Last Updated on: Juni 22, 2023 at 1:20 pm

Business travel is more than just a means to achieve corporate objectives—it’s a catalyst for driving workforce diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). With the support of corporate travel management systems HR departments can take their DEI initiatives to new heights, empowering employees in ways never before imagined.

Discover the untapped benefits of business travel. According to Skift 44% of employees experience personal growth and acquire new skills through their business trips. Moreover, frequent business travel is linked to improved employee retention. But here’s the catch: diverse employees face unique challenges while on the road.

Enter TMCs—the strategic partners for HR. These experts in business travel management understand the nuances of a diverse workforce. They ensure a seamless, safe, and purposeful travel experience, catering to employees’ individual traits and needs. From addressing cultural considerations to fostering a culture of care, TMCs are the key to unlocking DEI potential.

Diversity Challenges Faced by Traveling Employees

Travelling for business can present unique challenges for employees belonging to diverse groups. Here are some of the challenges they may encounter:

• Women: Female employees may face safety risks, sexual harassment, and limited rights in certain countries.
• People of Colour: Travelers of colour may experience discrimination, cultural shock, and isolation, impacting their comfort and productivity.
• Penjelajah with Physical and Mental Disabilities: Those with disabilities may encounter difficulties due to a lack of support, infrastructure, transportation, and unhelpful behaviour from others.
• LGBTQ+: travellers may face legal and social challenges, including the criminalization of homosexuality and issues related to official identification documents.

Organizations should prioritize the safety and well-being of all employees during business travel, recognizing and addressing these unique challenges as part of their Duty of Care.

How HR can use corporate travel management system to support DEIs 

Travel Risk Management Solutions

Does the destination country expose women, LGBT+ workers, people of colour, employees with disabilities or specific ethnic and religious groups to higher risk than other travellers? Can these risks be decreased through adequate planning? Which additional safety recommendations should be given to employees when travelling to these destinations? 

Modern travel management platforms provide a customisable duty of care, safety assessment and cross-analysis tools that give management a complete picture of where each traveller is or will be. This allows travel managers and HR leaders to determine which safety measures and recommendations should be implemented to ensure diverse workers have a comfortable and productive trip experience.

Customizing Travel Policies

Taking into account the specific needs and challenges faced by diverse workers can help you design travel policies that minimise their exposure to risks and maximise employee well-being and comfort. Business travel platforms provide a high degree of customisation in defining travel policies for individuals and teams. 

Support throughout their travel

Travellers should be able to reach out for help easily when in need of assistance. A dedicated point of contact within your company or through a business travel management solution will help eliminate the stress of travel. Employees know ahead of time that they are taken care of and can access help in a matter of minutes if facing unexpected problems and controversies during their trips. Expert travel management advice also comes in handy here for travel managers to know how best to handle specific issues. 

Supercharge your DEI initiatives with a tailor-fit travel management system today

Integrate a digital solution to improve the travel experience and support your employees’ well-being during business trips. Discover the benefits of TruTrip, a comprehensive and streamlined travel management solution that caters to every aspect of your diverse workforce’s travel needs. Jadwalkan demo dengan kami atau mendaftar untuk uji coba gratis to see how TruTrip can elevate your DEI and HR initiatives.