Terrorism Risks Lead Professionals to Refuse Business Trips

Growing concerns over worldwide terrorism have caused some professionals to refuse going on business trips.

Half of all respondents to a new survey reported they would refuse a business trip because of concerns related to terrorism (28 percent) and political or civil unrest (21 percent). The survey, conducted by the Chubb Group of Insurance Companies, also reported that infectious disease outbreaks (19 percent) were a top concern among survey participants.

“Recent turmoil in Egypt and Libya has heightened the perceived risks associated with traveling internationally for business,” said Jim Villa, a senior vice president and North American manager for Chubb’s Accident & Health business.

Villa says it’s critical for businesses to have the right protections in place prior to sending employees on international business trips demonstrates.

“Employers need to have a well-communicated plan in place that may include third-party resources if an emergency arises,” he said.

Chubb recommends that employers take steps to help protect their employees abroad and ease concerns associated with business travel, including:

• Assure that employees have a set itinerary in place;
• Thoroughly research the hotels, transportation vehicles and travel routes employees plan to use;
• Provide employees with a packet of updated travel logistics before they leave in case they become stranded without an operative communication device; and
• Consider the purchase of business travel accident insurance.

Chubb’s survey of 1,000 Americans was conducted by Opinion Research Corporation, an independent public opinion and market research firm, in April 2011.

Source: Chubb Group of Insurance Cos.