As CEO, your role and influence at the helm of the company are vital to proceedings. Business travel is often a necessary element of this role, but it can increase your exposure to security and safety concerns. Global pandemics and social or political unrest are just some examples of security issues that can threaten business travellers – particularly those unlucky enough to be in the wrong place at the wrong time.
Mitigating these risks should be an important part of the planning and booking process, with choices such as transport and accommodation reducing your chances of illness, injury or delay. In this article, we will explore some of the more prominent steps you can take to maintain your safety and security during a business trip.
Transportation
Public and private transport is a fundamental part of business travel and needs to be carefully considered if you’re a CEO on the move. Public transport should be avoided wherever possible to limit your exposure to potentially dangerous people or harmful environments. Public transport is also most commonly the least time-efficient method of travel and as a CEO, your time is extremely valuable.
With domestic or international trips where aviation is required, business or first-class bookings should limit your exposure to large numbers of people in busy public terminals, waiting lounges and onboard the aircraft. In the past 2 years we’ve seen the dramatic rise of social distancing measures and attitudes – to avoid potential health and safety issues while away on business travel, this thinking should be continued where appropriate.
Accommodation
Accommodation should be a high priority on your planning list when it comes to business travel. Your choice acts as a base of operations for your stay and dictates essential safety considerations such as your location. Looking at cost alone shouldn’t be a priority – you can find much better value overall if you consider more elements such as the functionality and location of your accommodation.
For example, serviced apartments in London are becoming increasingly popular with executive business travellers. These spaces offer more than just a place to sleep, with a separate kitchen, lounging and working areas that allow you to create a home away from home. Kitchen facilities reduce the need for takeaways and meals out, although you may still prefer to try the local cuisine.
Day to Day
Travelling from commitment to commitment is perhaps the last thing you think about when arranging a business trip, but it’s a good idea to think ahead to avoid any potential security concerns. You could think about hiring a private driver to take you from place to place during your trip away – this will allow you to use your time more effectively whilst also avoiding busy public streets.
The risks of business travel are relatively low in most regions of the world, but being prepared is always a good idea when travelling away from your headquarters. Carefully considering transport and accommodation options should allow to you mitigate various safety and security concerns that may be present.
