The COVID-19 virus is spreading fast across the globe in different forms that go far beyond the virus itself. In a bid to slow down the spread, governments worldwide have put in place unprecedented regulations and restrictive travel mandates.
At the moment, business travel has broadly been stopped. But for some businesses, it is an essential way of operating. In such times it is easy to make decisions that feel right now but may hurt your travel program in the long term.
SMEs that want their travelers back on road as soon as the lockdown eases, should look to adopt digital solutions that not only help manage their budgets better but also ensure traveler safety.
Features travel-admins should look for while considering solutions-
1. Keep track of local government Advisories
Any organization needs to make sure it is entirely up to speed on the various regions it operates in – not just for the logistics of its local offices, but to understand the local situation and what local governments are advising. Different countries are responding and easing restrictions related to COVID-19 in different ways. As restrictions begin to shift, your travel program needs to be in line with government recommendations.
2. Be ready to change your Travel policy with COVID
With access to the latest travel information regarding COVID-19 worldwide, SMEs can be that bit more agile in responding. Being able to update your travel policy quickly and efficiently across all locations and geographies as soon as travel is restricted or lifted to certain areas means a company can better look after their employees.
3. Track your employees with consent
You can’t underestimate the importance of communication with staff post-COVID 19. It must be two-way, regular, and relevant. Employers need to know where their staff is at all times, and employees need the latest advice on where it is safe to travel and where there is a high risk. Making sure this happens in real-time, with messages going out as soon as the situation changes are critical to the safety of staff and the overall health of the business.
4. Best Rates & Travel Policy Compliance
As well as ensuring staff is safe and confident on the road after COVID-19, businesses will need to make sure their travel budgets stretch as far as possible. While this will be the focus for all businesses, SMEs, in particular, can look to maximize their return for their travel program by partnering with a travel management company (TMC) who can provide access to exclusive rates, offers, and perks and also enforce travel policy compliance.
A reliable managed travel program can not only help a business to better manage the disruption to business travel today, but it can help get the business moving again as soon as any travel ban begins to ease. SMEs booking with online travel agents or directly with suppliers will find their hands full, trying to individually get staff up and running again for their much-needed trips. Equally, a well-managed travel program will also deliver savings to help get the most value out of every journey.
Tags: Corporate travel, Business Travel, Concur, Travel & Expense, T&E, Automation
