Members of the GBTA’s APAC Risk Committee are calling for greater focus on traveller mental health, describing it as a “hidden health crisis”.
This message was a key takeaway from a recent webinar, Travel Risk Management 101 Part 2: Health and Security Travel Risks.
The panel addressed the importance of prioritising a traveller’s mental well-being alongside their physical health, as well provided insights into cyber security, gender marker discrepancies, and other practical tips for mitigating travel risks.
PK Jayaprakash, global service delivery manager at Direct Travel, noted that longhaul travel and constant availability due to time zone changes can leave travellers with no downtime. This lack of rest, he said, can lead to mistakes. He also highlighted the added challenges of loneliness and homesickness.
As such, Jayaprakash suggested that companies can start by making small, meaningful changes, such as offering time off before and after a work trip. He described this time for a traveller to “decompress” as a “cheap and reliable” solution.
Safak Celik, strategic account manager, travel, Asia-Pacific, at Conferma, noted that since joining the company recently, he has observed the integration of mental health first aid into corporate culture for the first time.
Barry Lin, regional security manager for ASEAN and Pakistan at Google, stated that “open conversation” is essential. He explained that a mental disability may not be apparent, and a workaround might be needed for sales trips or team meetings to accommodate the employee.
Meanwhile, cyber risk and keeping data safe whether travelling on business or leisure is often overlooked.
“Public surfing is unsecured and monitored. My law enforcement colleagues say credit card details can be tracked and skimmed.
“Public charging points are also very easy to tamper with and may have malware. It’s always better to use a power bank or plug directly into a wall socket and apply privacy filters to protect personal data,” Lin elaborated.
Jayaprakash urged travellers to be cautious about all aspects of cyber risk, especially with the potential for harm from AI. He recommended that travellers have access to a secure link and know who to contact for assistance before their trip.
Mamatha Basavaraj, category manager travel, global procurement with Konecranes, said companies should not hand over a plane ticket to a first-time business traveller until they have been trained, tested, and have passed a travel safety course.
Meanwhile, Celik noted that some travellers fail to stay informed about events like civil unrest or bad weather, while Lin pointed out that one of the biggest challenges for travellers is “deciphering fake news”.
Cultural differences also make a situation like city-wide flooding normal to a local, but may put a foreigner at risk.
When it comes to diversity, equity, and inclusion, the discussion centred on the need for flexibility, particularly in addressing gender marker discrepancies. The panel suggested that companies should incorporate exceptions, and even create an internal team to anticipate and address potential issues.
The panel also stressed that corporations must be sensitive when sending LGBTQ+ staff on assignments, especially to the Middle East. Companies, they noted, must provide support to ensure passports, visas, and other documentation are in alignment to prevent complications.
