How to Diversify Your Travel Program 

A policy fit for 2023 and beyond

It’s possible that in your existing travel policy, the unique needs of your traveling team haven’t been considered. As we embrace a post-COVID world, travelers are taking a greater interest in their physical and mental health, and businesses have an opportunity to be proactive and support these needs. Not only that, when sending your team out into the world, their safety should be of top priority as you prepare for business travel in 2023:  

While this is, by no means, an extensive list, extra consideration should be made for people who are at higher risk of discrimination while traveling as well as people with accessibility needs including:

• Travelers who are People of Colour
• Women travelers
• Travelers who are pregnant
• Travelers with varying mobility needs
• Travelers with sight or hearing impairment
• Travelers with a chronic illness
• Travelers with an invisible disability
• Travelers who are transgender and/or non-binary
• Travelers who observe salat or other faith practices
• Multilingual travelers whose first language isn’t English

Through clear communication, you’ll gain an understanding of the unique needs of your team members both at home and on the road. 

Inclusive thinking encourages new foundations

You’ll want to start by consulting your HR team, IT team, DEI manager, as well as a survey of your team. Get down to the nitty-gritty and dig into common concerns, gaps in information, and areas where improvements are needed. Discover what is working in your current travel policy, as well as what isn’t, and listen. Really listen. 

Once you have a clear understanding, you can then begin building. There are loads of ways that having a managed travel program benefits your business.  Our travel experts can help you outline traveler preferences, traveler requirements, business requirements, budgeting information, how much flexibility you can allow, and ensure that your people are visiting safe destinations. A transparent, inclusive travel policy means your team has clarity, flexibility, and information when they need it. 

Learn more about building a people-first travel policy 

Download the guide

Check-in and be flexible

Diversifying your travel policy is not a one-and-done action. Check in with your business travelers regularly and offer a safe space for them to provide their feedback. Ask questions and be receptive to their answers. When we listen to our people, their needs and their concerns and put them into action, we are able to offer supportive systems and allow people to do their best work. 

It’s also important to make sure you’re checking in on the destinations you visit, and ensuring you have options suitable for your travelers. Communicate with your travel manager for updated information on a particular country’s laws or customs, political situations, or travel advisories to ensure safety for whoever is matched to that trip. Again, that’s just one of the benefits of working with a TMC like Corporate Traveler…your travelers feel the TLC.