Successful corporate travel safety begins well before departure. Risk assessments should evaluate current conditions in the destination country, including political stability, crime levels, and health risks. Employees should be briefed on local laws, cultural norms, and potential scams common in tourist or business districts. Travel managers must ensure employees are registered with the U.S. State Department’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) and have access to up-to-date emergency contacts. Confirming accommodations and transportation from vetted providers is essential, particularly in unfamiliar or high-risk regions.
Once on-site, employees should maintain a low profile, avoid discussing business plans in public, and keep identification and important documents secure but accessible. Business travelers should avoid unvetted public transportation, particularly in areas with high incidents of theft or violence. A reputable car service company can reduce exposure to risk by ensuring reliable transportation and professional drivers familiar with local safety conditions. Additionally, travelers should use hotel safes, secure digital devices with strong passwords and VPNs, and be cautious about sharing location data online.
Organizations must provide employees with a clearly defined emergency response plan that includes protocols for medical incidents, natural disasters, and political unrest. This plan should also outline how to report incidents, access legal or medical assistance, and stay in contact with company security or management. Employers should conduct regular safety training and scenario planning to ensure employees are prepared to respond appropriately in various situations. Strong communication channels and pre-arranged contingency plans can make a significant difference in mitigating risks during corporate travel. Check out the infographic below to learn more.
