Before the outbreak of Covid-19, business travel was essential for many companies. Now, there are strict travel bans in place to protect employees and curb the spread of the virus. With many countries still under some level of social distancing lockdown, nobody knows how long the effects will last, and how our relationship with travel will change. What will business travel look like in the near future, and what can we learn from these current challenges to remain agile when the world is up and running again?
Much of the “new normal” will depend on Duty of Care
When lockdowns ease and travel confidence increases, companies will need to support their travellers’ safety through the provision of Duty of Care. As a business, your safety obligations to your travellers will be critical.
With the support of a dedicated Travel Management Company, you can leverage years of expertise and the necessary technology to respond to unprecedented challenges in a new reality, as Thompsons Travel have done recently.
Real-time tracking and communication with your travellers is critical
As your employees become more confident about undertaking business trips, you will need to reassure them of 24/7/365 support and know where they are at all times to ensure their safety. When circumstances change, automated technology will allow you to alert them in real-time and advise them of on-the-ground support.
Data is essential to your travel policy and risk management planning
When the time comes to ask your employees to travel again, data can be your greatest asset to make informed decisions and provide travellers with peace of mind.
Across the globe, countries are maintaining or lifting restrictions in various ways. As your business prepares for recovery, your travel policy will need to be agile in order to be instantly updated according to government regulation changes across the multiple regions in which your company operates. This data will allow you to make informed decisions regarding business travel.
To re-establish your business travel programme in a post-pandemic world, employee safety and security will be a priority. We encourage you to speak with your dedicated Thompsons Travel Account Manager to assist you with your Duty of Care obligations. From risk management planning and updating your travel policy, to establishing the relevant technological tools to ensure your travellers’ peace of mind.
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