By Chantal Gouws, General Manager of Flight Centre Independent Brands
Are you building your career from a beach café in Bali or a cosy cabin in the Drakensberg? Now that’s the dream! As the travel world continues to transform, this way of working is indeed a reality for many travel professionals today—independent travel consultants (ITCs), in particular.
More and more travel agents are choosing the freedom and flexibility that comes with being an ITC, and designing their careers around their passions, families, and wanderlust.
“As a travel agent, I needed more flexibility once I had kids, which led me to join Flight Centre Independent (FCI) in September 2019, just before the pandemic. FCI allowed me to run my own business while still feeling supported. I’ve managed to maintain a small but focused client base, perfect for working from home and avoiding the retail rush,”
says ITC Anneri Papenfus.
According to data from Forbes, as of 2023, a staggering 40.9% of the workforce now embraces some form of remote or hybrid work.
But beyond the freedom and countless other perks, the same question often arises:
How do you stay motivated and connected when working remotely and independently?
Below, we delve into some key strategies that can turn remote work into a recipe for success in terms of individual motivation and fostering a collaborative community.
Benefits of the ITC model for work/life balance
1. Structure is your ally:
While flexibility is always a gift, establishing a daily routine with dedicated work hours can significantly boost focus and productivity. Schedule tasks, set achievable goals, and stick to a regular sleep schedule to maintain a healthy rhythm.
2. Boundaries are key:
Creating a designated workspace, separate from your living area, helps maintain a professional mindset and prevents work from bleeding into personal time.
3. Embrace the power of ‘no’:
Learning to politely decline projects that fall outside your expertise or overwhelm your schedule is crucial. Monitoring your workload prevents burnout and allows you to deliver exceptional service for the clients you take on.
4. Fuel your passion:
Surround yourself with travel inspiration! Decorate your workspace with travel photos or maps, listen to podcasts during commutes, or join online travel forums to keep your wanderlust and enthusiasm alive.
5. Connect with fellow globetrotters:
Explore online communities for ITCs, attend industry webinars or virtual conferences, or schedule regular video calls with colleagues to share experiences and advice.
The good news is that fostering a strong team culture is absolutely achievable, even for a geographically dispersed network. Here are some key strategies that FCI leverages to help ITCs feel supported and connected wherever they work.
Create close-knit digital communities
Online platforms like WhatsApp or Facebook groups provide a valuable space for ITCs to:
Share information and resources:
· Ask questions, share industry updates, and learn from each other’s experiences. This constant knowledge exchange keeps ITCs at the forefront of the travel industry and allows them to offer exceptional service to their clients.
Offer peer support
Motivate and encourage each other through challenges, celebrate successes, and build lasting friendships. A strong support network can be invaluable when facing obstacles or simply seeking advice. Sharing experiences and celebrating wins with colleagues, even virtually, can significantly boost morale and motivation.
Engage in casual interaction
Share travel photos, stories, and tips, keeping the spirit of travel and community alive. Going beyond work-related topics allows ITCs to connect more personally, fostering a sense of camaraderie and shared passion for travel.
“I use our internal social media and WhatsApp groups for real-time updates and support. The culture is very supportive. Whether it’s business queries or personal challenges, there’s always someone within the FCI community ready to help,” says Papenfus.
Nurture a sense of community
1. Face-to-face interaction:
- Regional luncheon catch-ups: FCI hosts regional luncheons, allowing ITCs in close proximity to connect, share experiences, and build real-world relationships. These catch-ups foster a stronger sense of community and belonging within the FCI network (the regional luncheons are held in Cape Town, Johannesburg, Pretoria, and Durban).
2. Shared experiences:
- Incentive trips and annual events: FCI creates opportunities for ITCs to come together for unforgettable experiences. From exciting incentive trips to the global yearly ball, these shared adventures solidify team spirit and provide a platform for building lasting personal connections.
By combining the power of digital communities with strategic in-person interactions and shared experiences, FCI cultivates a supportive and collaborative environment where ITCs can thrive when working remotely.
Actionable tips for building your remote team culture
Inspired by the strategies discussed, here are some condensed, actionable takeaways to help you, as a leader or individual ITC, build a strong team culture in a remote or hybrid setting:
Invest in communication tools
Utilise platforms like Slack, video conferencing software, or project management tools to facilitate smooth communication and collaboration.
Embrace online interactions
Encourage information sharing, peer support, and casual interaction within online communities.
Plan regular team-building activities
Whether virtual or in-person, organise activities that foster connection and a sense of fun. Consider online games, virtual happy hours, or (for geographically close teams) regional meet-ups.
Recognise and celebrate achievements
Acknowledge individual and team successes to boost morale and maintain a positive work environment.
FCI creates opportunities for learning and development
We offer webinars, workshops, and online resources to help our ITCs stay informed about industry trends and continuously improve their skills.
Implementing these strategies can cultivate a successful remote team culture that fosters collaboration, motivation, and a sense of belonging.
What are your best practices for building a strong team culture in a remote setting? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below! Let’s continue empowering each other in the exciting world of remote travel consulting!
Are you an ITC or travel consultant seeking a supportive,
collaborative network? Consider joining FCI! We offer a unique combination of
flexibility, resources, and a thriving community to help you take your travel
expertise to the next level. Learn more about our opportunities and how FCI can
empower your journey as an ITC by visiting our website:
www.flightcentreindependent.co.za.