LGBTQ+ travellers still face more risks
Around 95 per cent of LGBTQ+ travellers have hidden their sexual orientation on a business trip to protect their own safety, according to SAP Concur
This is a shocking statistic that shows not only how laws and attitudes in some countries continue to affect ease of travel, but also a potential lack of employer support. Many companies currently have inadequate support systems in place, with considerations for LGBTQ+ travellers covered by just nine per cent of travel policies.
LGBTQ+ travellers can face unique challenges when travelling abroad – many countries do not legally recognise same-sex marriage and more than seventy countries consider consensual LGBTQ+ relationships a crime. Attitudes towards the LGBTQ+ community vary extensively around the world, and employers therefore need to shape their duty of care polices around a wide range of considerations.
An extra layer of complexity for safe travel
If an employee travels on business to a country where their sexual orientation or how they identify is criminalised, an extra layer of complexity is added to duty of care responsibilities. Employers – and insurers – need to consider how to best protect individuals in a way that doesn’t make them feel singled out. At this stage, there is still much progress to be made until members of the LGBTQ+ community can travel with complete ease.