Due to the ongoing Pandemia of Coronavirus, business trips are associated with increased risks in 2021. These include the risk of canceling measures, the introduction of restrictive and quarantine measures in the region of destination, suspension of air traffic, closing borders, and employees’ illness.
All this leads to the fact that the organization of a business trip requires more thorough preparation and flexible planning. In this material, we will talk about what should be provided in order to secure employees as much as possible during a business trip.
Gather as much information as possible about the current situation in the region
Before you go on a trip, it is important to make sure that in the country or region of destination there will be no unforeseen situations associated with the sudden introduction of restrictive measures. To do this, you can study local news dedicated to the epidemiological situation, and evaluate trends for the next term.
Of course, in the case of a foreign trip, it is useful to clarify the conditions for entering the country, as they can constantly change. For example, a certificate of the negative result of the Coronavirus test is mandatory when entering most countries, but nuances are possible.
The collection of detailed information about the destination will help to avoid many troubles and minimize risks.
Book tickets with the possibility of returning funds
In conditions of increased risk of canceling or transferring a trip, a good idea will buy flights with the possibility of a free return or transfer of dates. If the ticket was purchased at the irrevocable tariff, then in case of cancellation of the event (even because of the introduction of quarantine), there will be no grounds for returning funds. And although some airlines are ready to reimburse part of the ticket value when canceling flights due to the introduction of quarantine measures or suspension of air traffic, there is no single return policy.
Get medical insurance
In order to additionally protect employees on a business trip and reduce risks, you can purchase medical insurance with a coating in case of coronavirus. Unlike foreign trips, where the presence of insurance is mandatory, on business trips in Russia, not everyone takes this opportunity.
On the trip, follow the recommendations of the WHO
While the pandemic continues, there is always the possibility that the employee will fall ill with coronavirus during the trip. And this leads to significant additional costs, not to mention the threat to the health of an employee.
Therefore, it is extremely important to observe all measures of epidemiological safety, namely to observe the social distance, wear a medical mask, regularly wash your hands, treat them with an antiseptic, avoid massive accumulations, refrain from handshakes, etc.
It is also not recommended to send employees from risk groups on business trips – that is, those who are more than 60 years old or who has chronic diseases.
Additionally, the use of a taxi or car sharing as an alternative to public transport can reduce risks.
