Being a homeworker has many perks. Tamara Hinson takes a closer look at how you can make the most of them
There’s never been a better time to be a homeworker. As companies are recognising the value that homeworkers can add to their organisations, more and more are rolling out benefits designed to appeal to the growing number of people who are craving a better work-life balance.
While Travel Counsellors was an early entrant into the homeworking market, much has changed since it launched in the 1990s. Jim Eastwood, the company’s global sales director, recognises how homeworkers’ needs are different now compared to before.
“It’s about providing individuals with a truly personalised, digital platform of support to empower them to run their own businesses in a way that suits them, their families and their customers,” he says. “So, it’s no longer just about ‘homeworking’, it’s about smarter working, creating limitless potential, enhanced wellbeing and a better work-life balance.”
Have laptop, will travel
One of the perks of being a homeworker is that, for the majority, you can work where you want, when you want. And those who want to take time off will find it’s actually quite flexible. In some companies, homeworkers will “buddy up” with a colleague who will provide cover during periods of absence for holidays when they’re unable to take bookings.
However, more homeworkers are continuing to work – or at least process bookings – abroad, sometimes while on fam trips. These trips can be a brilliant and effective way of expanding your knowledge on a particular destination or product.
“When our franchisees do fam trips, it gives them first-hand knowledge of the product, so they can sell to their clients,” says Samantha Bruton, head of franchise at GoCruise & Travel. “For example, we had a franchisee attend the Clia RiverView Conference in March and experience AmaWaterways’ product, and in May alone they made 15 AmaWaterways bookings.”
Wellbeing first
The topic of mental health has never been in the spotlight more than it is now. Homeworking companies have been investing more time and money to look after their homeworkers’ mental health and wellbeing, and ensure they remain connected and part of the team.
Damian Mc Donough, business development director at Vertical Travel Group, says keeping lines of communication open is one of the company’s priorities. “Communication is key to our approach when it comes to mental health,” he says.
“We have a Facebook group – Vertical Travel Talk – for all staff to share thoughts, feelings, advice, successes, failures, funny stories and problems. You name it, it’s all on there!”
The company recently vowed to send out more email updates, and also host regular coffee mornings with company chief executive Peter Healey. There will be more regional get-togethers and more in-house fam trips too.
Travel Counsellors has a Wellbeing Hub for its homeworkers, where they can find advice on mental health, mindset, financial advice and physical wellbeing.
Alongside investing in mental health first aiders, the company has a personal counsellor and has partnered with mental health support service Able Futures to offer agents access to an experienced healthcare professional who can provide mental wellbeing support at work.
Those working at Travel Counsellors are also encouraged to join community support networks that cover everything from menopause to neurodiversity.
Take time away
As a homeworker, it’s important to take a proactive approach to your mental health, making sure you’re not glued to your laptop 24/7. The good news? Being a homeworker means you’re not always tied to fixed schedules.
InteleTravel launched a weekly podcast this year that agents can listen to when they’re out and about, with interviews, trends and more, to help agents with their sales.
Claire Titcombe, a homeworker at Personal Holiday Advisors, part of Constant Travel, says: “I walk my dog every day come rain or shine to get some fresh air.”
She adds: “I also arrange a lot of face-to-face meetings with clients in local coffee shops. Just changing your scenery can do wonders.”
Building a community
Companies go all out to make sure that their homeworkers can access any help when they need it.
At Hays Travel, each member is assigned a business development coach, of which there’s a ratio of 1:40. “They are there for the day-to-day questions, but also to support the PTCs grow their business,” says Tanya Cooper, head of the Personal Travel Consultants at Hays Travel.
Companies also have initiatives in place to make their homeworkers feel part of a team, and to ensure that they don’t feel isolated or lonely.
Homeworkers at Private Travel Designers, which works in partnership with Elegant Resorts, have weekly catch-ups via Microsoft Teams with their support manager, as well as monthly team meetings, quarterly team away days and a yearly trip abroad.
There’s a WhatsApp group for the homeworkers, who, in addition to remote supplier training, can attend regular training workshops with colleagues around the country and at the company’s offices in Chester.
Technology has been key to helping homeworkers feel part of the bigger picture. “We have a strong community for our Personal Travel Agents, the centre of which is our ‘virtual office’ where our agents gather daily to share knowledge, successes and challenges,” says Sheena Whittle, head of Co-op Travel’s The Personal Travel Agents.
Whittle adds that homeworkers actively seek out opportunities for catch-ups. “We all love to get together in person and have regular roadshows, coffee mornings, afternoon teas, pop-up picnics, conference and VIP trips.
“There’s always something to look forward to and this summer we’re embarking on our first beach clean-ups together.”
Things to remember
- Try to attend in-person events whenever you can – as well as gleaning crucial knowledge, you will also form firm friendships with fellow homeworkers.
- Consider your set-up at home – are you in a home office? Or do you prefer to work from somewhere else? You’ll have the flexibility to work where is best for you.
- Make the most of the training that’s on offer from other suppliers – the benefit of being a homeworker is you can fit this in when it works best for you.
- Many homeworking companies have welfare funds and support groups. Make sure you find out what support is available, and make full use of it.
- As well as in-person events, many companies host virtual meetings, events and informal catch-ups to help everyone to feel connected and motivated.
Ask the homeworkers
Nicola Nies, Luxury Holidays and Honeymoons
“I get to work around my children. I enjoy the flexibility”
“I was never cut out for a nine-to-five job and working my own hours suited me perfectly. I get to work around my children and have been able to continue supporting my family without having to put them
into childcare. I enjoy the flexibility and getting to know my clients. When I’ve found out exactly what the client is looking for and all boxes are ticked, I get a message from my client thanking me for the best holiday ever, which is the best feeling.
Luxury Holidays and Honeymoons provides lots of ongoing training and I gain so much knowledge from my colleagues. I tried to attend as many in-person events as I could before my baby was born in February, although I’m now able to take my baby with me to company events.”
Rebecca Halliday, Momente Travel, an affiliate of InteleTravel
“There’s a huge support network, so while it’s my own business, I also feel like I’m a part of something”
“I launched my business at the end of June 2022 – prior to this I had been in large corporations and held director-level positions.
There has been so much training available, along with a huge support network, so while it is my own business, I also feel like I’m a part of something.
Having access to all the suppliers from day one was the main selling point for me. The support and training is endless and varied. There are in-person events, webinars – live and recorded – and there’s plenty of stuff to read.
I absolutely love it when somebody comes to you with an idea that they think is not possible to achieve and you can make it a reality for them. I also love getting in front of suppliers and resorts at the travel events as I find I learn well from speaking to people and I love to have a big network.”
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