Creating a travel risk management program is essential for any organization that has employees who travel for business purposes. With the increasing need for companies to expand their reach internationally, employees are often required to travel to various locations around the world. However, traveling comes with its own set of risks, including health and safety concerns, security threats, natural disasters, and political instability to name a few. It is crucial for companies to have a comprehensive travel risk management program in place to ensure the safety and well-being of their employees. I read once that “discounting contingencies without justification invites strategic surprise.” A well-formulated travel risk assessment is a contingency not worth discounting.

The first step in creating a travel risk management program is to conduct a thorough assessment of the company culture as it pertains to safety and security to ensure the travel risk management program is relevant to the needs of the consumer. This involves identifying a proper template, delivery method and availability of research tools. Considering potential risks that employees may face while traveling, such as travel to high-risk locations, health concerns, security threats, and natural disasters should be next in order. Once these risks have been identified, companies can develop strategies to mitigate them and minimize their impact on employees and the company at large.

One of the key components of a travel risk management program is providing employees with pre-travel training and education. This includes information on the potential risks they may face while traveling, as well as guidance on how to stay safe and secure while abroad. Training may cover topics such as health and safety protocols, emergency procedures, and cultural awareness. By educating employees before they travel, companies can help them to be better prepared to handle any unforeseen situations that may arise.

Companies should discourage preferential treatment as to who and who doesn’t receive a travel brief. This ties into the company culture of safety and security. “Experience breeds complacency” and complacency can be very dangerous while traveling abroad. Heads of security should be mindful of this and push back against willful circumvention of the travel risk assessment process due to a traveler having previous experience traveling with a government agency or private sector company. Threats change and sometimes very quickly. The "I'm good, I used to be with..." mindset when it pertains to an employee’s care while traveling under the umbrella of a multinational company should be discouraged.

In addition to pre-travel training, companies should also provide employees with access to resources and support while they are traveling. This includes having a designated point of contact for employees to reach out to in case of an emergency, as well as access to travel assistance services, such as medical and security assistance. Companies should also have a clear communication plan in place to ensure that employees can easily reach out for help if needed.

Another important aspect of a travel risk management program is implementing travel policies and guidelines. These policies should outline the company's expectations for employee travel, including requirements for booking accommodations, transportation, and travel insurance.

Companies should also establish guidelines for travel approval, reimbursement, and reporting, in order to ensure that employees are following company protocols while they are abroad.

It is also important for companies to stay informed about potential risks and threats in the locations where their employees are traveling. This includes monitoring travel advisories and alerts, as well as staying in touch with local contacts and resources. By staying informed, companies can take proactive measures to address any potential risks before they escalate.

Overall, creating a travel risk management program is crucial for companies that have employees who travel for business purposes. By conducting a thorough risk assessment, providing pre-travel training and education, offering resources and support while employees are traveling, implementing travel policies and guidelines, and staying informed about potential risks and threats, companies can help to ensure the safety and well-being of their employees while they are on the road. A well-designed travel risk management program can not only protect employees but also safeguard the reputation and financial stability of the organization.