Terrorism, political and civil unrest worry business travelers
The socio-political climate is worrying business travelers. In a new poll from the Chubb Group of Insurance Companies, one-half of the people surveyed would refuse to go on a business trip because of concerns related to terrorism (28 percent) and political or civil unrest (21 percent). An infectious disease outbreak (19%) was also a top concern among survey participants.
“Recent turmoil in Egypt and Libya has heightened the perceived risks associated with traveling internationally for business. Having the right protections in place prior to sending employees on international business trips demonstrates that a company values its most important asset— the people who are responsible for an organization’s stability, success and growth,” said Jim Villa, a senior vice president and North American manager for Chubb’s Accident & Health business, in a statement. “Employers need to have a well-communicated plan in place that may include third-party resources if an emergency arises.”
Chubb says employers can take several steps to help protect their employees abroad and ease concerns associated with business travel:
- Assure that employees have a set itinerary in place;
- Thoroughly research the hotels, transportation vehicles and travel routes employees plan to use;
- Provide employees with a packet of updated travel logistics before they leave in case they become stranded without an operative communication device; and
- Consider the purchase of business travel accident insurance to help transport an employee on commercial, military or charter aircraft to a safe area and to respond to medical emergencies in foreign locations. The insurer may also offer referrals to legal and translation services.
