Business travel is reviving. Some expect to see global mobility return to normal levels within the next two years, with a predicted year-on-year increase of 34% in corporate travel spending this year alone. This is great news for companies who rely on face-to-face meetings to close major deals, relocation to recruit top talent, and travel packages to keep employees loyal.
But, the travel scene isn’t the same as it was before, and there are new risks companies should be aware of prior to sending their employees out into the world. Research shows 40% of companies don’t have a corporate travel policy in place, and a further 27% of travelers find their company policy poor.
So, we’ve put together a list of the most essential checks needed to help you create a high quality policy for your employees.
6 essential corporate travel checks
The most vital part of your business travel policy is the risk assessment. As a company, you have a duty of care to keep your employees safe both within and outside the office environment. So, if they’re traveling for your business, you are responsible for their safety. Recent events have heightened awareness of travel safety and brought about new health risks to consider. It’s vital to check the trip you’re planning is compliant with local restrictions, both in their home country and where they’re traveling.
Other risks have always been present, such as an individual's vulnerability to physical or mental health issues. You need to really know your employees, so you’re aware of anything that could arise while they’re traveling. Maybe they’re at high risk of a stroke or heart attack, or maybe they suffer from depression or anxiety. Travel can put extra strain on all of these vulnerabilities. So, make sure employees are fit and comfortable for traveling with health assessments. Have the appropriate medical insurance in place, should they require it in emergencies. Provide amenities to ease any stress, such as home-like accommodation with space or facilities for them to carry out wellness habits.
Employees working overseas, especially for an extended period of time, could have tax implications. Your company may also be liable to pay tax in both the country you’re based in and where employees are carrying out business. Be sure to research ahead of time, so you’re aware of any legalities and are able to abide by local law. Take professional advice.
Check the policies of the employee housing/accommodation. Is it suitable for extended stays (of 30 days or more)? Does it provide the best support for your employee, such as 24-7 guest services? Do they have the safety of your guest at the forefront of their priorities? Look for accommodation with high cleaning standards and innovative solutions like travel tech in place to reduce risks.
The above checks won’t keep your employees safe if they don’t follow the corporate policies you’ve put in a place. Shockingly, up to half of business travelers admit they don’t follow these when booking accommodation. So, how do you get around this? 60% of business travelers don’t understand how their company’s travel policies benefit them, and so are less likely to stick to the procedures. Employees often veer away from company policies because they’ve found accommodation better suited to their needs or they simply find the policy difficult to understand. Employees want to have a say in how they travel and when they travel. Involving them in the planning process of their trip can increase the likelihood of them following company policy. The best way to prepare your employee for a business trip is to give them as much information as possible. But ensure this information is clear and written in language that isn’t too complex.
Assess trusted partners and preferred providers, to ensure your employees are in safe hands when overseas and on the road. There are now added complexities to travel, with restrictions, tests, and country stay limits, so simplify the booking process with an all-in-one platform. These platforms can save you time and money by avoiding the use of multiple providers for each part of the travel journey and risking the reliability of their service.
A business trip is only successful if your employee is able to carry out the task at hand, but there are many factors that can interfere with their ability to give their full attention and potential. Ensure they’re best prepared with clear company policies to follow and trusted providers to keep themselves and your company safe.
3Sixty
3Sixty is a state-of-the-art marketplace that reduces the noise in extended-stay travel.
Our HomeMatch™ technology leverages machine learning and human expertise to curate quality, cost-effective housing where your employees feel safe, comfortable, and at peace.