Strategies for Managing Remote Travelers Efficiently

Remote work is on the rise. Many workers will only work remotely and resist the idea of going into an office everyday. But remote work comes with unique challenges, especially when you have workers traveling.

Traveling to work remotely is not as difficult as it might seem. It just takes a bit of extra planning and communication. Having a strategy is important.

In fact, having multiple strategies is usually necessary. Here are some strategies you need to put into practice for remote traveling.

1. Staying in Touch

You won’t be able to get in person feedback. Staying in contact is important. Let your employees know that you are available whenever they need them.

If there is a time difference, this might mean staying up late. Or you might have to get up early. You might have to wake up in the middle of the night. While traveling, you might not have the same access to cell service. Use a messaging app like Signal, Telegram, or WhatsApp. If privacy is important to your business, choose an app that has encrypted services.

Check your email and phone every so often. Send a text to ask how everyone’s doing. It will make them feel less alone on the road. Send reminders if you’re worried about them forgetting something.

2. Booking Services

Organizing travel arrangements isn’t easy. You might have employees going to different places around the globe at the same time. That makes it hard to keep up with all the hotels and flights.

Using a booking service for business travel will make things easier. It will streamline your process and ensure that everyone gets the same treatment. When traveling for work, it’s important to maintain a degree of professionalism. You have to look professional and organized for clients.

Staying at a cheap hotel won’t impress them. You don’t need to stay in a luxury resort, but you do need something nice. You also need a place that has all the right amenities for your employees.

While on the road, workers want the comforts of home. They probably want a fitness center and free breakfast. They might even want a drink at the bar. A booking service will make sure that all their needs are met so you don’t have to. It will also save you a lot of time and money.

3. Granting Flexibility

Things come up during travel. Flights can be canceled. Meetings can be moved around. Give your employees a certain degree of autonomy. Trust them to make the right decisions. They shouldn’t need to contact you for every small decision.

Let them know that they can go a bit over budget if necessary. Splurging on a nice dinner might seem like a silly expense. But if it helps you land that client you’ve been dying for, it could be worth it in the long run.

It’s important to set guidelines and establish rules. But you aren’t a babysitter. Your employees are adults and should be allowed to make decisions. After all, you hired them. You’re even sending them on a work trip. If you don’t trust them to make their own decisions, then something might not be right.

If there are any conflicts about expenses, settle them after the trip.

4. Sending Gifts

It’s easy for travelers to get homesick on the road. With modern technology, it’s easier than ever to make them feel at home.

Use one of these delivery apps to send them a cup of their favorite coffee. Or send them a nice meal so that they don’t have to leave their hotel. Everyone loves a surprise gift. If you don’t want to send food, buy them a movie ticket or a museum entry.

It’s easy to send QR codes and digital tickets. Give your employees the chance to enjoy their trip. They will remember your kindness and be more excited to work for you.

5. Incorporating Feedback

When someone tells you something isn’t working, change it. You’re not the one on the ground, so there’s no way for you to know what’s happening. If your employee says they don’t have time to talk on the phone, don’t bother them with unnecessary messages. Once the trip is over, chat about what went right and wrong.

Even if everything went well, there is always room for improvement. See where you can make traveling more efficient and pleasant. Ask people for their honest feedback.

Conclusion

Managing remote workers and travelers isn’t easy. But with a bit of planning, it can be great for business.