What is Travel Risk Management and Why is it Important for Your Business

Travel risk management is the comprehensive approach of evaluating and pinpointing areas of risk, vulnerabilities, and threats in all facets of a business - from revenue streams to inventory management and supply chain disruptions.

Consistently identifying new risks is integral to the decision-making process within a business. It's imperative for a business to conduct risk assessments routinely to ensure there's a proactive strategy in place should the worst-case scenario materialize.

Risk management encompasses various facets, from daily challenges like cybersecurity threats to specialized sectors like financial trading companies employing risk avoidance and management methodologies.

At the board level, risk management is a paramount concern, often necessitating departmental stakeholders to undertake risk identification to minimize potential threats.

In expansive organizations, dedicated teams might oversee risk mitigation, making it common to have a risk manager collaborating across the business, devising risk management strategies for the entire entity.

Corporate risk management is vast, employing a plethora of management tools and contingency strategies to brace a company for unforeseen challenges. Some businesses perceive risk as another project management facet, assigning a project manager to collaborate with stakeholders.

The essence of risk management is to mitigate adverse impacts on the business. Where there's risk, there's potential for both gains and losses. Effective risk management seeks ways to diminish the probability of harm to the business.

Risk Treatment Methods

• Risk Avoidance: Through active risk evaluation, certain risks can be entirely circumvented. For instance, adopting a remote work policy can be a method of risk avoidance.
• Risk Transference: Insurance is a form of risk transference, offering coverage against specific types of risks. From building insurance against damages to specialized policies, insurance can shield businesses from unforeseen challenges.
• Mitigation: Accepting potential risks but mitigating them through strategic planning and procedures can be a pragmatic approach. This involves prioritizing risks and devising strategies to prevent major disruptions.
• Ignoring it: While not always advisable, some businesses opt to address risks only when they manifest. This approach can expose businesses to significant challenges if unanticipated issues arise.

Employee Risk Management

Employee risk management is crucial, often overlooked, but can be costly if mishandled. Proper risk analysis is essential to mitigate potential financial risks.

While typically under the purview of Human Resources (HR), specific risks might necessitate collaboration across departments. Employee risk management can pertain to workplace risks, but in today's globalized world, it also encompasses risks associated with business travel.

Risk Management in Business Travel with ORX Travel

From health concerns in specific locations to civil unrest and natural disasters, travel risk management is essential. Businesses have a duty of care towards their employees, necessitating effective risk management strategies.

While insurance can cover many travel-related risks, it's vital to understand the coverage's scope.

How to Manage Travel Risk

• Understanding Risk: The foundation of an effective travel risk management strategy is understanding potential risks and having a robust travel policy to counter these challenges.
• Creating a Risk Management Plan: Without a solid plan, employees might be exposed to risks, potentially leading to legal repercussions for the business.
• Educating Employees: Comprehensive risk management is futile if employees are unaware. Training is vital to ensure employees recognize risks and know how to respond.
• Locating and Contacting Employees: Knowing your employees' whereabouts during travel and understanding potential risks in their location is crucial. ORX Travel offers real-time tracking and communication tools to ensure employee safety.

Benefits of a Risk Management Plan

• Cost Savings: Risk can be financially draining. Effective risk management can prevent these potential challenges.
• Regulatory Compliance: Understanding risks can help businesses avoid legal complications.
• Reduced Legal Issues: Comprehensive risk management can shield businesses from potential litigation and liabilities.
• Enhanced Employee Relations: A robust employee risk management plan can boost morale, motivation, and retention.

ORX Travel is your trusted partner for unparalleled risk management and duty of care in the corporate travel sector.

Contact ORX Travel today to discover more and request a demo.