In between flights, transfers, meetings and client dinners, business travel can be stressful. Add on the effects of jetlag and your productivity levels really come under pressure. So, how can you remain productive on a business trip? We have a few tips:
Lean on your travel manager
Your corporate travel management company will take care of the small details, leaving you free to focus on the goals of your business trip.
Use the right tools
Stay connected with your team while you’re on the road with collaborative tools like G-Suite or SharePoint – and don’t forget the power of your calendar! Adding your commitments to your calendar will obviously remind you of the events, pitches or meetings you need to keep track of, but will also determine your availability with others.
Stick to your routine
If you wake up early at home, don’t use this work travel trip as an excuse to sleep in. Set boundaries around time-on versus time-off and do your best to honour them.
Mind your health
Unhealthy eating and drinking can make you feel tired and hinder your sense of discipline. Avoid heavy buffet meals, limit your alcohol consumption and get some exercise. Take advantage of your new travel surroundings, get outdoors and explore the new city you’re in.
Reduce your workload before you leave
Trying to maintain your current workload while on the road can make business travel even more stressful. To avoid this pressure, try to gradually reduce your workload before you depart. Do this is by only taking on essential commitments and delegating tasks to others.
Make it fun – advice from the pros
Add some excitement to your trip! Here’s some great advice from the Harvard Business Review, adapted from How to Make Any Business Trip Less Boring, by Stephan Spencer:
“Too many of us treat work travel like a curse, when it could (and maybe should) be one of the best parts of the job. Yes, being away from your family is hard, and yes, jet lag is a bummer. On the other hand, you’re going to a new city or a new country for free, so take advantage of it. Use the time between meetings to explore and seek out inspiration. Talk with locals, eat food you can’t get at home, and stop into a museum — while trying not to check your phone. Squeezing in time for tourism can be tough but think of it as a way to practice spotting and seizing new learning opportunities. Even on a short business trip you can try something new, such as forgoing a hotel and finding a place to stay on an apartment-rental website. However you do it, find ways to get outside your comfort zone.”
Need seamless business travel management? Contact Thompsons Travel today.
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