Business travel has made a robust comeback, yet many employees find themselves left behind. According to SAP Concur’s recent Global Business Travel Survey, two-thirds of employees view business travel as crucial for career progression. However, an equal proportion believe they lack the same opportunities as their peers.
The Importance of Global Experience
Global travel is not just a luxury but a necessity for career development. Anna Potter, head of global mobility services for the Americas hub at Continental, emphasizes its importance. “It’s a you-have-to-have-it. Without global experience, effective global leadership is significantly limited,” she told WorkLife.
Rising Disparity in Travel Opportunities
SAP Concur’s survey reveals an increase in the perception of unequal travel opportunities, rising from 62% to 66% year-over-year. The reasons behind this disparity are multifaceted, including seniority, age, parental status, location, physical appearance, and office attendance frequency.
Gender and Other Factors
Women face more barriers than men regarding age, parental status, and gender. Notably, 38% of men report never feeling disadvantaged in travel opportunities compared to 29% of women. Jen Moyse, VP of product and head of UX at SAP Concur, finds these disparities particularly concerning for younger employees who see business travel as vital for both personal and career development.
Challenges for LGBTQ+ Travelers
LGBTQ+ travelers face additional hurdles. The survey indicates that LGBTQ+ employees feel more disadvantaged due to physical appearance, disability, and sexual orientation. A separate survey by World Travel Protection shows that 64% of business travelers worry about visiting regions with known biases against LGBTQ+ individuals. Only 15% of companies provide information on LGBTQIA+ rights in destination countries, highlighting a significant gap in support.
Addressing the Inequities
To tackle these inequities, businesses must first acknowledge them. “Engage with your employees about the company’s travel plans and understand their concerns,” advises Moyse. Leveraging HR teams to address workplace issues is a crucial step.
Safety and Inclusion Measures
Organizations like World Travel Protection offer guidance and tools to support minority groups during travel. Frank Harrison, regional security director for the Americas at World Travel Protection, stresses the importance of preparing travelers for the risks they might face and supporting them in making informed decisions. He also advocates against punitive measures for employees who decline travel due to safety concerns.
Promoting Fair Business Travel Practices
Innovative approaches can also ensure equal opportunities. GrowthScribe, a company specializing in revenue enhancement, uses anonymous applications for business trips to reduce bias. This approach promotes merit-based selection and healthy competition among employees, says founder and CEO Kartik Ahuja.
GrowthScribe also implements a shadow program, allowing employees to accompany senior leaders on trips without full responsibility. This rotational program provides hands-on experience in managing work aspects like report preparation, research, and handling complex projects.
Conclusion
The disparity in business travel opportunities is a pressing issue that companies must address. By promoting awareness, ensuring safety, and implementing fair practices, businesses can create a more inclusive environment where every employee has a chance to benefit from the career-enhancing experience of business travel.