Travel policy is about to receive a complete overhaul in years to come. What can you expect? More advanced technology, enhanced communication and better education are all on the cards to make your life easier. An added bonus for companies is that these factors are also expected to enhance travel policy compliance.
That’s according to a recent study by ACTE which highlights how travel managers are evolving their corporate travel policies.
The key to achieve traveller compliance, according to the study, is through improved communication. Companies will start to focus more on educating travellers about the company’s travel policy, the importance of duty of care and let’s not forget, the need for savings. They’ll highlight exactly what the traveller’s responsibility is to make this a success.
ACTE believes that travellers are more likely to adhere to the travel policy if they understand the benefits. For example, by communicating the need for duty of care, business travellers are shown that it is there for their safety, not just to detract from the travel experience. Learning about higher-risk destinations might open the traveller’s eyes to the value of the travel policy. When it comes to duty of care, remember that it’s not so much about Big Brother watching you. Rather, it’s about Big Brother watching out for you.
Companies will also modernise the way they communicate with you. They’ll start reaching out through trip messaging – pre, during and post travel. Get all your visa and passport information through a text message on your phone. Have you just landed? You’ll receive a message that advises you on how best to continue your journey.
Or perhaps your company will create an app to improve your travel experience. The study shows that over a third of companies polled have plans to introduce apps that allow travellers to change their booking while they’re travelling. Booking travel through mobile phones is cited as one of the most favoured means for organisations to improve their service to business travellers.
So, as much as communication is a two-way street, so too are your mutual responsibilities to ensure your travel is safe and pleasant. Perhaps it’s time to help your travel manager and TMC help you.