How to Improve Corporate Travel Policy Compliance

In the world of corporate travel, policy compliance is a key factor in controlling costs and ensuring smooth operations. However, achieving high compliance rates can be a challenge. From overspending on flights to making sudden flight or accommodation changes, there are numerous ways in which employees can inadvertently violate travel policies.

One of the primary reasons for noncompliance is a lack of awareness. Employees may not be fully aware of the travel policy details, leading to unintentional violations. Unclear or outdated policies can also contribute to this issue. If the policy is too complex or not up-to-date with current travel trends and practices, employees may find it difficult to comply.

Time restrictions and employee dissatisfaction are other factors that can lead to low compliance rates. If employees feel that the travel policy is too restrictive or does not consider their needs and preferences, they may be less motivated to comply. Similarly, if the software used for booking and managing travel is clunky and hard to use, employees may struggle to follow the policy.

5 Easy, Actionable Tips for Improving Your Corporate Travel Compliance

While improving travel policy compliance may seem like a daunting task, it doesn't have to be. By making simple changes, you can significantly boost compliance rates and ensure that your corporate travel operations run smoothly. Here are some actionable tips to get you started.

Invest More into Educating and Empowering Employees

One of the most common barriers to travel policy compliance is a lack of understanding. Employees may not be fully aware of the policy details, leading to unintentional violations. By investing in education and empowerment, you can help employees understand the importance of compliance and how to adhere to the policy.

This could involve regular training meetings, creating a FAQ series to address common misunderstandings or even one-on-one coaching for employees who frequently travel. By empowering employees with the knowledge they need, you can significantly improve policy compliance. 

Keep Policies Clear & Up-to-Date

Another key to improving compliance is to ensure that your travel policy is clear, straightforward, and up-to-date. Complex or outdated policies can confuse employees and lead to unintentional violations. By keeping your policy simple and current, you can make it easier for employees to understand and follow.

This might involve simplifying the language used in the policy, regularly reviewing and updating the policy to reflect current travel trends and practices, and ensuring that the policy is easily accessible to all employees. 

Establish a Reward-Based System

A reward-based system can be a powerful tool for boosting travel policy compliance. By rewarding employees for adhering to the policy, you can incentivize compliance and make it more appealing.

This could involve offering perks for employees who consistently comply with the policy, creating a points system that employees can exchange for rewards, or even recognizing compliant employees in company communications. By making compliance rewarding, you can motivate employees to adhere to the policy. 

Ask for Feedback to Gauge Satisfaction

Employee feedback can be a valuable tool for improving travel policy compliance. By conducting regular surveys, you can gain insights into how employees perceive the policy and identify any potential roadblocks to compliance.

This feedback can help you make necessary adjustments to the policy, improve communication and education around the policy, and address any concerns or issues that employees may have. 

Use Technology to Make Your Life Easier

As companies continue to grow and expand globally, managing and enforcing a travel policy can become increasingly challenging. That's where modern travel technology comes into play. Platforms like AmTrav can help save you time and money by simplifying a travel manager’s job and giving employees the tools they need to ensure they’re compliant 100% of the time.

AmTrav's platform is designed to drive your productivity and give you full control of your travel program. It's a simple but powerful tool that's built specifically for today's administrators and travelers to use and optimize their travel. With AmTrav, you can make changes to your travel program instantly, without having to open a ticket and wait. This means you can adjust a travel policy at the CFO’s request, point out a new airline deal, or even shut down your travel program if needed, all in real-time.

In addition, AmTrav provides all-U.S.-based, all-employee Travel Advisors who are ready to help with the same expert support at midnight and at noon. They are available via phone, text, chat, email, and more. Plus, AmTrav has a complete Knowledge Base to help you navigate the platform and manage your travel program effectively.

Boost Your Corporate Travel Policy Compliance Rates with AmTrav

There are many reasons why noncompliance can occur, from a lack of awareness to employee dissatisfaction. However, by implementing a few simple changes, you can significantly improve your corporate travel compliance rates.

Investing in employee education, keeping your policies clear and updated, establishing a reward-based system, asking for feedback, and using modern technology like AmTrav can all contribute to improved compliance.

At AmTrav, we're committed to helping you achieve your business travel compliance goals. Our platform provides the tools you need to manage and enforce your travel policy effectively, while our team of experts is always ready to provide support and guidance. Let's work together to boost your travel policy compliance rates. Get in touch with us today.