It's no secret that business travel is a big part of many companies' operations today. But how do businesses protect their employees when an emergency occurs away from the office? According to the GBTA, 46% of people who work for companies need a safety plan in place for their travel.
The most critical part of business travel management is employee safety while on the road, especially when traveling overseas. Even though business travel management most business trips go smoothly, misfortunes can happen, and you need strong policies to handle any eventuality.
The best business travel safety tips for excellent business travel management
Here are the essential business travel safety tips your company will need for effective business travel management.
#1 Establish a travel policy for safety
If you create a plan to protect your employees while they travel, you can ensure they're safe. Instead of getting taken by surprise and reacting, it is better to be proactive. So, having a business travel security and insurance policy is one way to do that. The policy should include all the training, guidelines, and tools your business needs to keep your employees safe while they're away.
#2 Preparing for the weather
Floods, earthquakes, and hurricanes are just a few natural disasters that can happen anywhere in the world. To ensure your passengers are ready for whatever comes their way, see that they receive updates on weather alerts and use apps and tools such as ITILITE to stay safe and secure.
#3 Stay updated on social situations
If you're planning a trip to a country with a history of political unrest, riots, demonstrations, or terrorism, it's crucial to be aware of the risks. Use the Global Protest Tracker to track active unrest and stay on top of travel advisories. Don't travel to areas of extreme conflict for corporate travel. Ensure your business travel safety tips include customized risk assessments for your travel.
#4 Health and safety advisory
It is your responsibility to manage the health and safety of your employees, no matter where they travel for work. Travelers are especially vulnerable to potential risks, so it's necessary to see that your corporate travel safety policy puts their wellness first.
Ensure your travelers know where to get medical help ahead of time. International SOS offers medical, clinical, and security help globally 24/7. Check traveler health and fitness levels like medical conditions, if they can travel for a long time, access to medical help, etc. When your employees are safe and secure, they can do their job for the company.
#5 Create an emergency contact
When your employee travels, it is essential to ensure they know who to call if something goes wrong. One of the most critical business travel safety tips is to train your employees to create a checklist. This list should include all emergency and medical contact info, like local emergency services, embassies, etc. They should also consider where these places are in relation to where you're staying and working. They should store all this information and have contact details for your corporate emergency contacts, like travel managers, in case they need help. Take precautions to keep your documents and valuables safe.
#6 Know the neighborhood
If you're planning a trip to a city, it's a good idea to get to know the roughest parts first. That way, you won't have to make any unexpected stops or book hotels or restaurants in dangerous areas. It's also a good idea to get trained in risk awareness. That way, they can be aware of potential threats and dangers.
#7 Keeping belongings and money safe
If you're traveling, wear a money belt or neck wallet. That way, you can avoid pickpockets. Always separate credit cards and cash when traveling and keep cash and one card with you and an emergency credit card in different bags. You can also add RFID blocking to wallets to keep your credit card and passport information safe.
#8 Accommodation safety precautions
After a long day of traveling, don't let your guard down at hotels. They can be hotspots for thieves. To ensure your safety, research the security measures, avoid booking on the ground floor, and know your emergency exit plan. Use Google Street View to survey the area and place a do not disturb sign on your door to decrease the likelihood of theft.
#9 Know the local customs
See that your business traveler is familiar with the local language and customs so they don't seem rude or make any mistakes. Educate delegates on the cultural differences, etiquette, and business rules, and give them a few phrases to pick up so their journey runs smoother.
#10 Be aware of the regional laws
Things like drinking and smoking may get disapproved in some countries. They could be illegal in others. Remember that your travelers represent your business while on their trip, so check local laws before they get in trouble.
#11 Be ready with documents
Make sure you're all set before you hop on the plane. Delegates traveling abroad need a passport, travel tickets, paperwork, vaccinations, and sometimes a visa. Travel providers can help with visa and other requirements. Keep essential documents in a safe place to avoid missing them.
#12 Personal security
Educate travelers on crime levels, safety standards, and areas to avoid in their destination. Keep them informed about a country's background and the most common crimes in the area. Introduce measures to protect against crime, such as safe travel and accommodation and secure places to put valuables.
#13 Travel insurance
If your company has business travel insurance, educate your employees on what it covers and business travel safety tips when something goes wrong. Most policies cover health emergencies, canceled or interrupted trips, medical evacuation, and lost belongings. Your traveling team members may not be aware of this coverage, which could put them or their jobs at risk.
#14 Food and water
Avoid street food and drinking tap water if traveling in an area with poor hygiene. Don't have uncooked foods and unwashed salads. Never drink tap water; opt for bottled water instead.
Summing up: Business travel safety tips to ensure safety
If you're planning a business trip, you'll want to make sure you have all the business travel safety tips you need. ITILITE is here to help, and we're available 24/7 to respond to any potential risks your employees face while on the road anywhere you are in the world. We have especially customized business travel management programs to cater to the safety of your employees.
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