Homeworking Guide: The rise of homeworking during the pandemic

Travel homeworking had been growing for years before the pandemic further highlighted the sector’s appeal, discovers Juliet Dennis

If there is one sector of the industry reaping the benefits of changes in the world of work, it is homeworking.

Few would dispute that the rise in use of remote technology during the pandemic has acted as a catalyst for a change in attitudes surrounding work-life balance and flexible working. But the combination of more job-seekers following the end of the furlough scheme and increasing demand thanks to the easing of travel restrictions, mean the sector’s growth is now well and truly on an upward trajectory.

Rising stars

Homeworking, with its already-glowing reputation for flexibility and substantial earnings, is now arguably one of the most sought-after jobs in travel.

The statistics speak for themselves. Travel Counsellors, which boasts 1,400 UK agents, has swelled its ranks by more than 175 since the start of the pandemic.

“We’ve recruited throughout and lost less than in a normal year,” says managing director Kirsten Hughes. “There will be a bounce-back and, more than ever, a need for the trusted advice of travel professionals.”

Other homeworking firms are equally optimistic following growth over the past 18 months.

Hays Travel Homeworking bought franchise firm Explorer Travel in June and recruited more than 90 agents during the pandemic, with a “surprising” number coming from outside travel. The company now has more than 440.

There will be a bounce-back and, more than ever, a need for the trusted ­advice of travel ­professionals

Marketing and homeworking director John Milburn attributes growth to the power of the Hays brand as well as the desire for a better work-life balance. “We’re getting dozens of applications a week; interest is as high as ever,” he says.

Sheena Whittle, head of The Personal Travel Agents, also anticipates growth, from 160 to 200 agents in the next year. The company paused recruitment for six months last year but has since seen a pick-up in applications. “We are getting more interest as travel starts to move,” she says.

Holidaysplease, which has just less than 100 homeworkers, “toned down” recruitment at the start of the pandemic but saw interest return at the end of last summer. It has hired 36 agents since March 2020. According to director Richard Dixon: “We’re back in growth mode.”

Competitive spirit

Firms continue to enter the sector, keeping competition fierce, particularly for those offering low‑entry models and instant commissions.

InteleTravel, which aims to recruit from outside the industry, says interest was strong early in the pandemic before “losing momentum” as travel uncertainty increased.

Nevertheless, the group has enjoyed substantial growth, from 7,481 people last year to 10,500 now. “Enquiries are ongoing,” says UK director Tricia Handley-Hughes, who credits InteleTravel’s “lower entry level” for the growth.

Blue Bay Travel set up its Personal Travel Consultants division in September 2020 and now has 20 homeworkers. It wants 25 by the end of this year.

It pays agents half the commission from a booking upfront and pledges not to ‘skim’ any agent earnings into a central fund. This has proved enticing to newcomers and seasoned homeworkers, it says, while its agent referral scheme has attracted “way more” new recruits than expected.

Chief executive Alistair Rowland says: “To stand out, you have to offer everything that everyone else offers, and more. We’re deliberately doing that to grow significantly.”

Balancing act

Personal Holiday Advisors recruitment and training manager Emma Rodgers says homeworking is seen as being able to offer a better quality of life.

The group, founded in 2009, has 16 homeworkers compared with four pre-pandemic. It wants 50 by the start of 2023.

She says: “The perspective has changed, not just for families. People don’t want to be governed by the 9-to-5.30 any more.”

Brilliant Travel has enjoyed a “high volume” of enquiries in recent months from experienced agents wanting a fresh start. It hopes to take on a further 20 in the next year.

Director Linda Pyle says: “Spending quality time with family and having working hours that suit you and your clients are two of the main reasons why people are turning to homeworking.”

Redundancy has proved a tipping point, says Dixon, after many “sat tight” until the end of the pandemic.

The rapid rise in the use of remote working technology, including Zoom and Microsoft Teams, has helped. Pyle says: “The pandemic has proved you can run a highly successful business from home.”

The fact homeworking companies have weathered the Covid storm relatively well has also made the sector appealing. As Hughes at Travel Counsellors says: “We were already set up to work from home, many were not.”

Companies cite potential for “exponential growth” as international travel returns and demand grows for trusted, knowledgeable travel experts outside traditional working hours.

Hughes believes many are considering remote working who had not prior to 2020. In addition, the chance to be self-employed, backed by a larger company, is compelling. It’s the perfect time,” she says. “You can be in charge of your own destiny.”

Ask the experts

Richard Dixon, founder and director, Holidaysplease
“A prospective homeworker should start by asking themselves good questions. Why do I want to do this? What do I want to achieve from it? What will be the challenges? Then research thoroughly!”

Jayne Marlor, head of recruitment, training and customer service, Designer Travel
“To find the right business for you, do your homework. Ask about the range of suppliers, the support provided, commission levels, staff incentives and educational policy. Ask existing homeworkers for their feedback. It should be a marathon, not a sprint.”

Colin Martin-Weekes, franchise manager, GoCruise & Travel
“Be creative and bold: it will get you noticed and let your customers know your worth. In today’s world, your service means more than you can imagine. Remember to take care of yourself, your mental and physical wellbeing, and balance your customers’ needs.”

Sheena Whittle, head, The Personal Travel Agents
“Find a homeworking business that’s the right fit for you, encourages your ideas, provides the right tools and support, and shares your values. Speak to several and ask their agents for an unbiased view.”