The New Era of Business Travel: Embracing Human Sustainability

In the ever-evolving landscape of global business, the concept of business travel is undergoing a significant transformation. Gone are the days when business travel was solely about logistics and itineraries. Today, a new paradigm is emerging, one that places the well-being, development, and satisfaction of employees at its core. This paradigm is Human Sustainability in business travel, and it's reshaping the way companies approach their travel policies and practices.

Understanding Human Sustainability

Human Sustainability is a holistic approach that focuses on the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of employees. In the context of business travel, it means creating travel experiences that are not only efficient but also supportive and enriching. This approach recognizes that employees are not just assets to be utilised but individuals whose health and happiness are vital to the success of the business.

Why It Matters

The importance of Human Sustainability in business travel cannot be overstated. Studies have shown that frequent business travel can take a toll on employees, leading to issues such as chronic fatigue, stress, and a feeling of disconnection. By prioritising the well-being of employees, companies can enhance the travel experience, leading to increased productivity, engagement, and overall job satisfaction.

Strategies for Embracing Human Sustainability

Leading companies are adopting various strategies to integrate Human Sustainability into their business travel policies. These include:

Flexible Travel Options: Offering flexible travel options that consider personal preferences and reduce travel fatigue.

Wellness Programs: Providing resources for maintaining health and wellness while travelling, such as access to fitness facilities and healthy meal options.

Mental Health Support: Offering support for mental health, including access to counselling services and stress management resources.

Professional Development Opportunities: Leveraging travel as an opportunity for professional development, such as attending international conferences or networking events.

Ethical and Sustainable Practices: Incorporating ethical and sustainable practices into travel policies, such as reducing carbon footprints and supporting local economies.

Real-World Examples

Companies like Deloitte and Bloomberg are at the forefront of this shift. According to Business Travel News, “Deloitte shifted its travel policy focus in 2022 to sustainability and traveller wellness and continued engagement with travellers on sustainable travel practices in 2023.”

In 2022, Bloomberg “Bloomberg introduced in 2022an accessibility desk for travellers with unique needs. It is open to all travellers who declare a need for support; about 400 travellers take advantage of that support.”

The Way Forward

As we move forward, the integration of Human Sustainability in business travel is set to become a standard practice. It's a strategy that not only benefits the employees but also contributes to the broader objectives and ethical stance of the organisation. By embracing Human Sustainability, companies can create a travel program that supports and nurtures their most valuable asset – their people.

In conclusion, the new era of business travel is about balancing efficiency with empathy. It's about recognising that the best way to ensure the success of your business is to take care of the people who drive it. As we embrace Human Sustainability, we pave the way for a more productive, engaged, and satisfied workforce, ready to take on the challenges of the global business landscape.