Key questions to ask when planning a business travel review

Business travel is a crucial component for many organisations, but when was the last time you assessed your travel programme? A thorough business travel review can help your organisation identify inefficiencies, uncover opportunities for improvement, and ultimately provide a better experience for your travellers.  

But where do you start? The secret lies in asking the right questions. In this blog, we’ll highlight five key questions you should ask to ensure your business travel programme is delivering on ROI and traveller loyalty.  

Is your policy meeting your business’ objectives?  

The first question to ask is whether your organisation’s travel policy aligns with its overarching business goals.  

A travel policy that supports your objectives can greatly influence the success of your operations. For example, if cost containment is a priority, does your policy establish clear limits on expenses while maintaining standards that keep travellers comfortable and productive? Alternatively, if sustainability is important, are there measures in place to offset your company’s carbon footprint?  

A mismatch between the organisation's goals and the travel policy can result in inefficiencies, wasted resources, and dissatisfied travellers. Review your objectives regularly and ensure your travel policy reflects those priorities.  

Are there any areas where your current travel policy is falling short? 

A business travel policy may look excellent on paper, but how does it perform in practice? This question is pivotal in uncovering any blind spots or lapses in your current strategy.  

Are you consistently exceeding travel budgets? If so, you may need to tighten spending caps or renegotiate supplier contracts.  

Are employees adhering to the travel policy? Non-compliance often signals a policy that’s either unclear or inconvenient.  

By addressing these problem areas, you can enhance efficiency, maintain cost controls, and mitigate risks.  

What challenges do your travellers most often face? 

Your employees’ feedback is invaluable when evaluating your travel programme. While business travellers often soldier through inconveniences, persistent issues can erode productivity and morale over time.  

Common roadblocks may include: 

• Long booking processes  

• Limited in-policy flight and hotel options  

• Poor communication about itinerary updates   

Understanding these pain points allows you to make informed changes that can significantly improve the travel experience. Implementing user-friendly booking tools or partnering with a travel management company for 24/7 support could resolve many of these challenges. 

How satisfied are your travellers upon their return? 

Business travel is about more than just getting from point A to point B. The traveller’s experience plays a fundamental role in the success of their trip and, by extension, your results.  

Traveller satisfaction goes hand in hand with productivity. A disgruntled employee returning from an exhausting trip won’t perform optimally. If trips are routinely disrupted by delayed flights, chaotic schedules, or poor accommodation, you may not get the ROI you were expecting.  

Gather feedback through post-trip surveys or interviews to measure employee satisfaction. You’ll gain valuable insights that can guide your next steps, such as sourcing higher-quality accommodation, prioritising more direct flight paths, or enhancing support services. 

How can you make your business travel programme more care-led?  

Employee wellbeing matters, and it should extend to your travel policy. The concept of a ‘care-led’ business travel programme is becoming increasingly important as travellers expect a higher level of support from their employers.  

A care-led travel initiative ensures: 

• Health and safety: Travellers feel secure with access to 24/7 emergency assistance and clear communication about travel risks.  

• Comfortable journeys: Itinerary planning prioritises direct routes and reasonable layovers to reduce travel fatigue. 

• Work-life balance: Policies include flexibility, allowing employees to extend business trips for leisure or accommodate family commitments.  

A care-centred approach demonstrates your organisation's commitment to its employees’ wellbeing, fostering loyalty, and boosting overall productivity. Remember, happier travellers are more effective representatives of your business. 

Moving forwards with a revitalised travel policy 

Planning a business travel review is about more than ticking boxes. It’s about building a travel programme that supports your business objectives, meets employee needs, and stays adaptive to industry trends. By addressing these five crucial questions, your organisation can create a smarter, more sustainable approach to business travel.  

If you’re looking for expert guidance or custom solutions, Travel Counsellors for Business can help. From policy reviews to 24/7 traveller support, we specialise in delivering tailored, care-led travel programmes for organisations of all sizes. Get in touch to find out more.