Recent events have understandably heightened anxieties surrounding air travel. Whether it’s the recent tragic air accidents, disruptions or personal experiences, many people find themselves grappling with concerns about flying. As employers, we have a responsibility to support our staff, especially those whose roles may require them to travel.
It’s important to acknowledge that fear of flying, or aviophobia, is a real and often debilitating condition. It can manifest in various ways, from mild unease to full-blown panic attacks. Dismissing these fears or telling someone to “just get over it” is not helpful and can be counterproductive.
Here are some ways you can support your employees who may be experiencing air travel anxiety:
- Open Communication: Create a safe and supportive environment where employees feel comfortable discussing their concerns. Encourage open dialogue and active listening. Let them know that their feelings are valid and that you are there to support them.
- Education and Resources: Provide access to resources that can help employees understand and manage their anxiety. This could include information about the safety of air travel, relaxation techniques, and coping strategies. Consider workshops or seminars led by professionals specialising in aviophobia.
- Flexible Travel Arrangements: Where possible, explore alternative travel options for employees who are particularly anxious about flying. Could virtual meetings or train travel be a viable substitute for some trips? Offering flexibility can significantly reduce stress.
- Pre-Flight Support: For essential flights, offer pre-flight support. This might include allowing travel buddies, extra time for check-in and security, providing access to airport lounges where they can relax, or even covering the cost of noise-canceling headphones.
- On-Board Support: Encourage employees to develop strategies for managing anxiety during flights. This could involve mindfulness exercises, breathing techniques, or listening to calming music. Some airlines offer in-flight entertainment with relaxation programs.
- Post-Flight Support: Take the time to speak to your employee after the trip to find out how it went and how they feel about flying now, remember to acknowledge their feelings, not undermine them.
- Professional Help: If an employee’s anxiety is severe or impacting their life, encourage them to seek professional help. Many therapists specialise in treating aviophobia, and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) has been shown to be particularly effective. Consider offering access to mental health resources through your HR and wellbeing programmes.
- Lead by Example: If you are a frequent flyer, share your own experiences (positive and negative) and coping mechanisms. This can help to normalise the conversation and show your employees that they are not alone.
Supporting employees with air travel anxiety is not just about being compassionate; taking the time to understand concerns and apprehension across the entire trip can help with continuous improvement of the entire programme and makes the world of difference to your team. By creating a supportive and understanding environment, you can help your employees manage their fears, travel confidently, and perform at their best. Remember that even small gestures of support can make a big difference.
