With the post-pandemic travel boom showing no signs of slowing down anytime soon, many advisors are being put to the test with longer and more demanding work hours. So what can advisors do to combat stress and burnout? Three advisors offer advice on how to work towards staying healthy, relaxed, and sane.
“As an agency owner, this has been a process of dealing with this issue, not only for my own schedule, but also to avoid burnout for my staff,” said Corinna, owner of All Points Travel. Mr. Johnson said. “Our industry tends to be reactive. So finding ways to alleviate stress and stay healthy is so important.”
Johnson said the first step is to set boundaries with clients, something she encourages her advisors to do as well. “Not being available to people 24/7 is important and OK,” she said. “Is there an emergency situation? Yes. But do you have to stop and ask if it's something that can wait until the next business day, or if it's something that can wait until the next business day? Ask yourself if you have given your contact information.”
Johnson added: “Moving away from the 'flaming pants' days of everything has been key to staying healthy and sane during this time.”
Johnson said creating to-do lists and telling clients when to contact them based on her own timeline has been a huge stress reliever.
“An occasional facial or a day of binge-watching Netflix can also help,” she added.
During one of Imagine Travel Vacations' busy seasons, from January 2 to April 5, the agency's advisors will work from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. five days a week, and from 11 a.m. on Saturdays. He worked until 6 p.m., said Shane Lawrence, president of leisure sales.
“Does that amount of time affect your health? Yes, it can,” he says, recommending that advisors who work long hours use standing desks and spend one hour sitting and one hour standing. he added.
Travel advisor with satisfied customers. (Photo courtesy of TRAVELSAVERS CANADA)
“Research shows that 20 years of a desk job reduces your average life expectancy by more than five years,” Lawrence says. “We also have a bicycle desk, so you can ride your bicycle and stay healthy while you work.”
While many advisors welcome the ability to work from home, in Lawrence's view, working from home can be isolating. “If you don't have an office to go to, try swapping by working from another agent's home,” Lawrence recommended. “Also, try going to a cafe with Wi-Fi and working that way at least one day a week. You'll be surprised at how much better you feel.”
Finally, Lawrence reminded advisors to remember to laugh. “Just joke around with your clients and shoot some wind,” he said. “If you take yourself too seriously, your job won't be fun at all, and that's not good for you or your clients.”
Tricia Peacock, president of Peacock Travel Group, said she is working harder, but “trying to be smarter and leverage the collective knowledge of our team to share leads and information.”
“As a cancer survivor, de-stressing and incorporating healthy options is very important to me. As a beautiful grandma of 6 years from my Nana, I want to share the world with them as they grow up. ” she said. “To perform at your best, you need enough sleep. It's not a perfect world, but I want to keep my eyes on the goal and work on it one day at a time.”
One of the ways Peacock copes with a grueling work day is by staying active. “Home treadmills and walking pads allow you to take a short break from the office and computer,” she said.
“My volunteer time every Thursday morning is sacred to my soul and attitude. Giving back and kindness are two of the most important qualities that keep me in check.”
“Of course, going on vacation always makes me feel better and rekindles my love for travel and life. It's like a breath of fresh air to my soul!” Peacock concluded.
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