Employers are being urged to enhance their support for LGBTQ+ business travelers following alarming revelations about the lack of adequate pre-trip guidance from businesses. An Opinium survey, conducted among 1,000 US and Canadian business travelers, uncovered a startlingly low number of employers providing crucial information about LGBTQ+ rights in the countries employees are visiting. Only 15% of US and 11% of Canadian business travelers who have disclosed their LGBTQ+ status indicated that their employers provided such information. The statistics paint a similar picture for LGBTQ+ business travelers who have not yet come out at work. These findings amplify the existing concerns surrounding workplace inclusivity and employee safety during business travel. Frank Harrison, Regional Security Director Americas at World Travel Protection, emphasized the importance of recognizing the risks and concerns faced by LGBTQ+ business travelers to ensure they feel supported and secure. Harrison asserted that “When sending LGBTQ+ employees to parts of the world where their rights are not fully recognized by the host government, there needs to be a plan in place to support them.” The pressing need for such plans comes in the wake of numerous reports of harassment and safety risks faced by LGBTQ+ individuals while traveling for work.
Harassment and Safety Concerns During Business Travel
Recent findings highlight unsettling trends in the experiences of LGBTQ+ business travelers, emphasizing the urgent need for employers to take action. Specifically, 22% of US and 15% of Canadian business travelers reported witnessing or being subjected to harassment due to their sexual orientation and gender identity. Such harassment is not only a personal and psychological burden but also poses significant professional risks, as it can hinder the ability of employees to perform their roles effectively while abroad. Additionally, the survey revealed that 21% of US and 17% of Canadian LGBTQ+ business travelers have seen individuals having to conceal their sexuality for safety and security reasons while traveling for work. This practice of hiding one’s true self can lead to increased stress and mental health issues, further complicating the professional responsibilities of travelers. Harrison of World Travel Protection underscored the reality of these threats: “We know these are real and valid fears: Members of the LGBTQ+ community can face a range of safety concerns when they travel, including harassment, violence, incarceration, and even barriers to medical and security assistance.”
The statistics and personal anecdotes from LGBTQ+ travelers reveal a critical gap in the support system that employers need to fill. Businesses must recognize the gravity of these risks and take proactive measures to protect their employees. The lack of adequate pre-trip information and safety protocols is not just an oversight—it can have severe repercussions on the well-being and professional effectiveness of LGBTQ+ employees. As the world becomes increasingly interconnected and business travel becomes a staple of professional life, the onus is on employers to ensure that every employee, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity, feels safe and supported while carrying out their duties.
Recommendations for Improved Support
Employers are being called upon to step up their support for LGBTQ+ business travelers after unsettling findings revealed a lack of sufficient pre-trip guidance. An Opinium survey of 1,000 business travelers from the US and Canada showed that a mere 15% of American and 11% of Canadian LGBTQ+ travelers received essential information about LGBTQ+ rights in their destination countries from their employers. This alarming statistic is mirrored among those LGBTQ+ travelers who have not yet come out at work, underscoring widespread neglect in addressing inclusion and safety for these employees during business trips.
Frank Harrison, the Regional Security Director Americas at World Travel Protection, stressed the urgency of recognizing the specific risks LGBTQ+ business travelers face. He stated, “When sending LGBTQ+ employees to parts of the world where their rights are not fully recognized by the host government, there needs to be a plan in place to support them.” This requirement is particularly critical as numerous incidents of harassment and safety threats targeting LGBTQ+ employees on business trips have surfaced, highlighting a pressing need for proactive employer intervention.