Over the past few years, employee wellbeing has been rising up the agenda for employers in the UK. We have started to see increased recognition across the board that more needs to be done to support staff in order to have good mental health at work.  

Mental health problems can significantly impact individuals and the people around them. Beyond this, there is also a significant financial cost associated with poor mental health. Poor mental health costs UK employers between £33billion and £43billion a year*.  Organisations depend on having a healthy and productive workforce, and know that when employees feel their work is meaningful and they are valued and supported, they tend to have higher wellbeing levels, be more committed to the organisation’s goals and perform better. 

As the impact of the working world rapidly evolves, it is more important than ever for employers get ahead of the curve and plan how to support employee wellbeing now and in the years to come. We welcome ABTA taking action on this issue and hosting a conference to increase understanding of mental health across the travel industry. There are unique challenges, as well as unique opportunities, that come with working in this industry. Research has shown that specific pressures tend to relate to:

• Isolation and loneliness when travelling – being away from friends and family can also lead to a poor diet and increased alcohol consumption. 
• Poor sleep patterns – getting too little or too much sleep can have a big impact on how you feel. Battling jetlag is also a common challenge when working across different time zones. 
• Constant adjustment – not only are there language barriers but also regular changes in climate and culture. 

ABTA’s conference is an important step and will play a key role in shining a light on these issues. We hope that the industry comes together to share best practice and develop solutions. We believe that everyone should have their mental health and wellbeing supported at work – whoever you are and whatever you do. The day-to-day demands and pressures of work should not be a barrier to good mental health.

ABTA’s Mental Health and Wellbeing in the Workplace event will be held at Hill Dickinson’s London offices on 15 November 2019 and be followed by networking drinks. Emma Mamo will be joined by expert speakers from companies including Royal Caribbean, FCO, Centre for Crisis Psychology, ABTA, Hill Dickinson, Hays Travel, Flight Centre, ABTA LifeLine, CWT and the Mental Health Foundation as well as health solutions specialists and award winning campaigners, Jonny Benjamin and Neil Laybourn. To see the full agenda and to book your place click here. 

Author: Emma Mamo, Head of Workplace Wellbeing, Mind

(*Thriving at Work: The Stevenson / Farmer review of mental health and employers, 2017.)