{"id":14240,"date":"2023-02-23T17:28:56","date_gmt":"2023-02-23T17:28:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.itilite.com\/?p=14240"},"modified":"2024-01-11T16:31:35","modified_gmt":"2024-01-11T16:31:35","slug":"work-trip-hr-tips","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.itilite.com\/in\/blog\/work-trip-hr-tips\/","title":{"rendered":"11 Things you don’t want your Employees to do on a Work Trip"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Work trips can be exhilarating in a way that employees get an exciting opportunity to travel to different places, represent their company, or even meet peers from another part of the world. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

But, it is important for employees to be aware that they are still representing the company even while traveling. To avoid creating a negative impact on the company\u2019s reputation, there are several things employees should avoid on a business trips.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In this blog, we discuss some crucial things your employees must not do on a work trip.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Misrepresenting the Company<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Misrepresentation is defined as the inaccurate statement or information provided by one party to influence another party in the decision-making process. This could be either signing a contract or making new business deals. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

During a business trip, in order to impress the clients or strike new business deals, employees can provide information that is not true or misrepresent their products and services. However, such unethical practices can put your company in bad limelight. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Therefore, before employees go on work trips, you, as an HR manager, must always ensure that employees know their company profile thoroughly so they don’t give false information during their trip. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

You must clearly communicate with your employees what they are authorized to do and say on behalf of the company. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. Violating the Company\u2019s Policy<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Policy violation is one of the most common problems that companies face. The policies can include all company policies, such as travel and expense policy, expense reimbursement, data security, and employee safety. Employees may not always comply with a policy<\/a> because of various reasons. This leads to a policy violation, and they may not know the consequences of violating your company\u2019s policy. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Before they leave for their business trip, you can hand over a copy of all your company\u2019s policies so that they can thoroughly go through them. If they are not clear on a few pointers, they can get their doubts clarified. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Moreover, you must ensure that the employees carry these copies when they go on a business trip so that they can refer to them anytime. This helps prevent any policy violation, and you can also manage your business travel management<\/a> process. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. Being Disrespectful of Local Cultures and Laws<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

When traveling to a different place, especially internationally, employees can see a shift in cultures and laws. Understanding local customs and laws can positively impact business decisions, build relationships, and drive your business. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, employees must be mindful of not disrespecting local customs or laws. For instance, employees must not use offensive language or behave indecently in public. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hence, as an HR, you must inform your employees about local customs and laws about the destination they are traveling to. You must research the destination thoroughly, understand its culture, and know the various international business etiquette<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

You should also educate your employees on what phrases are acceptable and what phrases are considered offensive in certain countries, the importance of timings, consumption of alcohol, and many more. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cultural insensitivity and ignorance can affect your business, such as missed business opportunities and brand damage. Therefore, ensure that your employees know and respect the local culture and laws. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

4. Ignoring Safety Protocols<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

During a work trip, the safety of the employees is of utmost importance. However, ignoring safety protocols on a business trip can be dangerous and put the employee and the company’s reputation at risk. Here are a few reasons why employees should not ignore safety protocols while on a business trip:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Personal safety:<\/strong> When employees ignore the safety protocols, their personal safety is at high risk. For instance, venturing out late in the night or going to a place that is unsafe can be a threat to employees\u2019 personal safety. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Company reput<\/strong>ation: <\/strong>Ignoring safety protocols could also harm your company’s reputation and increase its liability. If an employee is injured or harmed as a result of ignoring safety protocols, the company can be held responsible for any damages or losses. This can lead to damage to the company\u2019s reputation. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cost and productivity<\/strong>: <\/strong>When safety protocols are ignored, it could also result in increased costs and decreased productivity. For example, if an employee is injured or harmed as a result of ignoring safety protocols, they may need to take time off work, resulting in lost productivity. Additionally, the company may incur additional costs related to medical expenses, legal fees, or insurance claims.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Therefore, employees must always follow safety protocols while on a business trip. HRs must educate employees on safety tips<\/a> and hand them a safety checklist before employees go on the trip. <\/p>\n\n\n

Get Free Traveler Safety Checklist<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n

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5. Not Communicating Effectively with Colleagues<\/h2>\n

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Communication is one of the essential aspects of a trip. Employees who go on business trips may not communicate with their colleagues due to differences in time zones or hectic schedules.\u00a0<\/p>\n

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But communication is crucial because it helps ensure that everyone involved is working towards the same goals, understands their roles and responsibilities, and can coordinate their work effectively. Employees not communicating effectively with their colleagues can lead to misunderstandings, delay in achieving goals, and missed business opportunities.\u00a0<\/p>\n

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Therefore, you should instruct your employees to communicate effectively with their colleagues and managers. If any problems arise unexpectedly, then with proper communication, team members can help identify problems early, brainstorm solutions, and make decisions quickly.<\/p>\n

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HRs must ensure employees have reliable means of keeping in touch with their colleagues, such as business travel tools<\/a> for audio and video conferencing, which will allow them to keep in touch with their colleagues instantly.\u00a0<\/p>\n

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6. Engaging in Personal Activities During Work Hours<\/h2>\n

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According to Zippia<\/a>, an average employee spends 8 hours per work week on their cell phones for non-work related activities. When employees go on work trips, they are going with a purpose. However, employees sometimes engage in personal activities during business hours, such as using cell phones, talking to others, browsing social media, etc.\u00a0<\/p>\n

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This can impact employees\u2019 productivity and hamper their business travel goals. When employees are attentive and focused, it creates a good impression on others about your company.<\/p>\n

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Therefore, you must inform your employees why not engaging in any personal activities is crucial. You must also keep track of their performance and get regular updates from employees on their achievements. This ensures employees focus less on personal activities during work hours.\u00a0<\/p>\n

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7. Not Being Punctual\u00a0<\/h2>\n

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It goes without saying that business meetings and conferences require business professionals to be on time. If your employees report late to any of the business events, it can affect the working relationships with colleagues, clients, and even managers. It may also come across as not valuing other people\u2019s time and, thus, not valuing others in general.\u00a0<\/p>\n

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Hence, punctuality for meetings or any other business event is extremely important. Employees need to prepare well in advance and make arrangements the previous day so that they don\u2019t arrive late to the meetings. As an HR, you must also explain how they can manage time between their personal and professional work, so they don\u2019t arrive late during business meetings or conferences.\u00a0<\/p>\n

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As an HR, you can ask your employees to:<\/p>\n

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