Travel, time zones and the true cost of global roles
A global diary must account for travel and rest as well as meeting hours. Local dates can hide continuous demand.
The performance question
An overnight journey followed by a local morning presentation may look efficient on a calendar. It can leave little opportunity for rest and preparation. Review the full sequence of commitments and the return journey, not just whether each day has a reasonable number of appointments.
What the evidence supports
HSE links fatigue to sleep loss and disruption of the internal clock, alongside prolonged exertion. GOV.UK describes usual adult rest entitlements, subject to rules and exceptions. Neither source provides a universal recovery allowance for business travel.[1][2]
A practical approach
Map major trips in one time zone, including work during travel, overnight calls and scheduled rest. Rotate inconvenient meeting times across regions where practicable. Use local deputies for routine matters and avoid placing a discretionary material decision immediately after overnight travel. Obtain specialist advice for working time and international employment arrangements.
How to review progress
Review travel related schedule changes, late decision rework and whether regional teams share the burden fairly. Ask the traveller which demands were underestimated. Do not require private sleep tracking or assume a premium travel booking removes fatigue risk.
Sources and references
- Human factors: Fatigue Opens in a new tab
Health and Safety Executive
Why fatigue matters and key principles for managing working hours
- Rest breaks at work Opens in a new tab
GOV.UK
Overview: usual adult daily, weekly and working day entitlements