Survey: LGBTQ+ staff lack resources for safe work travel

A global survey of business travellers has found that employers need to make travel safer and more inclusive for LGBTQ+ staff members. An Opinium survey of 500 Australian business travellers, commissioned by travel assistance company World Travel Protection, revealed many organisations don’t offer safety resources specific to LGBTQ+ staff for work travel. The survey found that 9% of employees are offered information on LGBTQ+ rights before visiting a country if they have disclosed they are LGBTQ+. The number is lower (8%) for employees who have not disclosed their sexuality.

Almost a quarter (22%) of Australian business travellers surveyed revealed their employer does not offer any information prior to a work trip, and 39% feel their employer could do more to keep them safe. World Travel Protection Security and Intelligence Lead Paul Trotter said it is important to highlight the lack of resources and support that members of the LGBTQ+ community often experience while travelling for work.

“Although civil rights have progressed in the past decades, LGBTQ+ people across the world continue to experience discrimination and enhanced security risks. This includes being discriminated against for simply living as themselves or experiencing a lower standard of legal and societal protection than they would normally have at home. When it comes to travel, many LGBTQ+ travellers are burdened with the responsibility of researching the legal system and cultural attitudes of their destination,” Trotter said.

The survey highlighted the need for employers to equip their staff with the education and resources they require, prior to leaving their home country. Trotter said that organisations have a duty of care to ensure their staff are well-prepared and feel supported to take on new challenges in their career, including travelling abroad. Tapping into the resources of a travel assistance company ensures all business travellers are equipped with up-to-date and accurate information about their travel without burdening employees who may feel pressured to disclose their sexuality to their employer to protect their safety overseas.

The survey also found that 14% of employees are provided with a travel risk app containing live destination alerts and location notifications during emergencies.

“Simple, yet potentially life-saving initiatives like a Travel Assist app that is installed prior to departure and provides live security alerts, 24-hour emergency medical assistance and detailed country reports, now serves as a business travel necessity,” Trotter said.

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