How Amex GBT built an inclusive travel programme putting duty of care centre stage

Here, she talks to HR Grapevine about the decade long experience she has had in the industry and her role at Amex GBT creating more inclusive business travel practices.

Kayleigh Rogers

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Practice Line Lead for Inclusive Travel, Amex GBT

What's your overriding ethos?

I’m passionate about building a more inclusive and accessible future for corporate travel. It’s not enough to simply acknowledge the importance of inclusivity, organisations should actively work towards removing barriers so everyone can enjoy the benefits of travelling for work. Be it career progression, exposure to new business or the opportunity to widen their professional network, these opportunities should be available for all.

How can you ensure a travel programme is inclusive?

Inclusion means nobody is left out, which is really important when pulling together a comprehensive corporate travel programme. Our own data shows that 69% of business travellers look forward to trips for work.

When devising a framework or policies, teams need to ensure all aspects of their workforces’ make-up are considered – be it gender, race, sexual orientation, or those with accessibility needs. While obstacles aren’t fully avoidable, they should all be acknowledged and businesses should try to control as much as they can so all employees can travel comfortably and confidently. There are also charities and other non-profits that can be involved in making workplaces more inclusive and this also demonstrates to employees that it's a priority.