Expert Advice on Securing Buy-In for Travel Policy Changes

NEW YORK, May 13, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Communicating and gaining acceptance of new travel policies across the spectrum of generations reflected in today's work force can be a challenge. Often, Baby Boomers want face-to-face meetings, Millennials are glued to their phones and Gen Xers prefer email. They all have one thing in common, though, when it comes to new policies – a need to understand 'what's in it for them' if there is any hope of achieving compliance.

In the article Travel Policy Secrets: How to Get Buy-In Throughout the Office, the experts at ViewFrom36k recommend using a variety of communications tools and getting to know travelers ahead of time to meet those communications challenges.

"It can be especially challenging to get acceptance of travel policy changes in business today with a diversified employee base made up of individuals who respond differently to various communications channels," said Gabe Rizzi, President of Travel Leaders Corporate, a division of Travel Leaders Group, the organization behind ViewFrom36k. "Furthermore, many people are simply resistant to change if it is not clear what's in it for them and the benefits of complying."

The ViewFrom36k experts offer the following tips on gaining multigenerational acceptance of new travel policies:

Get to know travelers ahead of time and listen to their feedback – Tactics such as hosting a focus group, inviting road warriors to lunch, launching a satisfaction survey, keeping open door office hours and proactively checking in with travelers for feedback can create an open dialogue and a sense of mutual respect. That, in turn, will increase the likelihood that travelers will be open to what you have to say down the line.

Explain how the changes benefit them and the company – Answer up front the question: 'What does this mean for me?' Be honest in discussing the pros and cons of a policy change and why it is being made.  

Use a variety of communications channels – Develop clear and consistent messaging and then share that information through a variety of channels that may include emails, signage, small-group meetings, online tutorials, and gamification including contests, recognition and rewards.

Ensure all levels of management are well-versed and express support – Lastly, the company's senior leaders and managers should have a strong grasp on the key messages and make a concerted effort to vocalize their support when communicating with team members.

"It takes a lot of work because there's no one easy solution to gaining acceptance for new policies," said Rizzi. "But it is essential for the long-term success of the overall travel program, so take the time and make the effort to build trust and rapport and use multi-channeled communications."   

ViewFrom36k is a thought-leading digital content hub developed by Travel Leaders Group that gives a comprehensive big-picture view of business travel, along with the solutions needed to lower costs, increase traveler satisfaction and drive revenue growth.

Travel Leaders Corporate is a wholly-owned division of Travel Leaders Group, specializing in business travel fulfillment, strategic meetings management and data analytics. For more information or to take advantage of Travel Leaders Corporate's personalized service and cutting-edge corporate business travel solutions that provide a complete travel enrichment experience, email partnerships@tlcorporate.com or call 877-404-4173.

About Travel Leaders Group
Travel Leaders Group (www.TravelLeadersGroup.com) is transforming travel with a commitment to our vacation and business travel clients through our progressive approach toward each unique travel experience. Having already assisted millions of travelers, Travel Leaders Group manages leisure, business and franchise travel operations under a variety of diversified divisions and brands. With over 6,000 agency locations, Travel Leaders Group ranks as one of the industry's largest travel agency companies.  Travelers also have access to The Travel Collection by Travel Leaders Group, a portfolio of select travel offers including discounts on international and domestic flights, value-added benefits at lodging establishments, shipboard credits on cruises and savings on escorted and vacation packages. Membership to The Travel Collection is offered at no additional cost to U.S. American Express Gold Card, Business Gold Rewards Card, Platinum Card® and Business Platinum Card® Members. For more information visit www.TheTravelCollection.com.

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SOURCE ViewFrom36k