INSIGHT

Supporting your people during COVID-19

Support your people

To help you make an informed decision about the safety and well being of your travelers during the COVID-19 (coronavirus) outbreak we have prepared the following information. It is your responsibility to ensure your travelers comply with any government travel restrictions.

As COVID-19 dominates domestic and international headlines – open, transparent and timely communication is the key to reducing anxiety amongst business travelers. Words like pandemic and epidemic can create unnecessary fear, so business managers need to take the lead to reassure travelers that their well being is paramount.

Communicate openly and regularly

The inherent uncertainty around COVID-19 is naturally unsettling, which is why factual and timely updates are important. Keeping the lines of communication open with your employees and travelers also sends a clear message that you take their health – and that of your clients – very seriously. Clearly communicate your preparedness and any new strategies you are putting in place.

Listen and reassure

Understanding the concerns of travelers is important. Vulnerable employees with underlying conditions have genuine reasons to be concerned about travel and should be offered alternatives, such as video conferencing. WHO identifies high-risk people as individuals aged over 60 years and those with underlying conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, chronic respiratory disease and cancer. Pregnant women do not appear to be more at risk, but may understandably be reluctant to travel.

Recognize that some travelers will also experience increased anxiety due to the possibility of their travel being disrupted mid-trip. The potential for delays and cancellations can create concern as travelers fear of being away from family for longer than expected. With the international situation changing so quickly, suspended services and country entry bans can catch travelers unaware.

 

Keep to the facts

Reassure travelers that good hygiene is very effective against contracting the virus. And ensure good hygiene is also followed in the workplace as returning travelers circulate at work – especially given that the virus has a 14 day incubation period.

Keeping communication factual will also build trust. Arguably the most important fact is that in general, the virus only causes mild symptoms in most people.

A WHO/China Joint Mission on coronavirus held at the end of February reported that most people infected with COVID-19 virus have mild disease and recover. Approximately 80% of laboratory-confirmed patients have had mild to moderate disease, which includes non-pneumonia and pneumonia cases. The panel responsible for this report consisted of 25 national and international experts from China, Germany, Japan, Korea, Nigeria, Russia, Singapore, the United States of America and WHO.

Stay connected

It’s important to have good real-time methods to communicate with all employees, especially those travelling. Ensure that your travel management company has robust risk management procedures, including a mobile app to contact travelers if the situation changes and a 24/7 emergency hotline.

Draw on your Travel Manager’s resources

Travel program managers and traveler bookers can call on the in-depth industry knowledge available to them through their FCM travel consultant or account manager. Our experts have the resources to advise on travel policy changes, traveler risk management and the latest country travel restrictions, along with advanced technology to communicate quickly and efficiently with travelers as the COVID-19 situation evolves.

Need help with your travel program during COVID-19? We're here to help.

By proceeding, I agree to the website terms of use and to my personal information being handled in accordance with the privacy policy.