Despite companies promoting newer tools, few employees take advantage of safety benefits: survey
A recent survey of North American business travelers highlights a gap between corporate encouragement and actual use of travel assistance apps, which are designed to enhance safety during work trips. Despite companies promoting these tools, few employees are taking advantage of them.
The survey, commissioned by World Travel Protection, reveals that while a large majority of companies encourage the use of travel safety apps (83% in the US; 69% in Canada), only around three in 10 business travelers have downloaded one (30% in the US; 28% in Canada).
Even more notably, nearly one-third of respondents either declined to use the recommended app (31% in the US; 17% in Canada), or simply haven’t bothered to download it (22% US; 23% CAN).
“Given the volatile state of the world – with growing civil unrest, geopolitical conflicts, and natural disasters – it’s puzzling that many travelers aren’t taking advantage of the latest travel assistance apps, which can provide immediate access to medical and security experts at the touch of a button,” said Frank Harrison, Regional Security Director Americas at World Travel Protection.
One possible reason? Privacy concerns. However, most apps allow users to control their location-sharing settings, masking precise locations within a 3-mile/5-km radius while still providing crucial alerts about nearby risks, said the organization.
These apps, which offer real-time security alerts and access to medical assistance, have a proven benefit in enhancing safety for travelers, said World Travel Protection. Many respondents acknowledged the potential impact, with about one-third (31% US; 32% CAN) noting that 24/7 support via an app would be a “game changer.”
Additionally, a quarter (26% in both countries) of business travellers said the app would provide peace of mind, while 29% stated that their families would feel reassured knowing they had such support.
“With cutting-edge technology, travel assistance apps have become a significant differentiator for companies aiming to keep their employees safe while on the move,” Harrison added.
“Proactively engaging in risk reduction for traveling employees is key to fulfilling legal, compliance, and Duty of Care obligations.”
Mandating app usage and confirming downloads before travel may be a best practice for companies aiming to minimize risk.
The research was conducted by Opinium Research in February 2024, surveying 1,000 North American business travelers (500 from the US and 500 from Canada), each of whom travels for business at least once a year.
