Those who travel frequently for work have higher risk of mental health issues, as the disruption of the circadian rhythm from jet lag affects mood, judgement and concentration, which, when paired with the cumulative effect of the stress from preparing for the trip itself can lead to disorientation as well as loneliness and isolation, or even guilt, for leaving family members.

Psychological support, workload management, psychological protection and protection of physical safety are among the top organisational factors that impact both organisational health and the health of individual employees. When the work environment itself is changing frequently due to travel, the protection of physical safety can be difficult to manage and implement from a supervisor’s level. However, if employees feel physically or psychologically unsafe, they will feel less secure, less engaged and be increasingly susceptible to mental health issues.

There is overwhelming evidence suggesting that frequent business travel can be detrimental to psychological, social and physical health. Frequent flying can lead to chronic jet lag which can cause memory impairment. Of course, however, travelling for business is part of the world’s economy, it’s part of business and by many is why they began, or stayed, in their line of work. The answer to mitigating mental health issues associated with work travel is not to just stop, but to find ways to ensure that employees feel psychologically and physically safe.

One of the key ways a workplace can nurture positive mental health is to pay attention, keeping an eye on team members, ensuring that they know that they are cared for and looked after by the company. By automating the process of managing employee safety with SafetyIQ, companies can ensure that remote staff feel, and are, safe. Giving peace of mind to those who care at home, and to the employees in the air and on the ground in far off fields. Lighten the load for everyone, lightening the stress of uncertainty and insecurity.

SafetyIQ also gives employees autonomy over their own journey management, SafetyIQ journey allows staff to create their own journey, select their mode of transport and create checkpoints to indicate arrival. Workers are also able to manage alerts for incidents or problems that may arise. Extra peace of mind for staff, extra peace of mind for management and extra peace of mind for family and friends means less overall negative mental health effects from staff travel.