Posted on Monday, 24 September 2018

Business travel has become a regular and ongoing facet of the modern workplace. Despite digital technology making it easier to communicate than ever before, forming and maintaining human connections is still crucial for our economic vitality. Indeed, the Global Business Travel Association projected a 25% increase in annual business travel between 2013 and 2018.

But while business travel is an important aspect of being commercially successful, it does have its downsides. A recent study by the Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine revealed those who undertook regular business trips were more likely to drink, smoke, have trouble sleeping and suffer anxiety and depression.

So how can we reduce the stress and strains of business travel - while cranking up the ‘happy' quotient?

1. Have fun

Why not transform your business trip into a holiday punctuated with a few meetings? Most destinations are blessed with at least a few historic sites - even the odd theme-park. Why not extend your trip by a couple of days to take in the highlights? This approach is increasingly common, often referred to as a 'Bleisure' break - combining business and leisure. But you don't have to add days to your trip - you might simply squeeze in a couple of hours after a meeting to see the local sights. By adding in some fun to your business trips, you'll start to view them with less foreboding.

2. But not too much fun

In some cultures - particularly in Asia - it's normal to go out on the town with those we've had important meetings with. These outings can be a great way of cementing contacts and getting a more frank view of a company (especially after a few sakes or sangrias have loosened lips). But there could be negatives to this: you might say or do something you regret in the morning. Remember: what happens on this year's B2B regional management conference might not stay on this year's B2B regional management conference. More likely, you'll risk a splitting headache - which could be a real problem if you have a potentially deal-making presentation to give in the morning!

3. Research your destination

Much stress can be caused by knowing little or nothing about your destination. Take some time to book a hotel near your meeting location; find out how to get from the airport and around the city; learn a few words of the local lingo; and make sure your watch is set to the right time-zone. Go a step further by finding some well-reviewed restaurants - so you have somewhere good to invite colleagues and business associates after the meetings have concluded.

4. Be cheerful

The benefits of remaining upbeat - even when you don't feel like being so - are well-documented. Make a real effort to see the positive sides of any conversation you have and avoid using negative language. If you aren't feeling terribly positive about an upcoming business meeting, force yourself to stand up straight with your shoulders back; learn some simple meditation techniques; and avoid colleagues and co-workers who make you feel stressed or angry.

5. Embrace networking

Effective networking can help you achieve your business objectives, and maybe even line-up a new role for the future. Take along plenty of business cards to give the people you meet. Face-to-face encounters tend to be far more impactful than digital exchanges or teleconferences. Get hold of a list of attendees before you go, and decide which folks you want to meet. After you've made your connections, follow them up with a quick email when you return home. Human interactions can be one of the most effective ways to imbue a business trip with a sense of fulfilment - and maybe even fun!

Control what you can, let go of what you can't

You can't control every aspect of your business trips, but with a little preparation and effort, you can get as close as possible - while letting unforeseen events unfold as they may.

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