The Power of Technology
5 ways to make the most of technology to support your people
They say that necessity is the mother of invention. There’s no doubt that COVID-19 has accelerated technological innovation—and the adoption of digital tools and solutions. We now live in a world where contactless check-in, biometrics, digital wallets, and e-tickets are the norm rather than the exception.
When it comes to travel risk management, technology has also made great strides and has become an invaluable tool for TMCs wanting to keep their travellers safe on the road. TMCs can now help travel managers track their travellers; flag any potential risks; keep travellers (and the team back home) informed in real-time should things change unexpectedly; and respond quickly to any incident or emergency.
Here are just 5 ways, the latest technology can transform duty of care
1. Traveller confidence
Technology - especially mobile apps offering on-trip notifications and alerts - has been rated as the number one tool to boost confidence for travellers getting back on the road. That is according to a recent survey of 6 000 travellers conducted by travel tech company, Amadeus. Travellers look to their TMC to offer them apps that provide them with anything from flight updates and gate changes to important travel alerts.
2. On-the-go communication
COVID-19 has intensified the need for travellers to be able to communicate with their TMC at every stage of their travel journey. With the help of technology, instant support is now available wherever travellers are in the world.
3. Traveller tracking
Travel managers today want to know exactly where their travellers are at any given moment. This includes easy access to ‘real time’ data regarding a traveller’s whereabouts and on-the-ground risk conditions. The latest technological innovation provides handy safety dashboards that provide real-time location as well as accommodation information, allowing travel managers to get in touch with travellers immediately when needed.
4. COVID-19 updates
While COVID-19 might seem like a distant memory, COVID-19 regulations still look very different around the world. With the help of Sherpa, Corporate Traveller offers travellers easy access to risk maps, flash alerts, health ratings, and current country-by-country caseloads. Travellers are even able to access local restrictions and up-to-date entry and testing requirements.
5. Health and well-being
An important aspect of duty of care is traveller wellbeing. With the right technology, travel managers can keep a close look at their company’s trips and travel behaviour. They’ll get a handy overview of which travellers are carrying the load when it comes to long-haul flights, early morning flights and which travellers are spending too much time away from home and could be at risk of burn-out. By analysing current, future, and historic trips, they’ll be able to manage their team’s stress and wellbeing, which can only lead to happier travellers and more productive, successful trips.
The power of technology is changing the very nature of corporate travel. For business travellers today, 24/7 availability and support is not just a convenience, it is a necessity. Travel managers want access to seamless planning with booking options, profile management, traveller tracking, travel alerts and reporting. The right technology has the power to put people, information, innovation and safe, responsible travel at the heart of your travel program.