Traveling for work can be beneficial to employees as they network, make connections and build new business opportunities, but business travel can also have some downsides for workers.
Eighty-seven percent of employees think travel is important to company growth, and about half of workers point to positive benefits of travel to their own wellbeing and physical health, according to a Booking.com for business survey.
Career growth topped the list of positive impacts of corporate travel, with 82% of respondents saying it helps them expand their knowledge of the industry they're working in and keeps them motivated. Employees also pointed to self confidence and personal development (75%), mental health and growth (52%), physical wellbeing (42%), and improved relationships as benefits of business travel (39%).
Recommended For You
Some of the challenges traveling employees cited were loss of sleep, stress management and diet, getting sick and disrupting their routines. About 18% of business travelers said they experience anxiety about being in an unfamiliar place along with the increased cognitive workload associated with planning travel and adjusting to different cultural expectations. Nearly one-quarter said they worry about getting sick while traveling due to being exposed to different climates, foods and sanitation standards. Twenty-two percent reported missing their families and feeling lonely while traveling.
There was a notable difference in how business travel affects the health of younger vs. older workers. Nearly two-thirds of those between the ages of 18 and 35 experienced more positive impacts of travel on their mental health, while only 41% of travelers older than 46 said business travel positively impacts their mental health.
"For younger professionals, business travel can offer unique career and personal growth opportunities," said the report. "Being exposed to other cultures, networking with peers and experiencing different working environments can help them develop their skills and broaden their horizons. Younger professionals also tend to have fewer familial responsibilities, allowing them to travel with more peace of mind."
International travel tended to impact physical and mental health more positively than domestic travel, according to the report.
Booking.com for business offered several tips travelers can use to preserve their health and wellbeing while traveling for work. They include eating healthier, forming bonds with colleagues, meditating, taking safety precautions and staying connected with loved ones. Exercising, prioritizing sleep and learning about the destination in advance can also help reduce stress and increase wellness while traveling, the report said.
© 2025 ALM Global, LLC, All Rights Reserved. Request academic re-use from www.copyright.com. All other uses, submit a request to [email protected]. For more information visit Asset & Logo Licensing.
