Competitive Benefits for Travel-Heavy Employees

There are both advantages and disadvantages to traveling for work.

When approached correctly, work-related travel can be a source of stress reduction, knowledge acquisition, and rejuvenation. Stepping out of the usual routine within a work context can provide employees with a fresh perspective on their role within the company, inspiring a greater sense of ownership over their responsibilities. Face-to-face interactions with colleagues and managers, whom they typically only engage with digitally, can foster stronger connections and collaboration.

However, the stress associated with work travel often outweighs the intended productivity gains. Travel can disrupt family life and cause interruptions in team-based projects and processes. Additionally, it takes a toll on the traveler’s physical well-being, requiring adjustments to sleep and dietary patterns upon return.

To ensure that employees who frequently travel experience the benefits while mitigating the negative effects, it is crucial to prioritize their well-being. Here are seven strategies to achieve that goal:

1. Eliminate friction

One of the major scourges of the modern travel experience is waiting in endless lines. By enrolling your travelers in TSA Pre✓® or the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Global Entry program, you can demonstrably improve the beginning and end of every trip for every employee. Another advantage of this is (if they’re traveling on workdays) they will be able to more quickly resume work in the airport terminal if they’re waiting in line for 5 minutes instead of 45.

2. Make working on the road convenient

Speaking of which: There are two on-the-road productivity/morale killers that can be easily avoided: lack of WiFi and no access to power outlets. You can reduce friction on the road by either providing a WiFi hotspot or qualifying hotspots as expensable—there’s no better way to kill work mode than running around an airport or hotel or unfamiliar city hoping to find free WiFi! And for the no-outlet problem, a portable laptop charger can be a great option.

3. Let them reap the points and rewards

Travel-heavy employees often choose their roles because they enjoy traveling and value the perks associated with it, such as collecting frequent flyer miles and hotel points. However, as companies centralize travel expenses, these personal travel benefits are diminishing. Retaining travel rewards is not just about employee comfort but also plays a crucial role in employee retention. By providing travel perks, companies demonstrate their commitment to employee satisfaction and create a positive work environment. Maintaining or adopting these rewards is an investment in long-term employee loyalty and organizational success.

4. Adopt some flexibility for weekenders

Travel for work equals work, even if it’s on a weekend. Maybe an employee worked all week away from home and fly back on a Saturday morning. Or they’re flying in on Sunday night to start their full workweek bright and early Monday morning. Flexible hours and remote work options are a great way to go easy on employees, give them a chance to recharge, and demonstrate that you value their time and energy.

5. On-the-road emergency support

Unfortunately, travel worst-case scenarios aren’t WiFi or elbow room–related. Car breakdowns and medical emergencies happen all the time, but the damage can be mitigated. That’s why all employees—especially those who travel for work, but also those who don’t—should be offered benefits like discounted emergency services and roadside assistance.

6. Medical access anywhere

For frequent travelers, encountering health issues while on the road can be expected. To support their well-being, providing affordable access to on-call medical professionals through apps or telephone services is essential. This proactive approach enables employees to take care of their health needs promptly, even while away from home. By offering on-the-go medical support, employers not only benefit their employees but also promote a healthier workforce and mitigate potential health-related disruptions to business operations.

Offer more with Travel-friendly benefit packages

Benefits like the Alliance Value Plan from Alliance Direct Benefits can be a great way to ensure your mobile workforce feels supported on the road. You can increase efficiency by accommodating employees with a range of affordable travel benefits. The Alliance Value Plan gives members access to 24/7 roadside assistance, telemedicine and global emergency services. Knowing their protected while away from home means happier, more productive travel.

The Alliance Value Plan is available for individuals, families and groups. For group sales information, contact your benefits broker or learn more about Alliance for groups here.