Travel Expense Allowances Out of Touch with Reality: Concur Releases 'Reiwa Business Travel Guidebook'
Concur has released the 'Reiwa Business Travel Guidebook' to address challenges in travel management. Citing survey results where 76% find allowances insufficient, it advocates for policy updates and AI integration.
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Concur, a leader in travel and expense management cloud solutions, has published the 'Reiwa Business Travel Guidebook' under the supervision of Nippon Travel Agency Corporate Solutions. The guidebook compiles challenges in corporate travel management and key points for policy revision.
This guide is designed for accounting, HR, procurement, and general affairs departments, as well as employees themselves. It provides practical advice on developing travel policies, streamlining booking and reimbursement, and strengthening safety management to create a better travel environment.
Background of the 'Reiwa Business Travel Guidebook'
The corporate travel environment is shifting due to rising inbound demand, currency depreciation, inflation in travel and lodging costs, and the need for enhanced risk management and AI/DX adoption. However, many companies continue to rely on outdated travel policies and operational workflows.
Concur’s independent survey of 600 travelers and managers revealed that 62.2% of companies have seen an increase in business travel compared to pre-pandemic levels. Due to rising accommodation costs, 76.2% reported that company allowances do not cover expenses, leading 47.7% to book travel outside of company policy.
Furthermore, while enterprises are required to fulfill a 'duty of care,' less than 46% have introduced risk training. Additionally, 85% expressed a desire for AI-powered travel management, wanting to automate non-value-added administrative tasks.
Concur developed this guidebook to help companies navigate these challenges. It utilizes Concur’s survey data and Nippon Travel Agency's practical insights to explain how companies should revise their travel management strategies.
Recommended for:
Accounting, HR, Procurement, and General Affairs Departments:
- Uncertain if current policies match market rates for lodging and travel.
- Concerned about traveler safety and emergency response.
- Want to visualize travel costs and usage data.
- Considering new travel styles to boost employee motivation.
Employees:
- Finding pre-approval and expense reimbursement tedious.
- Feeling that current rules are outdated.
- Seeking safe and well-supported travel environments.
- Wanting to use AI/digital tools for efficiency.
Key Highlights of the Guidebook:
1. 76% Report Insufficient Allowances: Check Your Rules Against Reality
It highlights pitfalls in outdated policies—such as obsolete spending limits—and provides a roadmap to transform travel from a 'cost' to a 'competitive advantage.'
2. Risk Education: 'Contact Us If Something Happens' is Not Risk Management
Risks like natural disasters and security concerns are diversifying. The guide introduces proactive risk management, including ISO31030 compliance and traveler education, moving from reactive to preventative systems.
3. 85% Want AI in Travel Management: A First Step Toward DX
It outlines possibilities for using AI and DX to reduce human intervention in booking and policy checking, making travel management smarter.
4. 70% Say Travel Boosts Motivation: Toward New Travel Experiences
For employees, travel is more than just moving; it encompasses unique on-site opportunities.
This guide is designed for accounting, HR, procurement, and general affairs departments, as well as employees themselves. It provides practical advice on developing travel policies, streamlining booking and reimbursement, and strengthening safety management to create a better travel environment.
Background of the 'Reiwa Business Travel Guidebook'
The corporate travel environment is shifting due to rising inbound demand, currency depreciation, inflation in travel and lodging costs, and the need for enhanced risk management and AI/DX adoption. However, many companies continue to rely on outdated travel policies and operational workflows.
Concur’s independent survey of 600 travelers and managers revealed that 62.2% of companies have seen an increase in business travel compared to pre-pandemic levels. Due to rising accommodation costs, 76.2% reported that company allowances do not cover expenses, leading 47.7% to book travel outside of company policy.
Furthermore, while enterprises are required to fulfill a 'duty of care,' less than 46% have introduced risk training. Additionally, 85% expressed a desire for AI-powered travel management, wanting to automate non-value-added administrative tasks.
Concur developed this guidebook to help companies navigate these challenges. It utilizes Concur’s survey data and Nippon Travel Agency's practical insights to explain how companies should revise their travel management strategies.
Recommended for:
Accounting, HR, Procurement, and General Affairs Departments:
- Uncertain if current policies match market rates for lodging and travel.
- Concerned about traveler safety and emergency response.
- Want to visualize travel costs and usage data.
- Considering new travel styles to boost employee motivation.
Employees:
- Finding pre-approval and expense reimbursement tedious.
- Feeling that current rules are outdated.
- Seeking safe and well-supported travel environments.
- Wanting to use AI/digital tools for efficiency.
Key Highlights of the Guidebook:
1. 76% Report Insufficient Allowances: Check Your Rules Against Reality
It highlights pitfalls in outdated policies—such as obsolete spending limits—and provides a roadmap to transform travel from a 'cost' to a 'competitive advantage.'
2. Risk Education: 'Contact Us If Something Happens' is Not Risk Management
Risks like natural disasters and security concerns are diversifying. The guide introduces proactive risk management, including ISO31030 compliance and traveler education, moving from reactive to preventative systems.
3. 85% Want AI in Travel Management: A First Step Toward DX
It outlines possibilities for using AI and DX to reduce human intervention in booking and policy checking, making travel management smarter.
4. 70% Say Travel Boosts Motivation: Toward New Travel Experiences
For employees, travel is more than just moving; it encompasses unique on-site opportunities.
FAQ
『令和の出張ガイドブック』は何を目的としていますか？
企業の出張管理に潜む課題を整理し、規定の整備、手配・精算の効率化、安全管理体制の強化など、より良い出張環境づくりを支援することを目的としています。
出張管理における現状の課題は何ですか？
76.2%の従業員が会社規定では出張費をカバーできず、47.7%がルール外で手配しているほか、リスク教育の導入率が46%にとどまるなど、規定と実態の乖離や安全管理体制の不足が課題です。
企業が出張管理で注力すべきことは？
市況に合わせた出張規定のアップデート、事後対応ではない事前のリスク管理体制の構築、およびAI・DX活用による事務作業の自動化が重要です。
調査対象となった人数と内訳は？
出張者および出張管理者の合計600名を対象に独自調査を実施しました。
出張は働くモチベーションにどう影響しますか？
70%の回答者が、出張は「働くモチベーション向上につながる」と回答しています。