More than two-thirds of business travelers overall would decline trips if safety isn’t prioritized; employees just starting their careers are more likely to feel unsafe
- Nearly six in 10 U.S. business travelers (59%) and more than half of Canadian travelers (57%) say their employer could do more to protect them on work trips.
- More than two-thirds of business travelers overall (68% U.S.; 71% Canada) would decline a trip if they did not feel confident their safety and well-being were being prioritized.
- Younger employees are especially vulnerable, with 60% of U.S. respondents and 63% of Canadian respondents under 34 saying their employer could do more to keep them safe.
NEW YORK — A new survey commissioned by World Travel Protection – a global leader in travel risk management – reveals that most North American business travelers feel their employers are falling short when it comes to travel safety. Nearly six in 10 U.S. business travelers (59%) and more than half of Canadian travelers (57%) believe their employer could do more to protect them on work trips, highlighting the growing responsibility of employers to strengthen their duty of care obligations.
According to the survey, more than two-thirds of U.S. travelers (68%) and over seven in 10 Canadian travelers (71%) said they would decline a business trip if they did not feel confident their safety and well-being were being prioritized. Meanwhile, 65% of U.S. respondents and 64% of Canadian respondents said they would consider leaving their job if they felt travel safety was not taken seriously.
Younger employees are especially likely to feel underprotected. Among those under 34, six in 10 (60% U.S.; 63% Canada) said their employer could do more to keep them safe, compared to just 36% of those over 55 in both countries. This younger cohort was also more likely to want frequent check-ins, with 68% of U.S. respondents and 66% of Canadian respondents under 34 saying they wanted more regular contact while traveling, compared to just 58% % of older travelers in U.S. and 51% in Canada.
While most business travelers reported receiving some support for work trips, such as access to emergency helplines, pre-travel briefings, government-issued advisories, or travel risk management providers, the survey revealed a gap between what is offered and what employees want. Only 7% of U.S. and 14% of Canadian respondents said they received no support at all, but the majority expressed a desire for more proactive engagement, clearer guidance, and regular reassurance while away from home.
“Travel preparation is essential,” said Frank Harrison, Regional Security Director, Americas, of World Travel Protection. “Travelers need comprehensive pre-trip briefings, clear information about local risks, and the confidence of knowing exactly where to get help while abroad. Insurance only steps in after an incident, but it does nothing to prevent medical or security issues or to support employees when they need help most.”
Opinium online survey conducted with 2000 people, who travel for business at least once a year in each of the UK (500 respondents), the United States (500 respondents), Canada (500 respondents), and Australia (500 respondents), from 3 – 10 February 2025.
