How do you foster a culture of safety and wellness for your travelers?

1 Assess the risks

Before you send your travelers to any destination, you need to assess the potential risks they may face. These could include health, security, environmental, legal, or operational risks. You can use online tools, such as the World Health Organization or the U.S. Department of State websites, to get updated information on travel advisories, health alerts, and security issues. You can also consult with your travel management company, insurance provider, or local contacts to get more specific advice on the local conditions and best practices.

2 Communicate the policies

Once you have identified the risks, you need to communicate your travel policies and procedures to your travelers. These should cover topics such as travel authorization, booking, expenses, insurance, health and safety protocols, emergency contacts, and duty of care. You should also provide your travelers with training and resources on how to prepare for their trip, how to protect themselves from common threats, and how to deal with any incidents or crises. Make sure your travelers understand their roles and responsibilities, as well as your expectations and support.

3 Monitor the situation

While your travelers are on the road, you need to monitor the situation and stay in touch with them. You can use technology, such as mobile apps, GPS tracking, or messaging platforms, to track their location, itinerary, and status. You can also use these tools to send them alerts, updates, and tips on how to cope with any changes or challenges. You should also have a system in place to check in with your travelers regularly, and to respond to their queries or concerns.

4 Support the wellness

Beyond the physical and security risks, you also need to consider the mental and emotional wellness of your travelers. Business travel can be stressful, exhausting, and isolating, especially for frequent or long-term travelers. You can support their wellness by offering them flexible options, such as choosing their preferred mode of transportation, accommodation, or schedule. You can also encourage them to take breaks, exercise, eat well, and stay connected with their family and friends. You can also provide them with access to counseling, coaching, or wellness programs, if needed.

5 Review the feedback

After your travelers return from their trip, you need to review their feedback and evaluate the outcomes. You can use surveys, interviews, or reports to collect their input on their travel experience, their satisfaction, their performance, and their suggestions for improvement. You can also use data, such as expenses, incidents, or productivity, to measure the impact of your travel risk management strategy on your business objectives and your travelers' well-being. You can then use this information to adjust your policies, procedures, or resources, as necessary.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?