When the corona crisis hit and companies around the world closed their doors, business travel was impacted in an unprecedented way. Overseas conferences and in-person meetings in offices across borders were suddenly out of the question. But throughout (partial) lockdowns, people worked hard on return-to-work and return-to-travel plans from their home offices. And now that many companies allow their employees to work on location one or two days a week, the avid travelers among us want to hop on their beloved trains and planes again. The question is, is this the right time to return to travel?
Time to hit the road again?
Here’s what we’ve noticed at Roadmap: people want to reconnect. Video calls are great, but everybody craves a change of scenery. When all Roadmappers worked from home, the productivity level did increase. We worked in a faster and more structured way. But we missed exchanging ideas and brainstorming over a cup of coffee or a beer. When working remotely, you just can’t have those spontaneous face-to-face conversations that often spark creativity. So, we felt less inspired.
And this doesn’t just go for Roadmap. People all over the world long to leave their houses. Road warriors are desperate to pack their bags and hit the road. And there’s light at the end of the tunnel: the first countries have begun to vaccinate their citizens, and many more will follow soon. So, if you haven’t already, you should really work on your return-to-travel plan now!
Adopting a proactive approach
It’s important to realize that business travel won’t go back to the way it used to be. Travelers will want to prepare properly and know what to expect. Will they be allowed to enter another country? Should they get tested before embarking on their journey? Are there any quarantine rules? As a travel manager (who takes traveler well-being to heart), you need to adopt a proactive approach and answer these questions before travelers ask them. That’s how you’ll instill trust in them and support them as they step out of their homes and into the world again!
How will your company facilitate a return to travel in a structured, responsible way? We’ll let you mull over that question in the next two weeks. Then we’ll publish another blog post to provide you with some hands-on tips.
Can’t hold yourself back in the meantime? Be sure to contact us. We are always happy to help!
