Business travel etiquette: Have the rules changed?

Oz Desai, GM Corporate Traveller, provides answers to these questions and more.

Life looks a whole lot different since the dawn of Covid-19 – face masks, elbow greetings, temperature checks at practically every entrance, and an overwhelming amount of sanitiser dominating our days. And business travel definitely isn’t an exception. Not only has the way in which we travel transformed (think pre-travel Covid-19 tests, proof of vaccination and mask mandates etc.), but the etiquette surrounding the intricacies of our business trips has changed too.

Are handshakes back in or is the slightly awkward elbow ‘bump’ here to stay? How do you approach management to request a business class seat as opposed to sitting in economy when you’re worried about social distancing and possible exposure on board your flight? Are tangible business cards still acceptable, or are they seen as a Covid-19 risk? If so, what’s the alternative?

What if I’m not feeling confident enough to return to business travel just yet?

According to Business Wire, corporate travel levels are expected to rise up to an estimated 70% of pre-Covid levels by the end of 2021, but that doesn’t mean that everyone is feeling confident to get back to ‘normal’ just yet.

Organise a sit-down with HR, management, and your company’s TMC to discuss measures that could help you feel more comfortable about the prospect of a business trip, such as a carefully-tailored itinerary, vetted accommodation, direct flights and whether premium cabin travel is an option. Of course, you’ll need to be fully vaccinated at least two weeks before you’re due to depart for optimal protection and peace of mind.

Is it ok to approach management to request to travel business class?

As mentioned, many corporate travellers will feel uneasy about travelling economy class due to concerns about social distancing. While airlines have gone out of their way to maximise safety for all passengers, you’re still well within your rights to request an upgrade from management if it will make you feel calmer about your impending trip. So feel free to broach this topic with conviction!

Is it ok to request to stay at a  specific hotel for safety reasons?

Keep in mind that a higher star rating doesn’t necessarily mean that a hotel is ‘safer’. Instead, it’s important to conduct lots of research into the various Covid-19 protocols put in place at a prospective accommodation establishment.

“This is where a reputable TMC really comes in handy. The team will have handled the required investigations to ensure that all business travellers are booked into a hotel or guesthouse where their safety is viewed as absolutely paramount. Travellers who still feel uneasy regarding the accommodation chosen for them should request a detailed list and explanation of these various protocols,” comments Oz.

What if I’m uncomfortable using public transport during my stay?

If you’re feeling uncomfortable about using public transport, you can always request to hire a personal vehicle for the duration of your stay. However, note that rental cars are currently in short supply across the globe, in large part due to the fact that many vehicle rental companies sold off a decent portion of their fleet due to the economic impact of Covid-19. As such, it’s vital to discuss your preference to hire a car with management and your company’s TMC well ahead of time to avoid any issues or disappointment.

What if a fellow traveller is not complying with Covid-19 regulations during a flight?

For your own safety and that of others, it’s crucial to bring any lack of passenger compliance to the attention of your flight attendants. They will be well-trained on how to deal with the situation swiftly and appropriately.

Is there any new face-to-face meeting etiquette I should be aware of?

Yes. Always enquire regarding a company’s unique Covid-19 procedures, protocols, and requirements before attending any in-person meetings. For example, you might be expected to fill in health questionnaires or to bring your proof of vaccination along. Not only will enquiring about these particulars help to ensure that you’re fully compliant, but it will also provide you with peace of mind that your health and safety has been made a priority while doing business at that particular establishment.

Are handshakes back in or still best avoided?

The handshake has been a go-to greeting for centuries but considering how the Covid-19 virus is spread, it’s still currently very much in limbo. Ultimately, handshakes are safer if you’ve been vaccinated, but that doesn’t mean you’re 100% safe from infection! If you do decide to shake hands with someone, it’s recommended to wash or sanitise immediately afterwards. If you choose not to shake hands, rest assured that most people won’t take offence. At the end of the day, it’s a personal decision, and everyone’s decision regarding the matter should be respected.

If you’re firmly against handshakes, it might be to your benefit to get hold of a ‘Forgive me if I don’t shake hands’ sticker, now widely available across the globe and easy and affordable to have custom-made, to steer clear of any uncomfortable situations or conversations at business meetings, gatherings, or conferences.

Keep in mind that it isn’t good etiquette to be the first to extend your hand when greeting someone, however. Even if you are personally comfortable with performing the age-old greeting, the other person may not be.

Can I still wear a face mask even if everyone else has chosen not to?

Most definitely! While we are quite used to wearing face masks in all public spaces in South Africa, many countries around the globe have relaxed their mask mandates.

For instance, it’s no longer a legal requirement for people to wear masks in England, although it is still recommended to do so in crowded places. Other mask-free countries (with some restrictions and exceptions in place, such as being fully vaccinated) include Sweden, the United States, New Zealand, and China, to name just a few.

Wearing a mask in a mask-free country is a personal decision, and you should feel fully empowered to cover up without any hesitation whatsoever.

Are tangible business cards a no-no?

Professionals still give out tangible business cards in most countries, although there are some who choose not to give them out nor accept them for Covid-related reasons. Luckily, there are a few safer and creative alternatives to consider, like QR codes. There are also a few new apps that enable contactless detail sharing amongst business professionals.

Popl is an example of one of these apps and is a fast-growing resource for fashioning a ‘digital business card’. The app uses near-field communication technology in the form of a tiny tag that you stick to the back of your smartphone. When scanned, this tag instantly transfers your professional and contact details to another person’s smartphone, regardless of whether or not they have their own tag or have downloaded the app.

Are there any rules relating to etiquette after a business trip?

Yes, indeed. You’ll want to keep a close eye on your health and take note of any possible Covid-19 symptoms should they present within two weeks following your trip. If you do show any signs of illness, be sure to let management and your company’s TMC know immediately so that they can organise a Covid-19 test and, if necessary, notify everyone with whom you were in contact during your journey. Be sure to self-isolate until you receive your test results!

Now you know everything that you need to know to ensure safe, comfortable, and confident business travel as the industry slowly recovers.

“Keep up to date with the various travel-related changes, take out comprehensive travel insurance, and equip yourself with the emergency contact details for your company’s trusted TMC should you need support before, during, or after your travels, breathe, and enjoy every second of your business getaway!” concludes Oz.

For more information about Corporate Traveller, call Dorine Reinstein on 083 278 8994 or email dorine@bigambitions.co.za.