Although often overlooked, Travel Risk Management (TRM) not only protects employees but also contributes to creating a safer, more responsible, and inclusive work environment and should take into account the specific needs of women and the LGBTQ+ community, ensuring that corporate policies guarantee the safety of all travelers.

Before reflecting on these particularly at-risk categories in certain cultures and countries, we take the opportunity for a brief guide to TRM, so that the context in which it should operate is clearer.

The ISO 31030:2021 standard is the international reference standard for Travel Risk Management (TRM) that provides guidelines for organizations for managing risks associated with business travel. It applies to any type of organization, regardless of sector or size, including commercial companies, non-profits, government entities, educational institutions, etc. The standard recognizes different types of travelers, including direct employees, interns, guests, family members, students, etc.

As can be inferred from its classification, the ISO 31030:2021 standard is based on the principles, structure, and process of ISO 31000 (Risk Management), adapting them to the specific context of travel-related risks. It is also aligned with the requirements of ISO 45001 (Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems), as worker well-being is a key aspect of travel risk management.

This standard is important because it contributes to business resilience and continuity through the assessment and treatment of risks, minimizing the negative impact of potential incidents, such as injuries, health problems, security incidents, or logistical issues, on operational continuity. Furthermore, demonstrating proactive travel risk management can improve an organization’s reputation, the confidence of workers and stakeholders, and potentially reduce insurance costs.

The standard is developed around the concept of an organization’s “duty of care” towards its traveling employees, meaning the moral responsibility or legal obligation of an organization to protect traveling personnel from dangers and threats, extending to the protection of the health, safety, and information security of travelers, and implying that the organization takes appropriate measures to mitigate these risks.

Travel risk assessment requires a deep understanding of the operational context, both internal and external to the organization. Factors to consider include: environmental, political, socio-economic, cultural, and legal factors; political violence, social unrest, crime; quality and reliability of transport and telecommunications; health risks, including epidemics and pandemics; quality of local healthcare infrastructure; information security and territorial conditions. Moreover, it is important to consider the traveler’s profile (competence, cultural identity, health, etc.) and the specific nature of the trip (duration, destination, planned activities).

The steps necessary for effective planning, implementation, and evaluation of TRM activities also include the selection of accommodations, the reduction and management of potential health risks, and incident management. This is managed by Kriptia through its proprietary TRM platform called KRION.

Typically, risk reduction measures may include information, advice, and updates for travelers (e.g., country reports), communication protocols and contact platforms; careful selection of accommodation and transport, travel planning, medical and security support, incident management, traveler tracking, management of potential kidnappings, and evacuation planning.

In assessing the individual profile of the traveler, Travel Risk Management must consider the specific needs of women and employees belonging to the LGBTQ+ community, ensuring that corporate policies are inclusive and aimed at guaranteeing the safety of all travelers. These groups, in fact, face specific risks and must be carefully considered in corporate risk management policies.

Women who travel for work face a range of unique risks compared to their male colleagues. They may be perceived as “easy targets” and, consequently, must take additional precautions, especially when traveling alone, to avoid assault and sexual harassment. Furthermore, in many countries, local laws and customs may be unfavorable towards women, and it is essential that companies provide detailed information on local regulations regarding female behavior.

In many cultures, women may face legal or social restrictions. It is crucial to be aware of dress codes, which may be specific to women, and failing to comply with these norms can lead to sanctions or harassment. Additionally, in some cultures, interactions between men and women may be limited (even a simple handshake), making greater caution necessary. In work or professional situations, they may experience biases that affect career opportunities or access to services.

LGBTQ+ personnel also face significant challenges during business travel. In many countries, sexual orientation can be subject to legal or social discrimination, and it is therefore crucial that companies carefully evaluate local laws regarding LGBTQ+ rights before sending employees to such areas. They are also subject to greater risks related to physical safety, such as physical or verbal assaults. Companies must ensure that employees are informed about safe places and how to behave in potentially dangerous situations.

To address these risks, companies can implement various strategies, which primarily include specific training, offering security training courses that address issues specific to these traveler categories (local regulations, best practices for risk reduction, etc.). Risk assessment must also take into account the destination and cultural and legal conditions. A corporate support system must not be lacking, allowing employees to report issues or seek help in emergencies.

It is also worth remembering that modern travelers are required to have a new level of awareness: an active and responsible approach in carefully considering the specific risk factors present in a given area of a country considered “safe.” These risks may be linked to specific times, events, or even the behavior of the visitor themselves. For example, adopting attitudes that contradict the morality or religious sensitivity of a country or local community can pose a risk.