Help your travellers to meet more than just flight deadlines! Business travel disrupts regular routines and schedules. Staying ahead of expectations, both business and personal can be a challenge when away from home. Many business travellers feel as though juggling airport chaos and unfamiliar locations drains their ability to meet deadlines and deliver all they’ve promised. If this sounds like your travellers – then check out our top tips for how to help travellers stay productive when on the road for work.

1. Plan and prepare
   Yes – sometimes it’s lastminute.com, we know. But regardless of whether travel is last minute or planned well in advance, access to important information in the preparation stage goes a long way towards ensuring a productive and positive travel experience:
   • Make sure your travellers know exactly why they are travelling and what the business expectation is. A well thought through travel policy is a critical starting point. This outlines the business protocols when travelling for work and should be easily available for all employees to see.
   • Ensure that travellers fully understand their responsibilities in terms of payment for business travel expenses and that they have the necessary payment methods available to avoid delays in processes such as check-in and check-out procedures.
   • Avoid nasty surprises and unnecessary delays at service counters, security checks and border controls by making sure all travel documentation is up-to-date and compliant.
   • Remember that not everyone has done this before. Business travel may seem overwhelming to new recruits. By providing comprehensive information and support up front, you’re reducing the risk of rookie errors that result in interruptions and affect productivity.
   
   
2. Prioritise your traveller’s well-being
   • Arrange accommodation that is safe and practical. Think about how close travellers need to be to amenities that might be needed. Check that the room offers a workspace and that meals and refreshments are close by. Ask about rooms away from central areas for uninterrupted peace and quiet.
   • Advise your travellers, especially if they don’t travel regularly, to be cautious about trying out new foods and beverages in unfamiliar locations – a bout of stomach flu can be debilitating and can negatively impact their ability to perform at their best.
   • Factor in the chance of some relaxing activities for your travellers. Sightseeing and walking in safe locations are great stress relievers. Many hotels also have gyms and swimming pools, which are appreciated by travellers who like to exercise.
   • Encourage employees to create mobile workspace by having all the equipment they need on hand. They should have fully operational device chargers, headphones and any other equipment that might be needed to work in a relaxed and productive manner.
   
   
3. Make technology your friend
   There are endless ways to use smart technology to save time and streamline travel schedules, so embrace them. Today’s digital solutions offer a level of convenience that is indispensable for business travellers and contributes significantly towards peace of mind, personal safety and efficiency. Throughout the travel cycle – from itinerary organisation to expense tracking, travel apps have revolutionised the way we navigate the complexities of business travel, affording travellers more time to get on with the job at hand.
   

Here are a few other technology applications that your business travellers might find useful for freeing up time to be productive:

• Lounge Buddy – a very useful source of information on the airport lounge. Lounge Buddy assists travellers in finding the perfect place to work without disruption. It offers detailed lounge reviews and highlights amenities such as complimentary Wi-Fi, refreshments and comfortable seating.
• Google Translate – bridging the language gap in a foreign country can be frustrating and time-consuming. This multilingual app provides instant translations for text, speech and images. Interactions with local suppliers will be smoother and might just save your travellers valuable time getting from A to B.
• Flight Radar 24 – this is a game-changer for globetrotters. Travellers can monitor connecting flights and check delays when airport communication fails. This app keeps them informed and updated at all times, reducing stress and allowing them to put in extra time on work.

With meaningful preparation, a focus on health, and some useful travel technology in their pockets, business trips are more likely to be hassle-free and productive experiences for your busy travellers!