Almost half of travel staff are unhappy at work, according to a new survey.
The study by careers and training company Learn Direct showed that agents were the second-least satisfied in their jobs, after to IT workers.
Dissatisfaction at work has a knock-on effect on their everyday lives, the survey claimed, leaving people irritable, unable to sleep and likely to ‘comfort spend’.
The research also showed that one-third of workers spend an average of 25 minutes a day avoiding work and the same number feel their weekend is ruined by ‘Monday morning dread’.
But Travel Time World director Jacqueline Steadman said most travel agents have a far more positive attitude.
She said: “There is generally good staff retention within the independent sector although wages are relatively low. We are selling dreams and my staff get a lot of satisfaction from that.
“We also make sure our staff have regular training and fam trips. The benefits outweigh the drawbacks.”
Edinburgh-based Connoisseur Travel general manager Jackie Neilson agreed. “Our agency is like a family. We all get on and the work is varied.”
However, the manager of one miniple said agents feel disillusioned with their jobs because of low staffing levels and poor wages.
“The business is so competitive and our margins are being cut. We have to discount and that affects the bottom line. We have to stay positive and try out new areas such as weddings and honeymoons rather than standard bucket-and-spade holidays,” she said.
The survey asked 200 travel agents for their views.
- Are you happy at work? E-mailchloe.berman@rbi.co.uk