If your frequent flyer miles have been stuck in the bronze zone, 2025 might be the year you finally go for gold. A recent study by Flight Centre Corporate projects a 40% increase in business travel for the upcoming fiscal year. Zoom fatigue is real – turns out, people actually want to shake hands again.
Mummy Mafojane, Leader of Productive Operations at FCM, provides context: “This surge reflects a growing confidence among organisations. They’re ready to expand, and they’re focusing on face-to-face interactions to drive growth.”
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
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.
What you can do: 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.
Mafojane’s tip: “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.”
- Efficient packing will become essential
More frequent travel often means less time between trips to repack and reorganise. Streamlining your packing process can significantly impact your productivity and comfort on the road. Your suitcase might start to feel like a second home – minus the Netflix subscription.
What you can do: 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.
- Your wellbeing will require more attention
Increased travel can impact your physical and mental health in various ways, from disrupted sleep patterns to changes in eating habits. Jet lag is not fun.
What you can do: 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.
Mafojane’s tip: “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.”
- Your technology skills will become more important
As you spend more time away from your primary workspace, the ability to work efficiently from any location becomes crucial.
What you can do: Ensure you have a comprehensive mobile office setup. This might 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.
Mafojane’s tip: “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.”
- Your role as a company representative will expand
With more face-to-face interactions, you’ll increasingly serve as the face of your company in various locations. No pressure, but the fate of your entire organisation might rest on your ability to make small talk.
What you can do: Refine your networking skills. 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.
Mafojane’s tip: “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.”
