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