DE&I: 3 ways to support diversity in your corporate travel communications

Diversity is more than just a buzzword—it is essential to building a successful and inclusive workplace.

With employees from all backgrounds and experiences traveling for your company, it’s important to consider how your travel communications reflect a welcoming and supportive environment for all employees.

For some employees, business travel may be a routine part of their job, while for others it may be a new and unfamiliar experience. Travel communications that only reflect the experiences of a certain group of employees can create barriers and make it difficult for other employees to engage or feel supported.

Incorporating diversity into your internal communications ensures that every employee feels seen, heard, and valued, regardless of their race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, or other aspects of their identity.

Let’s look at three ways you can incorporate diversity into your corporate travel resources:

1. Use inclusive language

The language you use in your internal communications can have a significant impact on how employees perceive your company’s commitment to diversity and inclusion. Use inclusive language that acknowledges and respects diverse backgrounds and identities and avoid language that assumes everyone has the same experiences or values. Always be mindful of any terms that could be considered offensive or exclusionary.

For example, instead of using gendered pronouns like “he” or “she,” you may consider using gender-neutral pronouns like “they” or “them.” Also, avoid language that reinforces stereotypes or marginalizes certain groups to ensure your message resonates with everyone within your program.

• Take a look at resources such as your travel policy and email communications to ensure your messaging is inclusive.

2. Consider your imagery

Using images and videos that represent a diverse range of people can make your communications more inclusive. Ensure that the visuals you use represent people of different races, ages, genders, and backgrounds. We have found that when employees see people that look like them, it makes them feel safer, respected and connected.

• Conduct an internal audit to determine if your current travel-focused collateral is visually representing a wide range of backgrounds.

3. Feature diverse voices and perspectives

Make a conscious effort to feature diverse voices and perspectives in your communication. This can include seeking input from people of different genders, races, ages, nationalities, and backgrounds to understand the challenges they face when traveling and address these in your communications strategy. It’s okay to ask for input! Your travelers will appreciate that their voices are being heard.

• Consider creating informational guides that address the needs of different groups of travelers.

Your direct communication with employees is where your efforts will make the biggest impact, so it’s important that you consider the backgrounds and experiences of all your travelers. So, take a moment to review your travel communications:

• Is your language inclusive?
• Do your visuals reflect the diversity of your workforce?
• Have you included diverse traveler perspectives?
• Do your resources recognize that travelers may have different needs, experiences, and comfort levels when traveling for business?
• Are your resources accessible and easy to understand?
• Do travelers know where to go for additional support or accommodations?

Small changes can make a meaningful difference in helping every traveler feel welcomed, informed, and supported. By regularly reviewing your travel communications through an inclusion lens, you can create a travel experience that better serves the diverse needs of your workforce.