Zoom fatigue is real and it turns out, people actually want to shake hands again. According to a recent study by Flight Centre Corporate, business travel is set to increase by 40% in the upcoming fiscal year.
This means that if your frequent flyer miles have been stuck in the bronze zone, 2025 could be the year you finally go for gold.
Mummy Mafojane, Leader of Productive Operations at FCM, said this surge reflects a growing confidence among organisations and they’re ready to expand and are focusing on face-to-face interactions to drive growth.
She said that as you prepare to rack up those miles, here are five key ways this travel boom is likely to impact your professional life.
Your schedule will become more demanding
Mafojane highlighted that the projected increase means more flights, more hotel nights, and more coordination of responsibilities.
“This shift will require enhanced time management skills and potentially new strategies for balancing work and personal life,” she added.
The expert said that to get through this phase, you should explore productivity apps designed to help manage tasks across time zones and consider discussing flexible work arrangements with your employer to accommodate the increased travel load.
“Leverage travel time for productivity. Use flight hours for focused work or strategic thinking. Many airlines now offer reliable Wi-Fi, turning your seat into a mobile office,” she said.
Efficient packing will become essential
Mafojane also said that more frequent travel often means less time between trips to repack and reorganise and streamlining your packing process can significantly impact your productivity and comfort on the road.
“Your suitcase might start to feel like a second home. Invest in versatile clothing suitable for various business settings.
“Consider creating a pre-packed bag with duplicates of essential toiletries and tech accessories to streamline your preparation process,” said the expert.
Your wellbeing will require more attention
She also noted that increased travel can impact your physical and mental health in various ways, from disrupted sleep patterns to changes in eating habits.
“Prioritise self-care while travelling. Seek out hotels with good fitness facilities or pack portable exercise equipment. Develop a travel wellness routine that you can maintain regardless of your location,” said the expert.
Mafojane also advised that you maintain a consistent sleep schedule across time zones when possible.
“Use apps like Timeshifter to help manage jet lag. Also, don’t underestimate the power of hydration - always carry a reusable water bottle and make a conscious effort to drink water regularly, especially on long flights,” she said.
Your technology skills will become more important
Mafojane said that as you spend more time away from your primary workspace, the ability to work efficiently from any location becomes crucial.
She said that you should ensure you have a comprehensive mobile office set-up which could include noise- cancelling headphones, a portable charger, and a lightweight laptop or tablet.
“Familiarise yourself with cloud-based productivity tools that enable seamless work across devices.
“Consider investing in a portable second screen for your laptop. These lightweight, collapsible screens can significantly boost productivity when working from hotel rooms.
“Also, always carry a universal power adapter and a portable Wi-Fi hotspot for reliable internet access anywhere,” said the expert.
Your role as a company representative will expand
Lastly, with more face-to-face interactions, Mafojane highlighted that you’ll increasingly serve as the face of your company in various locations.
She advised that you refine your networking skills and stay informed about your company’s latest developments and strategic goals.
“Consider how you can use increased travel opportunities to build stronger relationships with clients and partners. Before each trip, research local business etiquette and customs.
“Understanding cultural nuances can make a significant difference in building relationships.
“Also, consider learning a few key phrases in the local language – even a simple greeting can go a long way in showing respect and building rapport,” said Mafojane.