Travel bosses at Aito firms have been urged to look after their own mental and physical health as well as their staff to ensure a more productive and happier workplace.
Companies discussed the importance of an holistic approach to the workplace and using methods such as coaching to support staff.
The Specialist Travel Association (Aito) chairman Chris Rowles stressed: “Look after your staff but never forget yourself; you too need nurturing. You are the one that can inspire and lead your staff. You can ensure your business evolves into one that thrives.”
Holiday Extras national sales manager Lindsey Garvey-Jones urged Aito company bosses to take time for themselves.
“You can’t pour from an empty cup so if you are feeling burnt out, you can’t look after your people at work,” she said, adding: “Look after yourself mentally and physically, make the time.”
The Firebird Partnership director Chris Thompson reflected on his time running Ski Famille, admitting: “I spent 16 years growing a tour operator and by the end I was pretty broken because I didn’t look after myself.”
He stressed the importance of bosses setting their own limitations and succession planning so they had staff to support them or step up if needed.
Africa & Beyond managing director Matt Purser added: “A work life balance is really important; you have to get this right.”
Jules Verne managing director Debbie O’Neill said coaching had helped the firm’s employees.
She said: “Staff will talk about their challenges and end up performing better in their job and leading a happier life. You see a difference in how they interact at work.”
Coaching can often lead to staff revealing “unacknowledged trauma”, she added, from bullying at school to miscarriage or domestic abuse.
“People don’t know they are suffering from trauma,” said O’Neill, who has personally coached staff after receiving therapy herself. She said: “I am not trying to fix anything because I am not a qualified therapist but people need feel they are seen and heard in the workplace.”
She encouraged Aito companies to put processes in place to look after and support staff.
“The workplace needs to change; I don’t think it’s sustainable. I know there are lots of conversations around mental health and diversity, equity and inclusion but I think we need to think about the trauma piece too,” she added.