By Paljor Lama, Managing Consultant, Engage
Imagine logging onto Netflix and being asked to browse through a 50-page list of shows sorted alphabetically, with no filters, no recommendations, and no idea what’s trending. You’d probably log off pretty quickly, right?
Now think about your company’s travel policy. If employees find it hard to understand, access, or relate to the travel program, chances are they’ll disengage, opt out, or book around it. In addition to creating risk, this can also impact your bottom line. When travelers book out of program, it can reduce your ability to negotiate better rates, inflate costs through unmanaged bookings, and weaken supplier relationships. So, if you’re struggling to drive down spend through traditional negotiations, boosting travel policy compliance can be an unexpected yet powerful way to make a financial impact. Even the best policy can fall flat if it’s not presented, communicated, and experienced in the right way. And that’s where a user-centric, data-informed approach—like Netflix’s—can transform travel policy engagement from frustrating to frictionless.
Make it easy: personalization is powerful
Netflix doesn’t treat everyone the same. It uses intelligent algorithms and user behavior data to suggest relevant options, keeping engagement high. The same principle applies to corporate travel programs.
Personalizing travel communications can make policies feel relevant rather than rigid. By tailoring messages to different traveler types—like frequent flyers, occasional travelers, or budget-conscious bookers—organizations can deliver guidance that resonates and drives better travel program engagement.
Design with humans in mind
Netflix is also easy to navigate. It’s clean, intuitive, and built for people not policy. That same intuitive experience should apply to travel tools and communications. Travelers shouldn’t have to hunt for the right information or decipher corporate jargon. They need clear, contextual prompts that help them make the right decisions, right when it matters.
Our design-driven approach ensures that travel policy, messaging, and Online Booking Tool (OBT) merchandising reflect the way people actually book and travel. We use consumer marketing techniques and behavioral insights to create a user experience that feels natural, not forced.
Nudge, don’t nag
Ever notice how Netflix doesn’t scold you for not finishing a show? Instead, it quietly suggests something new you might like. That’s behavioral science at work. When travelers ignore policies, they often do so not out of defiance, but because the policy didn’t resonate or demonstrate clear personal benefit.
We recommend moving away from compliance-driven language to motivational messaging. For example, instead of the phrase “Employees must book all hotel accommodations through the approved online booking tool (OBT) using preferred suppliers – failure to comply may result in expense claim denial”, we recommend motivating the traveler with a phrase like “Book smarter, travel better! Using our preferred hotels through the booking tool ensures you get great rates, traveler support, and loyalty perks — all while helping the company save and keep you safe.” Using behavioral economics, we reframe travel guidance to emphasize what’s in it for the traveler—comfort, productivity, safety, and sustainability—not just cost savings or rules.
Reinforce through channels that work: Multi-touchpoint travel communication
Netflix doesn’t rely on just one channel to keep you engaged. It uses a blend of emails, in-app prompts, and push notifications to serve up content tailored to your interests, exactly when you’re most likely to act. Corporate travel programs can take a cue from this omni-channel strategy.
Effective travel communication isn’t one-and-done; it’s an ongoing, multi-touchpoint effort. Think Yammer posts that spark interest, booking tool banners that guide decisions, manager briefings that reinforce expectations, and in-policy nudges that steer behavior in real time. When you meet travelers where they already are, with timely, relevant messaging, travel policy engagement becomes less of a hurdle and more of a habit.
Recently, ExxonMobil adopted this strategy to steer booking behavior and boost online adoption. They launched an omnichannel campaign tapping into their intranet, OBT, email, and other key touchpoints to reach travelers across multiple touchpoints. Within just nine months, online adoption climbed 10 percent and they achieved significant savings of $1.3M. Learn more about the digital tactics they used to transform booking behavior.
Travel programs deserve prime time attention – we can help
Your travelers are busy, digitally savvy professionals. They don’t need more rules—they need relevance. By borrowing from the Netflix playbook, travel programs can become more engaging, intuitive, and effective.
At Advito, we specialize in turning travel policies into tools for empowerment, engagement, and impact, not enforcement. Let’s make your travel policy something employees don’t skip over. Ready to boost compliance and reduce unmanaged spend? Contact our team today!