Face-to-face interaction and non-verbal communications are as old as human civilization. Interestingly, real-life human interactions continue to be of great value despite the emergence of remote video communication technologies, such as Zoom or Skype. In-person interaction is vital in boosting personal and business relationships. Organizations rely on business travel to expand business, network with prospects, and maintain customer relationships. Travel-oriented jobs profiles like service representatives, marketing executives, medical representatives, and project engineers expect employees to plan and execute frequent business travel across domestic and overseas destinations. However, you may wonder, can an employer force you to travel for work, or can you refuse to travel? Keep reading to discover the answer.
The importance of business travel
The pandemic underlined the importance of in-person interactions, regardless of the extensive use of video meeting apps. Hence, business travel recovered as soon as the pandemic was over.
A remote video call can never substitute the effectiveness of face-to-face meetings in sales and marketing. Travel is of utmost importance for site visits or maintenance of machines. A personal visit improves customers’ perception of the organization. Customers appreciate the efforts one has to take while traveling and meeting personally to address issues.
Human interaction is the core benefit of business travel. A personal interaction eliminates the chances of miscommunication and builds a strong rapport. One can explore a sea of opportunities traveling to a specific business destination. Video calls or zoom meetings restrict your attention to the screen. But a face-to-face meeting allows you to observe several things. These can open new avenues to engage in meaningful discussions.
You will probably make acquaintances with the office staff while waiting for the client meeting. These new acquaintances can be of great help in the future. Traveling to new territories is crucial to explore the market for assessing the potential for new business. Being in the office environment limits your ability to develop new relationships in the market. Most business travelers love to travel and are comfortable meeting new people.
Suggested Read: A Complete Guide To Business Trip Expense Management
Can businesses force you to travel for work?
The question, “can my employer force me to travel abroad or to domestic locations?” can have different answers based on the situation.
An employer has no moral right to force an employee to travel against their will. However, corporate trip is an employee’s responsibility if the job profile includes traveling. Organizations mention the clause of travel in the appointment letter. A sales and service job will require an employee to accept travel as part of their job. Several jobs involve travel across faraway destinations. Refusing to travel despite job requirements may cause loss of job. Employees cannot force you if your job profile does not mention travel as a significant aspect of the job.
The recent pandemic made several employees ask can an employer force them to travel for work if the travel will probably expose them to health risks. The employer can ask employees to travel if their job profile mandates work-related travel. The employee can refuse to travel if the employer does not ensure workplace safety or fails in the duty of care. ‘Can my employer force me to travel abroad’ is a common concern during pandemic outbreaks?’ The employer cannot ask the employee to travel for work if there is a travel restriction in the destination country. There must be a balance between an employer’s Duty of Care and the employee’s right to refuse travel for work. Employees cannot refuse to travel if there are no travel restrictions and the employer is taking proper care to ensure an employee’s safety and well-being.
Can an employee decline a work trip?
Naturally, the company determines how both managers and employees handle business travel. There are a variety of reasons why an employee might not be able or willing to travel occasionally, and it is entirely up to the employer how they handle an opt-out request. Employers and employees should be aware of the following:
- If it is specified in the employee’s contract or other pertinent official documentation, an employer may request that an employee travel for business.
- If an employee has a legitimate concern (such as a medical condition) that traveling could endanger themselves or the company, they have the right to refuse to go (despite their contract).
Most employers are understanding and open to occasionally making an exception.
Tips for maintaining your employee rights
You can take a number of actions to safeguard your rights as an employee if you must travel for work:
- Know your employer’s travel guidelines and any applicable labor laws.
- Keep track of all travel-related costs, such as airfare, lodging, and meals.
- If the travel is unreasonable or poses a serious risk to your health or safety, discuss alternate arrangements.
- Talk to your employer about any issues you have, and ask for clarification on any unclear policies or procedures.
Conclusion
Business travel is essential for employees in sales, marketing, project work, service, and maintenance departments. Several employees travel to diverse destinations for business meetings, trade exhibitions, seminars, or training programs. But, can an employer force you to travel for work? Employers cannot force an employee to travel for work if there is a risk to the employee’s health and well-being. Employers should reassure employees about their safety and comfort during travel by implementing a travel policy that includes expense reimbursement procedures and the duty of care features.
Advanced travel booking and management platforms like Paxes help employers meet Duty of Care obligations. Paxes provides employees instant access to human support through the app if there is an emerging risk or emergency.
Suggested Read: Corporate Flight Booking Benefits For Companies And Travelers
FAQs
Which job requires frequent traveling?
A sales and marketing job involves frequent traveling across domestic and overseas destinations. Employees from the service and maintenance department must travel to provide on-site service to customers.
How does business travel benefit employees?
Business travel helps employees visit faraway destinations and discover new cultures. It improves their ability to communicate by interacting with several people. Business travel boosts their confidence in managing the uncertainties of travel and enhances their networking skills.
How do companies reimburse travel expenses?
Reimbursement of travel expenses requires employees to create and submit expense statements by attaching receipts. The finance department reimburses the expenses after approval by line managers.
How to say no to frequent work-related travel out of town?
One should discuss with the line managers by justifying a reduction in the frequency of travel. The employee can suggest an alternative arrangement or solution. Refusing to travel up front may impact the career prospects of the employee.
What are the drawbacks of business travel?
Business travel can cause fatigue and stress. It exposes an employee to risks of infections, allergies, and injuries. Long-haul flights cause sleep disturbances. Many employees may experience homesickness if the business trip is for an extended period.
