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16/01/2014Bettina PickeringValerie Cheong Took
Who we are:
2(c) Aronagh Ltd & Valerie Cheong Took 2014
Bettina Pickering Valerie Cheong Took
• Introduction
• Selected Research
• Your expectations
• Travel Stress – process and types
• Your challenges & solutions
• Our key three tips
• Close
3(c) Aronagh Ltd & Valerie Cheong Took 2014
1. World Bank Study
• Survey of 498 World Bank staff
• Reported Travel Stress– 36% high-very high
– 42% moderate
• Travel Stress affecting physical & emotional health– 15% often or all of the time
– 29% sometimes
• Key Stressor Triggers were reported as– Isolation & away from family (>40%)
– More demanding workload on return (>30%)
Source: Risk factors for psychological stress among international business travellers, J Striker, R S Luippold, L Nagy, et al., Occup EvironMed 1999 56:245-252
4(c) Aronagh Ltd & Valerie Cheong Took 2014
2. Managing Business Travel
• Travel costs vs Traveller’s Values– Economy travel vs high educational
levels/perceived business class status
– Company volume contracts vs Loyalty schemes
• Travel operator marketing vs Traveller Identity– Exclusivity & Prestige of higher class
travel vs Traveller’s perception of themselves
• Policy vs Emotionality of Travel– Perks for senior’s or bosses vs perceived
devaluing of other staff members
– Preferred supplier vs internet prices
Source: Managing business travel: Developments and dilemmas in corporate travel management, Per Gustafson, Tourism Management 33 (2012)
3. Carlson Wagonlit Study
• Survey of 6000 Travellers from around the
world
• Biggest Stress Factors on a typical business
trip were
– Lost or Delayed Luggage
– Poor or no Internet connection
– Flying economy
– Delays
Source: Stress triggers for Business Travellers, Traveller
Survey Analysis, Carlson Wagonlit Travel, 2012
5(c) Aronagh Ltd & Valerie Cheong Took 2014
In groups of 5:
• Expectations
• Countries you travel to for business
• Challenges you face
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Getting there -Travel
Cognitive flexibility–Actual vs Expectations
Missing out – Family separation anxiety
Maintaining Momentum- time and behaviour based strains
Keeping it going –Virtual Working
Leaving here -
Preparation
Managing non work disruptions
Managing roles conflict : domestic vs
international work
Putting life on hold -Pausing
Overseas Business
HomebaseBusiness
Home Life
While Leaving
Being Overseas After Returning
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Boundaries
•Surprises
•Expectations
•Values & Beliefs
•Culture/Ways of working
•Too little me time
Mental Activity
•Lost time
•Last minute arrangements
•Perceived barriers: increased workload, foreign vs local status
Emotional Concerns
•Loss of Control
•Impact on Family
•Loss of support
•Fear of illness/danger
Unconscious Habits
•Routine Breakers
•Lack of exercise & sleep
•Lack of healthy food
Stress Types
In groups of 5:
• Discuss your personal stress challenges & solutions, that work for you
• Put the key ones on post-its
• Categorise them into the process (before, during and after)
• Appoint a presenter
Be prepared to present to the other groups
(c) Aronagh Ltd & Valerie Cheong Took 2014
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Typical Stressors Ways of stress reduction/prevention
OverseasBusiness
Dealing with non work disruption Managing the unexpected Last minute changes to schedule Dealing with anxiety of family and friend
separation.
Research (diseases, clothes, food, culture, connectivity, currency)
Preparation (reading material, favourite music/films, charged devices)
Adjust your perspective e.g. learning journey Contingency planning (first aid kit, cash) Consider travel insurance (and overseas medical
insurance for travel outside the UK)
HomebaseBusiness
Constraints of Travel Policy Anxiety about identity transformation –
roles in domestic and international offices Dealing with cultural and ethical gaps.
Focus on the positive: what you can do, strengths. Delegate as much work as you can Avoid overscheduling your time away with home
business stuff (allow for the unexpected) Contingency planning (home and office)
Home Life Filling in the gaps Known commitments & events Physical, emotional and mental preparation
Install skype/video time calling schedules , tape favourite show
Cancel or postpone known appointments Choose transferable activities. Consider concierge service / let neighbours etc know Work out with partner about running the house and
looking after family
10(c) Aronagh Ltd & Valerie Cheong Took 2014
Typical Stressors Ways of stress reduction/prevention
OverseasBusiness
Different beliefs and values Different cultural norms Making the most of existing work
infrastructure.
Focus on similarities Define your comfort zone and work out your
cognitive flexibility Approach to dealing with potential conflicting
situations
HomebaseBusiness
Expectations & Targets Fixed deadlines (e.g. tax, renewals)
Delegate before you leave Schedule catch up time for your return (min 1-2
days) Patience is a virtue, manage perfectionist
tendencies
Home Life Lack of support Concern about family Unhealthy food Lack of sleep, disruption of circadian rhythm Emergencies at Home
Arrange to meet friends of friends Plan in calls home Plan in “ me time” (spa, hotel gym, photography) Plan in downtime (e.g. movie/audio book
downloads upfront, meditation) Contingency options (neighbours, extended
friends/family, concierge service)
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Typical Stressors Ways of stress reduction/prevention
OverseasBusiness
Expected follow up Short window for follow up
Agree follow up dates while you are with your client/colleagues
Allow for unexpected delays Clear your diary before you leave for follow
ups (at least 0.5 days) Work out alternative options
HomebaseBusiness
Accumulated workload Identity transformation
Forward planning – schedule less new stuff for your return & prioritise
Account for fuzzy boundaries between role at home office and overseas office.
Home Life Reverse Culture Shock Sense of belonging to the family
Actively focus on good things at home and overseas
Your self identity and family identity Build support network
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• Build self-awareness
• Preparation vs Unexpected
• Create your own travel toolkit
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http://wellbeingintuitionenergy.wordpress.com/
Or connect with us @
(c) Aronagh Ltd & Valerie Cheong Took 2014
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Bettina PickeringE-mail: [email protected]: www.linkedin.com/in/bettinapickeringWebsite: www.aronagh.com
Valerie Cheong TookE-mail: [email protected]: www.linkedin.com/in/valeriecheongtookWebsite: www.valeriecheongtook.com
• Risk factors for psychological stress among international business travellers, J Striker, R S Luippold, L Nagy, et al., Occup Eviron Med 1999 56:245-252
• Managing business travel: Developments and dilemmas in corporate travel management, Per Gustafson, Tourism Management 33 (2012)
• Stress triggers for Business Travellers, Traveller Survey Analysis, Carlson Wagonlit Travel, 2012
15(c) Aronagh Ltd & Valerie Cheong Took 2014
