New findings highlight the importance of mental health services to employees, whether they are in the office or on the road  

March 31, 2025 – Hamilton, NJ – As business travel returns to pre-pandemic levels, employers should have a comprehensive travel risk plan in place that includes not only medical care for physical concerns, but also behavioral care for mental health needs. Workers may be on the road, but they may still face mental health challenges, such as stress, anxiety, and depression, and need support. These findings come from the 2025 Mental Health Matters to Business Travelers report, published today by Berkley Accident and Health, a Berkley Company.  

“With the increasing awareness of mental health, companies must take proactive steps in supporting their employees’ mental well-being, especially when they are traveling for work,” explains Brad Nieland, President and CEO of Berkley Accident and Health. “Our survey highlights the critical need for accessible mental health services and provides a roadmap for employers to better support their traveling employees.”

Berkley Accident and Health commissioned a survey of 1,000 U.S. employees who engage in travel at least once per year domestically and internationally for business, including a broad cross-section of industries, age, gender, and income. The purpose of the survey was to analyze attitudes toward mental health benefits during work-related travel.

Key Findings:

• Importance of Mental Health Services: Most respondents indicated that having easy access to mental health services while traveling is important or very important, with younger employees valuing it more than older employees.
• 24/7 Access: Most respondents emphasized the importance of having 24/7 access to mental health services during business trips.
• Usage of Mental Health Services: About 50% of respondents reported needing to access mental health services during a business trip, with younger and middle-aged employees using these services more frequently than older employees.
• Top Stressors: The top three stressors for business travelers are being away from family and friends, loneliness, and cost of trip/expenses. However, respondents also ranked other concerns, such as personal safety, as very high.

The survey findings suggest some important strategies for employers to consider in 2025. By getting in front of this issue, business leaders can help minimize emergencies during business trips.

Key Takeaways for Employers:

• Evaluate the accessibility of your current mental health services.
• Ensure that your company has comprehensive Business Travel Accident insurance in place, including 24/7 emergency travel assistance services.
• Communicate early and often regarding how and where to access mental health services from the road, especially when traveling internationally. Schedule periodic training and incorporate mental health services into orientation for new employees.
• Promote a positive work culture from the executive level down that embraces employee well-being, including mental health.

Mental well-being is a top priority for employees of all ages. Companies that support employees’ mental health during business trips can provide highly valued services to their workers, foster employee satisfaction, and protect investments in business travel.

Read the full report: 2025 Mental Health Matters to Business Travelers

Methodology

The findings come from a survey commissioned in 2024. Survey participants represented a cross-section of U.S. workers including age, gender, income, industry, and job title. Respondents were from 47 out of 50 states and traveled both domestically and internationally for business.

About Berkley Accident and Health

Berkley Accident and Health is committed to protecting the financial well-being of people and organizations. We are an industry leader offering an innovative portfolio of accident and health solutions and the personal support that our clients need. Berkley Accident and Health is a member of W. R. Berkley Corporation, a Fortune 500 company, and provides Employer Stop Loss, Group Captive, Specialty Accident, and Managed Care solutions nationwide. Coverage is underwritten by Berkley Life and Health Insurance Company and/or StarNet Insurance Company, both rated A+ (Superior) by A.M. Best. For more information, please visit www.BerkleyAH.com.

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