How Travel Advisors Can Combat Stress and Burnout

Partic2 weeks ago

0 0 3 minutes read

With the post-pandemic travel boom showing no signs of abating anytime soon, many advisors are being tested with longer, more intense work hours. So, what can counselors do to combat stress and burnout? Three advisors offer advice on how to work on staying healthy, relaxed and sane.

“As an agency owner, it’s been a process of addressing this, not only for my own agenda, but also to help my employees not get burned out,” he said. Corinna Johnson, owner of All Points Travel. “Our industry tends to be reactive. Therefore, it is extremely important to find ways to relieve stress and stay healthy.

Johnson said the first step is setting boundaries with clients, something she also encourages her counselors to do. “It’s important and acceptable to not be available to people 24/7,” she said. “Do emergencies arise? Yes. But stop and ask yourself if this is something that can wait until your next work day or if you have given the traveling customer the information and contact numbers they need to help themselves.”

“Getting away from my days where I see everything as ‘pants on fire’ has been key in staying healthy and sane during this time,” Johnson added.

Johnson said creating a to-do list and telling clients when she would reach out to them based on her own schedule was a big stress reliever.

“The occasional face day and Netflix day also help,” she added.

He said that during one of Imagine Travel Vacations’ busiest seasons — from January 2 to April 5 — the agency’s consultants worked from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. five days a week and on Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Shane LawrenceHead of Entertainment Sales.

“Are those hours affecting your health? They certainly can,” he said, adding that he recommends counselors who work long hours use a standing desk and spend one hour sitting and one hour standing.

“Studies show that after 20 years in the office, you lose more than five years of life expectancy,” Lawrence said. “There are now bike desks you can use – so you can bike while you work to stay healthy.”

While many counselors support the ability to work at home, in Lawrence’s view, it can be isolating. “If you don’t have an office to go to, try working with another agent in their home and exchanging with them,” Lawrence recommended. “Also go to a coffee shop with WiFi and try to work out this way at least one day a week. You’ll be amazed at how much better you’ll feel.”

Finally, Lawrence reminded counselors not to forget to laugh. “I tell jokes with customers and shoot the breeze,” he said. “If you make it too serious, your job will never be fun, and that’s not good for you or your client.”

from her side, Tricia PeacockAlthough she is working harder, she is “trying to be smarter and use the knowledge of our collective team to share leads and information,” said the Peacock Travel Group president.

“As a cancer survivor, pushing for and incorporating healthy choices is very important to me. As a grandmother to six beautiful grandparents, I want to share the world with them when they grow up,” she said. “I have to get good sleep so I can perform at my best.” I have. It’s not a perfect world, but I try to take it one day at a time and keep my goals in sight.

One way Peacocks combat hard work days is by staying active. “The home treadmill and walking pad help me take short breaks from my desk and computer,” she said.

“My volunteer time every Thursday morning is sacred to my soul and attitude. Giving and kindness are two of the most important qualities that keep me in check.

“Of course, going on vacation always renews and renews my love for travel and life. It’s like breathing fresh air into my soul!” Peacock concluded.

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