Women on business trips at risk
Released 11/01/2010
Safety doesn’t always come first
Companies and hotels aren't always considering the safety needs of female employees when away on business, according to a survey.
Just four per cent of respondents to a recent survey conducted by Right Location said their companies had female traveller policies in place, but many thought that guidance was required. Respondents said that ‘lone female travellers should have set rules on staying safe away on business in this day and age', that ‘safety for all employees should be paramount' and ‘it would be good to have guidelines in place'.
MD of Right Location, Diane Slater, said: "Security and personal safety is of primary importance to female travellers and hotel operators need to be more sympathetic to ensure they continue to be a safe and reliable option for the many thousands of women who are required to stay away from home regularly.
"Hotels should have clear policies for lone female travellers, but employees also need to know how to stay safe when away for work, and this is where employers should be providing guidance."
A female traveller policy should include guidance on how to remain observant about personal safety and the types of venues selected for female guests to stay in.
The survey also revealed the following.
- The most important security consideration for female travellers was secure, private car parking with good lighting close to the hotel (58%).
- Better locks, peep holes and safes for valuables are needed to make female travellers feel safe (37%).
- An overwhelming 62.5% of respondents felt safest in large hotel chains.
Further top tips for female travellers are available from www.right-location.co.uk.