Why Is Travel Risk Management Important?
Implementing a Travel Risk Management (TRM) program is essential for three primary reasons:
Duty of Care – In many countries, employers are legally obligated to ensure the safety and well-being of their employees during work-related activities, including business travel. While the legal responsibility for non-employees traveling on behalf of the company is less defined, extending protection to them aligns with a broader interpretation of duty of care. Failure to fulfill this responsibility can result in legal liability for damages, and in some cases, criminal charges for senior executives, if an employee is harmed while traveling. A well-implemented TRM program can serve as a legal safeguard. It’s also crucial to recognize that workplace safety laws extend to wherever an employee performs duties for their employer, including during business trips.
Moral and Ethical Responsibility – Employers are expected to prioritize the safety of their employees during business travel and provide adequate support if an incident occurs.
Reputation – Demonstrating genuine care for employees not only builds a company’s reputation as a responsible employer but also helps in retaining current talent and attracting new hires.