Imagine jet-setting on company time, not just for the sake of business but as an adventure that boosts your loyalty and job satisfaction. Smart companies are now looking towards their HR departments to revolutionise business travel, transforming it into a source of inspiration rather than a schedule of dreary commitments. With a significant 79% of business travellers stating that their travel experiences directly influence their workplace happiness and commitment, it’s clear that a well-crafted travel policy is more important than ever.
HR at the helm: A new era for business travel
Why should HR take the lead in managing business travel? Simply put, they’re already experts in cultivating company culture and enhancing employee well-being. By taking control of travel policies, HR can tackle common travel grievances head-on, ensuring every trip is as inclusive and accommodating as possible. Whether it’s providing options for eco-conscious employees or ensuring trips are accessible to all, HR’s involvement ensures travel policies are not just about logistics but about enhancing the employee experience.
Balancing expertise: The role of travel management
Despite HR’s critical role, the complex logistics of business travel demand a dedicated travel management team’s expertise. From navigating fluctuating markets to crisis management, these specialists ensure travel plans are both cost-effective and secure. The collaboration between HR’s understanding of employee needs and travel management’s operational expertise is key to creating a travel programme that’s both efficient and empathetic.
A collaborative path forward
The future of business travel management lies in a collaborative approach. By breaking down corporate silos, HR and travel management can work together to address employee needs, manage risks, and optimise the travel experience. This partnership enables the creation of customised travel experiences that cater to personal preferences, promote inclusion, and ensure the well-being of employees on the road.
By combining HR’s insight into employee needs with travel management’s logistical prowess, companies can craft travel programmes that truly meet every employee’s needs, setting a new standard for business travel that prioritises the well-being and satisfaction of their workforce.
