Employee accommodation: what happens when things go wrong?

As travel demand increases, business trips bounce back, and the ‘Great Relocation’ ripples through the corporate world, many travel bookers are reassessing their travel policies and programs. The latest SAP Concur data shows that travel managers are feeling the pressure: all surveyed travel managers (100%) expect their role to be more challenging over the next 12 months compared to last year. 

Employee expectations have changed post pandemic, and there’s a bigger spotlight on employers than ever before to incorporate duty of care and meet the needs of their staff - particularly for business travel. Not only do employees need to feel prepared for their trip, but they also need to feel safe, secure and supported - even when miles away from the office. 

When it comes to managing business travel, you can’t always predict what’s going to go wrong - but what you can control is how issues are handled, particularly when it comes to accommodation. Below, we’ve listed three of the most common problems associated with business travel accommodation, and how to support your employees when they run into an issue in their home away from home. 

Problem: Employee’s flight is delayed, meaning they arrive far later than expected 

A recent study found that flight delays top business travelers’ list of stressors, with 64% of travelers identifying flight delays and cancellations as their biggest stress factor. Delayed flights can affect a whole business trip, resulting in missed connections, late arrivals and even missed check-in times if an employee arrives during the night. 

While you can’t control delays, you can give employees extra peace of mind that they have somewhere safe to stay even if their flight hasn’t gone to plan. 

Solution: Look for accommodation providers with flexible check-in options

Self check-in and keyless entry are becoming more common in corporate housing options, but many still operate using a physical key check-in system. Opt for corporate housing options that provide flexible, non-contact check-in options so that employees can easily access their accommodation no matter what time they touch down at their destination. The very last thing you want is for employees to be stranded or unable to get into their accommodation. 

Problem: Employee experiences issues within their accommodation 

After a long day traveling, the last thing employees need is to turn up to an accommodation with problems. Whether the machine doesn’t work for that crucial morning coffee, the iron is broken when they are due to present that day, or the wi-fi isn’t quite as strong as advertised, it’s unfair to expect employees to tackle these issues themselves - particularly between meetings. 

Solution: Book with a housing provider that has a 24/7 care team on hand

Booking with a corporate housing provider that has the right support in place for business travelers is key. Look for accommodation providers that have 24/7 care and support teams on hand to assist with any issues. Not only does this give employees peace of mind should they run into any problems, but it is also important for employers to know their business travelers are taken care of. Whether it’s a security issue or a plumbing problem, you need to feel confident employees on the road have access to the help they need. 

Problem: Employees want to choose where they stay 

Before, the decision of where business travelers stay while away was down to employers and influenced by company policies. Today, employees demand a say in where they stay; in fact, 72% of managed business travelers expect their travel programs to now offer them the flexibility to choose alternative accommodation and transport. With this in mind, many employers are looking to loop their employees into the accommodation selection process, ensuring they stay somewhere that meets their personal needs and preferences. 

Solution: Choose an employee accommodation platform that provides a vetted list of compliant options 

While giving employees the freedom to choose their own accommodation is important, it can also be a risk, as you simply can’t rely on individual property owners to meet the standards you require for your business travelers. Using an employee housing marketplace like 3Sixty ensures that you both get a say in the process. Employees can browse a list of accommodations and take their pick, and travel managers can rest assured employees are choosing from a vetted selection of compliant options, with mutual visibility of check-in options, terms and conditions, and amenities. 

Key takeaway 

As a company, you can do everything within your power to ensure your business travelers have a seamless, productive work trip. However, sometimes things happen beyond your control - and you can’t always predict what’s going to go wrong. Having peace of mind that your employees are staying somewhere safe, with access to 24/7 support and care, is crucial - and your employees will thank you for it too. 

3Sixty

3Sixty is a state-of-the-art marketplace that reduces the noise in extended-stay travel. Our HomeMatch™ technology leverages machine learning and human expertise to curate quality, cost-effective housing where your employees feel safe, comfortable, and at peace.