The International Air Transport Association (IATA) predicts that air traveller numbers will surpass 5 billion this year, with around 20% of those being business travellers. That’s a significant number of people to keep safe, stay in touch with, and have a duty of care for.
Whether an organisation has a global travel manager, works with a travel management company, or relies on EAs to book travel, HR professionals undoubtedly play a crucial role in ensuring the safety of business travellers. In some cases, they are even responsible for managing the entire travel category.
For dedicated travel managers, business travel is already a complex category to oversee. But when it falls under the broader HR umbrella where it is just one of many responsibilities, it can present even more challenges. So, what should HR professionals be aware of when it comes to traveller safety and wellbeing?
Understanding Travel Risks And Duty Of Care
Suzanne Sangiovese, Travel and Technology Director at Riskline – a leading global travel risk intelligence company explains:
“In organisations without a dedicated global travel manager, HR often finds itself responsible for travel, either alone or as part of a broader group managing the function. That means they need to stay on top of travel risk and duty of care, ensuring employees have the right support before, during and after a trip. Whether travelling domestically or internationally, employees can face unfamiliar risks and even routine but unexpected disruptions”.
The ever-changing global landscape doesn’t make this any easier. Natural disasters, geopolitical unrest, government policy changes and new travel regulations – such as Brexit-related policies and the introduction of Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) requirements – add further complexity. HR teams must stay informed about these developments while also managing internal organisational changes.
“Key considerations in an effective travel risk management programme include understanding destination risks, knowing company policies on emergency response and ensuring employees have access to 24/7 assistance”, adds Sangiovese. “It’s also critical that HR professionals responsible for travel can locate travellers in real-time, communicate safety protocols clearly and align with legal and compliance requirements”.
Travel Industry Insight
Business Travel Show Europe’s annual survey on inclusive corporate travel policies reveals that while there is growing awareness of accessibility needs (43%) and solo women travellers (36%), fewer than a quarter of businesses consider other vulnerable groups, including marginalised communities, neurodivergent travellers, and religious groups.
How Can HR Professionals Mitigate Travel Risks?
So, what practical steps can HR teams take to improve travel safety?
Riskline’s Sangiovese adds, “HR can reduce risk by establishing strong pre-trip approval processes, ensuring employees are briefed on potential risks and providing comprehensive travel insurance. Partnering with a trusted travel risk management provider can help streamline emergency response, while maintaining an open line of communication with travellers ensures they feel supported. Regularly reviewing and updating travel policies to reflect evolving risks, whether geopolitical, health-related, or logistical, will help keep employees safe and confident on the road”.
Read the full article on the International HR Adviser Magazine Online (pages 21-22, Spring 2025 edition).
Photo credits: International HR Adviser