Corporate travel spending is projected to surpass $2 trillion globally by 2029. However, organizations are facing an increasingly complex threat landscape that presents risks to employee safety.

These threats include geopolitical instability, which can lead to sudden travel disruptions; cyber threats targeting sensitive corporate data; and natural disasters exacerbated by climate change.

For organizations with duty of care obligations, building a comprehensive travel risk management (TRM) program isn’t just good practice; it’s essential for protecting employees and business continuity.

A travel risk management program provides systematic processes to identify, assess, and mitigate risks that could impact traveling employees. Today’s organizations must adapt their TRM programs and travel policies to keep up with evolving threats.

This guide provides a clear roadmap for developing your organization’s TRM program, covering risk assessment, policy development, technology integration, and implementation of best practices.

Understanding today’s travel risks

The modern risk landscape is multifaceted and constantly changing. To build an effective program, you must know the primary threats your travelers may face:

• Political instability: Civil unrest, protests, and sudden changes in government can create hazardous conditions.
• Health emergencies: Pandemics, regional outbreaks, and inadequate medical infrastructure pose significant health risks.
• Natural disasters: Events like hurricanes, earthquakes, and wildfires can disrupt travel and endanger employees.
• Cybersecurity threats: Travelers are often targeted through unsecured Wi-Fi networks, leading to data breaches and intellectual property theft. AI is also used to drive a variety of increasingly complex cyberattacks.
• Transportation disruptions: Airline strikes, infrastructure failures, and severe weather can leave employees stranded.

Inadequate travel risk management carries severe financial and reputational consequences. A single incident can lead to costly evacuations, medical expenses, lost productivity, and lasting damage to a brand’s reputation as a responsible employer.

5 steps to building your travel risk management program

Effective TRM programs require structured frameworks that integrate across multiple organizational functions and align with global best practices, such as the ISO 31030:2021 standard for travel risk management. This standard provides a comprehensive framework for managing travel-related risks and ensuring employee safety.

Here are the steps to create a program:

1. Policies and procedures

Establish comprehensive policies guided by ISO 31030:2021 to define pre-travel approval processes, destination risk classifications, and mandatory security protocols. These policies should specify when travel requires additional approvals, the security measures needed for different risk levels, and how employees should respond to emerging threats.

2. Pre-travel briefings and training

Implement pre-travel briefings and mandatory training programs to ensure employees are aware of destination-specific risks and understand how to access support resources. Reinforce employee awareness of relevant travel policies, communication protocols, and resources available before, during, and after travel.

TRM program socialization and adoption is vital. ISO 31030 emphasizes the importance of effective communication and training to promote compliance.

3. Roles and responsibilities

Define clear roles and responsibilities across departments, including security, human resources, internal communications, travel management, and legal teams. Following ISO 31030 guidelines, each function should have clearly outlined duties for both routine operations, training, and emergency situations. Corporate travelers have a responsibility to be aware of their organization’s program, the available resources, and what is expected of them.

4. Duty of care obligations

Address duty of care obligations by establishing documentation procedures, incident reporting protocols, and legal compliance frameworks in line with ISO 31030:2021 standards. For example, the standard supports integrating due diligence into risk management systems and maintaining public reporting on traveler welfare, for example, compliance with regulations like the EU’s corporate sustainability reporting directive (CSRD).

5. Evaluate your program

Successful TRM programs require ongoing evaluation and refinement based on incident data, employee feedback, and changing risk environments.

Track key performance indicators including incident response times, traveler compliance rates, policy utilization metrics, and cost per incident. Use these metrics as the baseline for measuring your program’s effectiveness and ROI.

Ask key questions to evaluate your program, such as: Can you locate all traveling employees within 15 minutes? Do you have pre-established evacuation procedures for each destination? Are employees trained on communication protocols during emergencies? Have you tested your incident response procedures and technologies through tabletop exercises?

By leveraging the ISO 31030:2021 framework, organizations can create robust, globally recognized TRM programs that prioritize traveler safety while meeting duty of care requirements.

Enhancing business traveler safety with technology 

Manual processes are no longer sufficient for managing the complexities of modern business travel. Comprehensive TRM platforms automate and centralize critical safety functions, providing a significant return on investment.

Everbridge Travel Protector™ is a comprehensive travel risk management solution designed to ensure the safety and well-being of traveling and remote employees. Key features and benefits include:

1. 360° Threat awareness: Provides real-time risk intelligence, pre-trip advisories, and alerts for travelers, including those in high-risk areas or with critical travel plans.
2. Location awareness & alerts: Tracks travelers via mobile app check-ins, travel reservations, and advanced search capabilities, enabling quick identification of those at risk.
3. Traveler safety App: Offers a mobile app with travel risk intelligence, emergency contact options, and educational resources to minimize risks.
4. 24/7 Medical & security assistance: Access to multilingual support for medical and security emergencies, ensuring rapid response during crises.
5. Integration with Critical Event Management (CEM): Part of Everbridge’s CEM platform, it unifies travel data, automated alerts, and dynamic location tracking for seamless risk management.
6. Compliance with ISO 31030: Helps organizations meet international travel risk management standards, enhancing duty-of-care obligations.

Everbridge Travel Protector is ideal for organizations prioritizing employee safety and operational resilience in a hybrid workforce.

See how Burns & McDonnell uses Everbridge to improve global employee safety by managing weather emergencies, safeguarding travelers, and protecting operations.

Not sure how to assess travel risk management solutions? Download our free eBook to simplify your decision with 20+ key questions and must-have features for safer, smarter business travel.

Strengthening organizational resilience through strategic investment

Building an effective travel risk management program requires systematic attention to risk assessment, policy development, technology integration, and continuous improvement. Organizations that invest in comprehensive TRM capabilities protect their employees while maintaining competitive advantages in global markets.

The rapidly evolving threat landscape, particularly the increase in cyber-attacks and new regulatory requirements, makes robust TRM programs essential for organizational resilience.

Companies that implement effective programs reduce incident frequency, minimize disruption costs, and demonstrate their commitment to employee safety and regulatory compliance.

Ready to see how Everbridge can transform your TRM program? Take a personalized tour of our comprehensive solution and discover how leading organizations protect their travelers while maintaining operational excellence.

The results of the Global Risks Report 2024 indicated a risk landscape where economic, geopolitical, and societal vulnerabilities will continue to rise. This is evident in 2025 with the intensification of climate-related disasters, escalating geopolitical tensions, and the ongoing impacts of inflation on global markets. 
 
These trends underscore the urgent need for organizations to adopt robust risk mitigation strategies to safeguard their operations and ensure resilience. 

The gap between exposure and preparation leaves organizations vulnerable to financial losses, regulatory penalties, and irreparable damage to their reputation. Risk mitigation is essential for modern organizational resilience. 

For organizations operating in regulated industries such as finance, healthcare, and manufacturing, effective risk mitigation strategies aren’t just recommended; they’re essential for survival. 

This guide examines the fundamental principles of risk mitigation, explores proven strategies, and provides actionable best practices that organizations can implement immediately. 

What is risk mitigation?

Risk mitigation is the process of identifying potential threats to an organization and implementing strategic measures to eradicate them or minimize their impact. Unlike reactive crisis management, risk mitigation focuses on prevention and preparation, creating robust defenses before threats emerge. 

Risk intelligence monitoring uses advanced technology, machine learning, and a vast network of vetted data sources to provide real-time, hyper-local insights into potential threats. Platforms such as the Everbridge Risk Intelligence Monitoring Center (RIMC) ensure organizations receive targeted alerts, enabling swift and informed decision-making to protect people, assets, and supply chains.

The purpose of risk mitigation extends beyond simple problem-solving. It encompasses protecting business continuity, preserving stakeholder trust, maintaining regulatory compliance, and safeguarding financial stability.  

Risk mitigation operates as a critical component within the broader risk management framework, which includes risk identification, assessment, treatment, and monitoring. While risk management provides the strategic oversight, risk mitigation delivers the tactical execution that transforms vulnerability into resilience. 

Types of risks organizations face

Organizations face multiple types of risk, each requiring tailored approaches and specialized expertise. 

Compliance risks

This emerges when organizations fail to adhere to legal, regulatory, or industry standards. A missed compliance deadline can cost finance firms millions in fines, while healthcare organizations face potential patient safety violations that carry both financial and legal consequences. 

Operational risks

The results from inadequate or failed internal processes, systems, or human factors. Manufacturing facilities face equipment failures, supply chain disruptions, and quality control issues that can halt production and damage customer relationships. 

Reputational risks

This threatens the trust and confidence that stakeholders place in an organization. A single data breach or product recall can erode years of brand building, particularly in sectors where public trust is paramount. 

Cybersecurity risks

One of the most pressing and common concerns for organizations. Data breaches, ransomware attacks, and system infiltrations can compromise sensitive information, disrupt operations, and expose organizations to significant financial and legal liabilities. 

Financial risks

This encompasses market volatility, credit defaults, liquidity constraints, and currency fluctuations that can impact an organization’s financial stability and growth trajectory. 

Join us on November 19, 2025, for our webinar, The 2026 Global Risk and Resilience Outlook. Discover valuable insights into emerging risk trends and effective resilience strategies to prepare for the year ahead.

What is a risk mitigation strategy?

A risk mitigation strategy is a comprehensive plan that outlines specific actions and procedures designed to reduce an organization’s exposure to identified risks. These strategies serve as the blueprint for building organizational resilience, ensuring business continuity, and protecting stakeholder interests. 

Effective risk mitigation strategies focus on these core objectives: identifying potential threats and assessing them, prioritizing risks based on their potential impact and likelihood, and implementing targeted interventions that address each risk category. This systematic approach enables organizations to allocate resources efficiently while maintaining operational effectiveness. 

The most effective risk mitigation strategies are tailored to an organization’s unique operational environment, industry requirements, and risk tolerance.  

5 Risk mitigation strategies

Organizations across industries adopt various risk mitigation strategies tailored to their specific needs. Here are the most common approaches with examples: 

1. Risk avoidance

Risk avoidance involves eliminating activities or processes that pose significant threats to organizational objectives. This strategy proves particularly effective when the potential impact far outweighs any possible benefits. 

For example: 

• Financial institutions may relocate operations from politically unstable regions to protect assets and personnel. 

• Tech companies might avoid entering markets with restrictive data privacy laws to reduce regulatory risks. 

2. Risk reduction

Risk reduction strategies focus on implementing measures that decrease either the likelihood of a risk occurring or minimize its potential impact. This approach allows organizations to continue beneficial activities while reducing associated threats. 

For example: 

• Manufacturing plants use fire suppression systems, safety talks and training, and emergency shutdown protocols to prevent workplace accidents. 

• Healthcare organizations implement redundant data backups and strict access controls to mitigate cybersecurity risks. 

3. Risk transfer

Risk transfer involves shifting the burden of potential losses to third parties, typically through insurance policies or contractual agreements. This strategy provides financial protection while allowing organizations to maintain their operations. 

For example: 

• Businesses purchase cybersecurity insurance to cover legal fees, notification costs, and penalties from data breaches. 

• Construction companies transfer risks to contractors with liability coverage in their agreements. 

4. Risk acceptance

Risk acceptance acknowledges that certain threats are inherent to operations and that the cost of mitigation may exceed the potential benefits. Organizations using this strategy maintain awareness of accepted risks while implementing monitoring systems to detect changes in threat levels. 

For example: 

• Startups often accept market risks tied to new product launches, embracing uncertainty as part of innovation. 

• Established companies may tolerate minor operational risks with minimal business impact. 

5. Risk monitoring 

Risk monitoring involves continuous surveillance of the threat landscape, enabling organizations to detect emerging risks and adapt their mitigation strategies accordingly. This dynamic approach ensures that risk management remains effective as conditions change. 

For example: 

• Financial institutions use AI tools to detect fraudulent activities quickly. 

• Supply chain managers leverage predictive analytics to anticipate and prevent disruptions. 

6 Steps to create a successful risk mitigation strategy

1. Identify risks

Begin by thoroughly identifying potential risks that could impact the organization. Analyze all aspects of the business, such as operations, financial practices, cybersecurity, and supply chains. Utilize tools like SWOT analysis, risk assessments, and historical data reviews to ensure comprehensive risk identification. 

2. Assess risk impact and likelihood

Once risks are identified, evaluate their potential impact and the likelihood of occurrence. This assessment enables prioritization, allowing resources to focus on mitigating risks that pose the most significant threat to business continuity and objectives. 

3. Develop mitigation plans

Design actionable plans to minimize the impact of high-priority risks. This may involve implementing preventative measures, establishing backup systems, or defining response protocols. Engage with stakeholders across departments to ensure a collaborative and robust strategy. 

4. Implement risk controls

Deploy the mitigation measures outlined in the plan. This involves integrating controls into daily operations, such as training employees on risk management procedures, upgrading systems to strengthen cybersecurity defenses, utilizing risk intelligence tools, or diversifying suppliers to reduce dependency. 

5. Monitor and review

Continuous monitoring of the implemented strategy is crucial to its success. Establish performance indicators to measure the effectiveness of risk mitigation efforts and review them regularly. Adapt your strategy as new risks emerge or business contexts evolve, ensuring it remains relevant and efficient. 

6. Foster a risk-aware culture

Cultivate an organizational culture where proactive risk identification and response are prioritized. Encourage open communication and empower employees to report potential risks. A risk-aware culture ensures the entire organization is aligned and resilient in the face of challenges. 

Addressing the “Expanding Risk Zone” with the Everbridge High-Velocity CEM Platform 

The “Expanding Risk Zone” represents a new reality for organizations worldwide. The rising frequency and intensity of critical events—such as natural disasters, cyberattacks, geopolitical conflicts, and public health crises—are fundamentally reshaping the priorities of executive teams and boardrooms alike. These challenges are placing unprecedented pressure on operational continuity and organizational resilience. Seamless operations now hinge on the ability to anticipate, respond to, and recover from an increasingly complex and evolving risk landscape. 

The Everbridge High Velocity CEM platform is uniquely designed to support organizations as they tackle the demands of this expanding risk zone. Powered by Purpose-built AI, High Velocity CEM helps leaders understand risks earlier and respond faster. By integrating advanced analytics, real-time monitoring, and automated workflows, Everbridge enables organizations to proactively assess threats, minimize downtime, and maintain operational efficiency. 

Building resilience with strategic risk management 

The modern business environment demands proactive risk management approaches that anticipate threats and implement effective countermeasures. Organizations that invest in comprehensive risk mitigation strategies and technologies protect themselves from potential disruptions while positioning themselves for sustainable growth. 

Success in risk mitigation requires commitment from all organizational levels, supported by robust technology platforms and continuous improvement processes. Organizations that embrace this comprehensive approach to risk management create competitive advantages that extend far beyond simple threat protection. 

Protect your organization from unexpected disruptions and build the resilience necessary for long-term success.  

Join our webinar on November 19, 2025, The 2026 Global Risk and Resilience Outlook, for insights on emerging risks and strategies to prepare for the future.