Dive Brief:
- Recent terrorist attacks across Europe and security issues at the soon-to-launch Summer Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro are keeping business travel safety top of mind for employers, according to Business Insurance.
- The strategies include following public and private security data sources to briefing business travelers on how to manage. In all cases, it's a complex employer challenge.
- According to the article, the very first question employers need to ask is how important is the trip? Can it be done via video? Skype conference call? If the trip is critical, then it's up to employers, both HR and risk management, to have the best possible emergency plan in place.
Dive Insight:
The article explains that having a real sense of what is going on locally is the most critical issue. It mentions government resources, including the U.S. State Department's online Smart Traveler Enrollment Program. Of course, there are also travel advisories and warnings and consular information fact sheets on the State Department website.
Known as "domain awareness," the idea is that while some events simply can't be prevented, the more information a business traveler has about their destination, the better the odds of them staying out of harm's way. Also, medical care, as in a health emergency, is among the top risks for international business travelers, so precautions should be taken ahead of time. For example, one security expert suggested a dedicated phone line for international business travelers as a great way to offer reassurance.
While HR is typically not directly responsible for the health and safety of international business travelers, it might play a role in deciding who goes where and for what reason. If HR is not part of the process, it likely should be in order to prevent siloing of information or strategies.