How To Ensure Safety And Security During Business Travel
With corporate jobs comes corporate travel, and with more individuals traveling for work both domestically and abroad, having a safety plan to fall back on in case of an emergency is a must. What’s surprising is that almost half of those who take regular business trips reported traveling without a safety plan in place. Truth be told, there are many things that can lead to a sudden change in plans – from suffering from an illness to getting caught in severe weather conditions to falling prey to pickpockets.
Because employee safety should be number one priority when traveling for work, it pays to learn how to protect yourself. With that in mind, here are several tips on how to ensure safety and security during business travel.
Make health precautions a priority
As a traveler, it’s easy to assume that every place you go will have the same high standards when it comes to hygiene. However, keep in mind that food and drink safety standards aren’t the same everywhere. The bacteria from the contaminated food or water may cause an illness, resulting in an unexpected health emergency. While street food may be tempting, it’s better to play it safe and eat at a restaurant. And rather than risking it by drinking tap water, keep bottled water on hand at all times.
You also want to make hand sanitizer a staple in your travel bag, and stay on top of all the vaccinations and tests regarding COVID-19 safety to avoid any unpleasant surprises when looking to catch your flight. Make sure to pack all the necessary medications, along with a first aid kit.
Stay updated on current weather conditions and potential natural disasters
Health emergencies such as food poisoning aren't the only thing to worry about when traveling to another city or country. Depending on where you’re headed, bad weather and natural disasters can pose a serious threat and endanger you and your team. Aside from checking the forecast beforehand and packing weather-appropriate clothes, you want to stay updated on the current weather conditions and warnings as well.
From floods and volcanic eruptions to earthquakes and tornadoes, there’s a variety of things that can go wrong, with some regions of the world being more prone to natural disasters than others. By being extra cautious and checking for potential risks, you can manage to keep yourself and your team safe and sound while on the go.
Ensure optimal safety with extra security measures
Becoming a victim of crime is another thing on the already lengthy list of corporate travel safety risks. This is especially true in cases of high-profile individuals who are traveling abroad. This is why many professionals choose to hire private security as an additional measure for maintaining optimal corporate travel safety.
With reliable companies such as GSG security on their side, business professionals are able to conduct their work in an optimal environment. Trained to mitigate risks, these pros carry out risk assessment and ensure optimal corporate travel protection. They also help keep stress at bay by keeping their clients safe at all times, thus ensuring the peace of mind needed to stay on top of corporate duties whilst operating in the global marketplace.
Learn about local customs and laws
Traveling around the globe – whether for business or for pleasure – also calls for some education regarding the local customs and laws. From chewing gum to swearing in public to simply the way you’re handling a business card you received, what may be considered a normal, everyday occurrence in some cultures may be perceived as inappropriate and offensive in others. In some instances, not following the rules and laws can lead to conflicts, and can even land you in legal trouble, resulting in everything from deportation to imprisonment to hefty fines.
Depending on the country you’re visiting, try to learn as much as you can about local customs and laws. By making sure you and your team understand the rules and laws ahead of time, you can avoid travel disruptions and make sure your stay in the foreign country goes smoothly and sans any problems.
Avoid safety risks caused by civil unrest and political instability
Sometimes, sticking to the laws and rules of the country you’re visiting isn’t enough, and your business trip may be disrupted by something that’s unpredictable and rather difficult to control. This is particularly true when it comes to professionals whose business travel destinations are known for political instability and civil unrest.
Not only are events such as ongoing demonstrations and riots dangerous for their participants, but they can also endanger the lives of those traveling to the areas where these events are taking place. Keep this in mind when determining your travel itinerary, as this will help you stay safe and avoid any risks associated with such events.
A few extra steps goes a long way in ensuring corporate travel safety
Whether you’re traveling abroad or domestically, your safety as well as the safety of your team should be your top priorities. While there are many different factors to consider, it pays to take those extra steps to prepare prior to departure. In doing so, you’ll be able to travel with more ease while keeping your business running smoothly.
References
https://palamerican.com/safety-security-tips/20-business-travel-safety-tips-to-provide-awareness/
https://www.chubb.com/nordic-en/businesses/resources/safety-tips-for-the-business-traveller.html
https://www.thetravelteam.com/business/10-simple-business-travel-safety-tips/
https://www.alertmedia.com/blog/business-travel-safety-tips/