The Changing face of Business Travel (and How your Company needs to Keep Up)

The Changing face of business travel | GTIThe world of business travel is always evolving—technology and the sharing economy have changed the way companies do business and the world of corporate travel as well. Business travelers’ preferences vary, and companies providing corporate travel services must adapt to accommodate employees’ needs and expectations. There are a few ways to ensure that your company is keeping pace with the ever-changing landscape of business travel, including:

Spring for Conveniences that Make Business Travel Easier

While a business travel planner has no control over long airport security lines, there are ways to mitigate some of the hassles that frequent corporate travelers face. Setting up TSA Pre-Check for those who fly frequently and Global Entry for employees who often make international trips will help travelers save time and make catching a flight less stressful.

One of the most frustrating hurdles that business travelers face is spotty Wi-Fi service. Picking up the cost of conveniences such as Wi-Fi on planes, premium high-speed internet in hotels and Wi-Fi hotspots that work anywhere can make employees more well-prepared, happier and productive.

Take Advantage of the Sharing Economy

A business travel agency can assist your employees with loyalty programs, finding the lowest corporate rates available for flights, hotels and ground transportation, and can help your company keep up with the demands to make business travel easier. Ride apps like Uber and Lyft have made getting around easier than ever, and corporate policies have changed to enable employees to take advantage of these shifts in business travel. The number of small business owners using Uber over taxis is 3:1, compared to 1:3 in 2014. Services like Airbnb can be more cost-effective and comfortable, especially for long stays.

Provide Digital Options for Submitting Expenses

Many business travelers use smartphones or tablets to track their expenses, and appreciate the convenience of submitting expense receipts and reports electronically. Corporate travel management companies provide state-of-the-art systems and services that give business travelers the tools and training they need to easily track and submit expenses using a computer or mobile device.

Make Business Travelers Feel Safe

More than anything, corporate travelers want to feel safe and supported when they’re on the road. Staying connected and letting your employees know that you care about their well-being can help them feel more secure when circumstances such as terror attacks, inclement weather and other events happen. Working with a business travel company to develop a concrete risk management plan can ensure that employees know what to do and to expect if disaster strikes.

This is by no means an exhaustive list of the ways in which business travel is changing and growing. Seeking the assistance and guidance of corporate travel agents who provide global travel services can save your company time, money, and keep you ahead of the curve on the latest trends in corporate travel, and most importantly, keep your employees productive and happy.

How Companies can Help their Employees Combat Frequent Flier Stress

How Companies can help their Employees combat Frequent Flier Stress | GTI TravelBusiness travel seems exciting—after all, who wouldn’t want to jet-set and see the sights all over the world on the company’s dime? Although, traveling for business may appear glamorous; frequent flying and other aspects of corporate travel can have negative physical and psychological effects. There are ways to mitigate the ill effects frequent travel can have on employees, and consulting with corporate travel management companies can help your employees avoid some of these common problems that often affect frequent travelers.

A Weakened Immune System

Regardless of whether you fly first class or economy, you are breathing the same re-cirulated air for the duration of your flight. This exposes frequent travelers to many different types of germs quite often and can make them more prone to becoming ill. Studies have shown that jet lag and tiredness can even affect genes that are work in sync with the immune system. If you notice that an employee is getting sick a lot, allow him or her to hold meeting via teleconferencing if possible. A business travel agency can also help frequent business travelers explore different types of transportation such as taking a train instead of flying.

Risk of Obesity and Other Health Issues

Unfortunately, when you’re on the go and traveling for business, it can be tough to find fresh, healthy food. Airline foods contain tons of salt and sugar; and business travelers tend to consume more alcohol than those who don’t travel frequently.  The lack of opportunity for exercise while traveling can also lead to becoming out of shape, overweight or obese.  When it comes to restaurants, supermarkets and other resources for healthy eating, business travel companies have a wealth of information at their fingertips and can advise employees on where to go to find fresh, healthy food when traveling.

Mental Health Issues

The disruption of a daily routine and jet lag can affect a traveler’s mood, judgment, and concentration for days. The stress that often comes with preparing for a trip combined with jet lag can lead to depression, anxiety and other mental health issues. Many corporate travelers feel overwhelmed with work and get stressed about the pitfalls that often accompany traveling, such as delayed flights, anxiety about safety, and lodging mix-ups. A company that provides business travel services can help you develop an effective travel risk management plan to help employees feel confident and secure when they’re on the road.

Frequent business travelers may feel lonely and isolated; and experience guilt about leaving their loved ones behind. Providing a confidential employee assistance program that helps travelers find mental health resources such as therapists and support groups gives employees an invaluable resource that can help them stay mentally healthy and give them peace of mind.

Provide Proactive Support

Both employers and employees can take proactive steps to improve their overall well-being and prevent business travel burnout. Create an employee wellness program that encourages and educates employees on the best ways to stay healthy on the road and at home. An experienced business travel planner can help employees find the shortest flights to their destinations and hotels that include a gym, swimming pool and exercise classes.