Only 19 per cent of employees are offered details on LGBTQIA+ rights prior to travelling overseas and just nine per cent receive safety info before a work trip, according to a survey of 500 Australian business travellers who have disclosed their sexuality.
The World Travel Protection x Opinium survey for World Pride Month also found 39 per cent of employees feel employers can do more to make work travel safer and more inclusive.
A recent World Travel Protection x Opinium global survey highlighted that seven in 10 women said travelling for work is less safe for women than men and 19 per cent believe the safety onus should be on the employer.
Many organisations don’t offer safety resources specific to LGBTQIA+ staff – almost one quarter (22%) of Australian business travellers surveyed revealed their employer does not offer any info prior to a work trip.
World Travel Protection Security & Intelligence Lead Paul Trotter said: “When it comes to travel, many LGBTQIA+ travellers are burdened with the responsibility of researching the legal system and cultural attitudes of their destination.”
“Our survey highlights the crucial need for employers to empower their staff with the education and resources they require, prior to leaving their home country.
“Organisations have a duty of care to ensure their staff are well-prepared and feel supported to take on new challenges in their career and that includes travelling abroad.”
Which destinations are in the world’s best countries for LGBTQIA+ travel in 2023? Find out here.
