Traveling for work? Or maybe you are traveling for a vacation but must bring your work? You may have been on a lot of business travels. So, visiting different locations for meetings, conferences, or client interactions is not new to you.
Hotels have always been your go-to accommodation because they balance work and comfort. However, we sometimes struggle to focus on work on vacation. Staying productive while traveling is so important.
Because time is money, losing precious hours can impact two things in the corporate world. First, it affects your own performance. Second, it affects your company’s success.
To ensure you meet your responsibilities while building your relationships, we have gathered five best practices for you to become effective.
Tip # 1: Manage Your Business Travel Time Effectively
There are a lot of ways to make the most out of your hotel business travel. Here are some strategies to use your time wisely:
Prioritize Tasks
Familiar with doing a to-do list? If yes, start with the most important and objective tasks you need to accomplish, down with the least important ones.
To know the most important task, ask yourself what needs your attention. What has to be done ASAP?
Utilizing Time Management Apps
There are a lot of apps and tools to help you manage your time. These tools remind you and send notifications to help you keep track of your tasks. For instance:
- Calendar apps
- Task management apps
- Project management software
Limit Hotel Business Travel Distractions
Whether it be social media or personal calls, they can waste your time. While it’s so important to stay connected, you should set limits.
As someone who frequently does hotel business travels, it’s so essential to avoid travel burnout. Maybe you can allot break times for personal matters to minimize distractions.
Minimize Downtime
Downtime is usually referred to as waiting for transportation or during breaks. You can turn these moments into productive ones.
Carry a book, podcast, or articles related to what you do. Review during these periods instead of scrolling through your phone.
Tip # 2: Create a Productive Workspace
Aside from amenities that can make or break your stay, hotels are known to be typical workplaces when traveling.
To maintain productivity, creating a space that helps you focus and be comfortable is important.
So, as you check in your room, here’s how you can set up an effective workspace:
Choose the Right Location
As much as possible, you want to have a lot of natural light positioned where you work. Why? Studies prove that it can boost your mood and alertness.
Organize your Workspace
Keep your workspace clutter-free. Organize your laptop, documents, and other office supplies. Having a tidy place can help you think.
Personalize your Space
Make your space inviting. Maybe you can put up a photo of your loved ones or a small plant.
Ergonomics and Comfort
If you’re not just for a one-day business trip but extending for a longer time, let’s work on your comfort.
- Adust your chair and desk to a height that allows you to work. Feet on the ground and arms on a 90-degree angle as you type.
- Invest in a laptop stand to raise your laptop to eye level.
- If you have a cushion for lumbar support and a footrest for your comfort, the better.
Utilize Business Travel Amenities
There are a lot of amenities dedicated for you to be productive. For instance:
- Hotel Business Centers
- Meeting Rooms
Always choose to reserve in advance. These places can be high in demand. Go to a hotel that has audiovisual tools as well. This means the establishment is always ready for formal settings.
Tip # 3: Connect While On Business Travel
Maintaining your communication is so important while on the road. It keeps you sane and adds up to your productivity. Here are the best ways to keep your business travel as effective as possible:
Get a Strong Wi-Fi Connection
Everyone needs the internet, especially in this digital world. Maximize your stay by making sure the hotel has good Wi-Fi quality. Look for factors such as:
- Bandwidth
- Connection stability
- Additional fees associated with premium access
Mobile Hotspot as a Backup
Especially if the Wi-Fi of your hotel is unexpectedly unreliable, purchase a mobile hotspot or make sure your phone has one. This is an alternative to help you focus on your work.
Utilize Your Email and Messaging Apps
Emailing is the most common form of professional communication. Make sure you have this and messaging apps on your devices. Turn on the notifications to stay informed.
Video Conferencing Tools
You name it – Zoom, Microsoft Teams, or Skype have been our business friends, too. Make sure you have these apps ready to ensure a smooth connection with your colleagues, clients, or superiors.
Tip # 4: Manage a Work-Life Balance
We know business matters can always occupy you during travel, but it’s so important to stay healthy while on the go while managing a work-life balance. Let’s find out how:
Define Clear Working Hours
Set a time when you should work during your trip. Your colleagues and clients should be informed so they know when they can contact you.
Set up automatic email replies and voicemail messages to keep people updated on whether it’s your office hours or not.
Create a Physical Barrier
If your hotel room allows, separate your workspace from your relaxation space. It can help you set clear boundaries between work and leisure.
Physical Activity
Consider brief exercise sessions or walks during breaks to refresh your mind and body. We suggest meditation or mindfulness techniques. It helps you get all that stress out.
Stay Hydrated and Eat Healthy
Dehydration can drain your energy and focus. Drink water regularly and aim for a nutritious meal. Living like a local and eating food from the city you’re in can also help occasionally.
Sleep
Prioritize a good night’s sleep. Adjust your hotel room to suit your sleep preferences. Use earplugs or an eye mask to create a nice sleeping environment.
Tip # 5: Handle Hotel Business Travel Expenses
Of course, a business travel won’t be a business travel without the expenses. It’s basic for you to liquidate your transactions, but did you know it keeps you productive, too? Let’s look at ways to keep track of your expenses.
Keep Receipts
Get used to collecting your receipts. This should include:
- Receipts from meals
- Receipts from accommodation
- Other expenses in your trip
You can use expense-tracking apps to store copies on your phone. It’s even easier to manage. Maintain a daily log of expenses to help you stay on top of your spending.
Create Timely Reports
Your company may require you to report your expenses within a certain amount of time. Make sure that you comply with these deadlines so you can avoid delays in reimbursement.
Use Cloud-based Solutions
There are a lot of expense management apps that allow you to access your expenses anywhere as long as you have the internet.
Some apps include Mint or Goodbudget. These examples can make your hotel business travel more efficient and reduce errors.
Wrapping Up
In the world of hotel business travel, being adaptable is essential. Unexpected things can happen, so you need to be ready for anything.
Your choice of hotel can affect your productivity during your business trip. If you’re looking for one near the West Loop neighborhood, check yourself in at Hotel Chicago West Loop. We offer amenities and rooms that suit your business needs.
