As corporate travel returns, companies across the globe are looking at ways to better support their employees when traveling for business. After a turbulent few years for the travel industry, it’s more important than ever to regain the trust of business travelers - this means companies need to work to rebuild their confidence.
There are many benefits of business travel for companies, so it’s no surprise that many are keen to send their employees away again. However, businesses all over need to take new employee travel concerns into consideration and work hard to build trust into their travel program.
The well-being of employees is at the top of every business's priority list, but the risks in business travel are often overlooked. It’s no secret that many employees (89%, to be exact) think of business travel as a job perk, but there are also plenty who feel concerned about going on the road again.
The desire to travel for business is clearly there, however, it’s crucial that companies take the necessary steps to build trust with their employees traveling for business - particularly as we navigate through the next phase of corporate travel.
Why is trust so important in business travel?
Trust is a two-way relationship between an employer and an employee. Employers must trust business travelers to act responsibly, represent their company and maintain productivity while away, whereas employees must trust their company to protect them with travel policies and sufficient support.
85% of decision-makers say they believe if an employee travels for work, their organization is responsible for their safety and wellbeing throughout the trip. In the wake of the pandemic, this rings true more than ever. By traveling for work, employees are putting huge amounts of trust into their employer, and in many respects taking risks.
Business travelers are more likely to go above and beyond for a company they trust and respect, and may be more flexible too. So, with business travel expected to make a full recovery by 2024 and many companies keen to get on the road again, what can you do to build trust with business travelers?
Clear business travel policies
Only 50% of business travelers follow their company’s travel policy, with a huge 60% unable to even understand it. That’s a lot of employees who aren’t fully aware of their responsibilities while away for business. How are employees supposed to trust their employers if they don’t know what measures are being taken to protect them? With safety becoming a recent worldwide concern, communication is key.
Creating a clear, digestible and transparent travel policy is the first bridge of trust between employers and employees. A good travel policy should remove any “gray areas” for employees, clearly detailing all information on their safety, travel costs, expectations, booking requirements and more.
Striking a balance between your employees’ needs and budget limitations can be tricky, but it’s an important and effective way to build trust with business travelers. Employees need to feel catered for and considered, with every risk covered.
A culture of choice
Business travel has changed in recent years; today, business travelers want a greater say in how they travel and where they stay. They want to feel trusted to book their own employee accommodation and flights, with the freedom to select options that meet their specific needs. The best way to meet these needs is to do the obvious: trust them.
Building a culture of choice is key. Small steps, such as allowing travelers to view their spending budget and book their own accommodation accordingly, shows employees you trust and value them.
Ongoing support for business travelers
Understandably, many business travelers feel concerned about traveling again. The world is not yet clear of travel restrictions, policies and last-minute changes, and naturally, this can embed anxieties in even the savviest of business travelers.
As a business, it is your duty to protect employees, including their mental and physical health. Failing to do so instantly breaks down the relationship of trust, which can lead to future issues. Taking the time to sit down with employees and address any issues they may have about travel is a good base for building trust.
Alternatively, consider investing in workshops to train employees on how to manage their anxieties post-Covid. Taking the time to understand how employees may be feeling and responding appropriately is a crucial step to establishing trust and respect on both sides.
Key takeaway
After a turbulent few years in the business travel industry, it’s crucial to build trust with employees. Clear travel policies, a culture of choice and ongoing support are all foundations for a mutually respectful and trustworthy relationship.
3Sixty
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