In light of current events, including the unrest in the Middle East and the recent terrorist plot uncovered in London, it’s wise to take a close look at what you can do to ensure the safe passage of employees who are required to travel abroad as part of their jobs. Here are three tips:
- Check with the State Department. The U.S. Department of State issues a regularly updated list of travel warnings as well as announcements about terrorist threats and other risks. Go to the department’s website, or call (202) 647-5225.
- Designate a contact. It’s essential employees traveling abroad can reach someone from the office whenever it might become necessary, so you may want to establish a point person. Also, consider providing the employee with a satellite phone for emergency use, depending on the reliability of telecommunications at the travel destination.
- Establish check-ins. If a worker is traveling somewhere risky, establish check-in times or days for the employee to call, e-mail, or otherwise get in touch. Regular updates will allow you and your employee to discuss and handle unexpected situations on either end.
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Additional Resources:
Employee Travel: Protecting Employees Far from Home; A 10-Point Checklist
Employee Travel: 8 Tips for Keeping Employees’ Fear of Flying from Grounding Your Business Interests