steps for Supporting Your Team

Creating a supportive environment doesn’t require a complete overhaul of your processes; small, strategic changes can make a big difference. Here’s what you can do:

• Pre-Travel Briefing & Resources: Provide comprehensive pre-travel briefings that include information on local customs, safety guidelines, and access to mental health resources. Consider offering cultural sensitivity training.
• Check-In Regularly: Don’t just focus on project updates. Schedule regular check-ins with travelling employees to ask how they’re *really* doing. A simple “How are you holding up?” can go a long way.
• Flexible Working Arrangements: Where possible, offer flexible working hours to allow employees to adjust to time zone differences and manage their workload effectively.
• Technology & Connectivity: Ensure employees have reliable access to technology and connectivity so they can stay in touch with loved ones and access online support.
• Mental Health Resources: Provide access to Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs), mental health apps, or online counselling services. Make sure employees know these resources are available and how to access them.
• Promote Self-Care: Encourage employees to prioritise self-care activities, such as exercise, healthy eating, and mindfulness.
• Post-Travel Debrief: After the trip, schedule a debriefing session to discuss their experiences, identify any challenges they faced, and gather feedback on how to improve future travel support.

Building a Culture of Wellbeing

Supporting travelling employees is not just about addressing immediate concerns; it’s about building a culture of wellbeing within your organisation. This means:

• Open Communication: Encourage open and honest conversations about mental health.
• Leadership Role Modelling: Leaders should demonstrate a commitment to wellbeing by prioritising their own mental health and encouraging others to do the same.
• Training for Managers: Equip managers with the skills to recognise signs of stress and provide appropriate support.
• Regularly Review and Adapt: Continuously review your travel support policies and adapt them based on employee feedback and evolving best practices.

Investing in the mental wellbeing of your travelling workforce is not just the right thing to do; it’s a smart business decision. Happy, healthy employees are more productive, engaged, and loyal. By taking proactive steps to support their mental health, you can ensure your team thrives, both on the road and at home. Let's make New Zealand businesses known for looking after their people, no matter where they are in the world.