Navigating work travel anxiety

Travel management

Jun 22

Team culture

Navigating work travel anxiety

Riley leight · 6/22/2023

The interior of a commercial passenger jet.

Understanding and addressing travel anxiety is crucial to ensure the well-being and comfort of employees during team events. This post will discuss strategies for creating an open, supportive culture for teammates who struggle with travel anxiety.

90% of Americans feel that travel is stressful. But travel anxiety is more than just stress and frustration—it can range from mild uneasiness to overwhelming, debilitating feelings of distress. These feelings might be triggered by a fear of flying, navigating unfamiliar environments, or simply being away from home.

As an employer or leader, how can you help teammates navigate these anxieties when it comes time to attend work related events like offsites, retreats, or kickoffs?

In this blog post, we’ll explore practical strategies that employers can implement to support their employees with travel anxiety and ensure their well-being during team events.

Understanding travel anxiety

It’s important to understand that travel anxiety is likely more common now than in the past, partly due to the lack of travel during the pandemic. Many people may be making one of their first flights in quite awhile—making the anticipation and potential anxiety much worse.

The Washington Post also noted that it’s important to consider that travel anxiety can have multiple contributing factors beyond traveling itself, like:

Pre-existing anxiety and depression
Social anxiety and difficulty with crowds
Self-image issues

When beginning to approach how you can talk about anxiety with your team, be conscious that there might be a variety of components at play—and come from an empathetic and understanding standpoint.

Now, let’s look at some specific strategies for supporting your team.

Create open communication channels

Establishing open lines of communication is crucial in creating a supportive environment for employees with travel anxiety. Encouraging employees to express their concerns and fears, and actively listening to their experiences, helps employers gain valuable insights into their needs and provide appropriate support.

Provide early notification

Providing sufficient advance notice for team events is vital for employees with travel anxiety. Timely communication about event details such as the destination, schedule, and purpose allows individuals to mentally and emotionally prepare. This advance notice gives employees the opportunity to plan their travel arrangements and manage their anxiety effectively.

Collaborate on itinerary and activities

Involving employees with travel anxiety in the planning process helps create an inclusive and comfortable environment. Seeking their input and preferences when developing the team event itinerary and selecting activities ensures that everyone can participate fully and enjoy the experience.

Offer individualized support

Recognizing that anxiety manifests differently in each individual is essential. Employers should approach employees with empathy and tailor support strategies to their specific needs. Engaging in one-on-one conversations helps provide personalized assistance and accommodations that alleviate anxiety.

Give information and resources

Compiling resources that address travel anxiety and making them easily accessible can serve as valuable tools for employees to manage their anxiety and feel more prepared. You can also consider third party resources like counseling and coaching to give employees a safe, private avenue to communicate about their challenges.

Encourage peer support

Promoting a culture of peer support through openness and communication can make a major impact. Sharing coping strategies, experiences, and emotional support can help individuals feel less alone and gain insights from others who have successfully managed similar challenges. An employee resource group for those who want to improve mental health in the workplace, for example, can act as a powerful tool.

Grant flexibility and accommodations

Recognizing the need for flexibility and accommodations is essential when supporting employees with travel anxiety. Offering alternative arrangements, adjusting schedules, or providing quiet spaces for relaxation during the event demonstrates understanding and creates an environment that supports employees' well-being.

Make your next event stress-free

With a thoughtful approach to support, employers can create an inclusive environment that allows employees with travel anxiety to navigate team events with more ease and confidence.

With the right support systems in place, many individuals can work through their anxieties and fully engage in team activities.