Despite advancements in real-time travel tracking and duty of care technology, many employees—particularly women—continue to feel unsafe while traveling for work. While business travel can open doors professionally, it often comes with added stress, uncertainty, and risk for those who don’t feel adequately protected.
Recent research reveals the depth of the issue: 71% of female business travelers report feeling unsafe on work trips, with many avoiding solo outings after dark or experiencing situations that made them feel vulnerable. These concerns persist despite improvements in digital support and corporate travel protocols.
So why does this gap remain—and what can travel coordinators and managers do to close it?
How Travel Coordinators Can Close the Gap
1. Design Inclusive Travel Policies
A robust travel policy should address safety concerns directly. That means:
- Outlining clear steps for incident response
- Allowing flexibility for employees to avoid high-risk destinations
- Offering guidelines on safe lodging and transport options
Generic policies rarely address the lived experiences of frequent travelers. Thoughtfully written protocols build trust and improve adherence.
2. Prioritize Safe Travel Choices
Every booking decision matters. Coordinators can prioritize:
- Hotels with 24/7 staffed receptions and secure locations
- Vetted airport transfer or ride-share services
- Walking distance to essential services or meeting venues
These choices help travelers feel supported before they even board the plane.
3. Foster a Culture of Communication
Travelers may not speak up about safety concerns unless encouraged. Create safe, judgment-free ways to:
- Share feedback after trips
- Report incidents confidentially
- Request travel alternatives without stigma
This is especially vital for women or minority travelers who may feel additional pressures to “manage quietly.”
4. Promote Safety Tools, Not Just Policies
Many companies subscribe to travel safety platforms or mobile apps—but travelers often aren’t fully aware of how to use them. Include app onboarding in:
- Pre-trip briefings
- Company travel guides
- New employee training
And reinforce their use with real examples of how these tools make a difference.
5. Streamline Check-ins and Emergency Protocols
Instead of vague instructions to “check in,” offer simple, structured options:
- Scheduled SMS reminders
- Check-in buttons via Slack or app
- Clear emergency escalation paths
Travelers are more likely to comply when systems feel intuitive—not intrusive.
Supporting Travel Means Supporting People
The goal of business travel should never be just efficiency—it should be empowerment and safety. When travelers feel secure, supported, and respected, they perform better and represent your company more confidently on the road.
For travel managers and coordinators, this is more than an operational concern—it’s a people-first priority.
Let me know if you’d like this turned into a downloadable tip sheet, infographic, or email briefing template.