Mobile Workforce Blog

The Gamification of Business Travel

As a company who is constantly monitoring mobility trends, we are currently seeing shifts in the travel arena.  Our annual Total Employee Mobility Benchmarking Survey shows a 15% drop in companies who say they “aggressively” manage their travel program.  In these sorts of economic times, companies generally tend to be more stringent with trying to control travel costs.  In researching this deeper a new idea has been launched.

SmartTrip™ uses a gamification type tool that creates a win/win for both the traveler and the company.  Through a combination of our benchmark data and travelers who are incented to travel frugally, the corporation receives efficient business travel programs.  In return, the traveler is empowered with knowledge and tools to travel how they most prefer.  SmartTrip allows the corporation to structure their incentive program, so the frugal traveler can be rewarded in any number of ways.  We are beginning to see gaining momentum for this service.  So what do you think?

Greg Harper
President
Runzheimer International

Time to Benchmark

We have long talked about the value of benchmarking. It is always great to see the "a-ha" moments occur once folks compare against a benchmark. Many times, we validate those things we are doing well. We also have an opportunity to gain insight on those areas where we could also improve. 

Understanding overall spending in the area of employee mobility is no different. We have recently launched the 2011 benchmark process for organizations. Significant improvements have been made to the process to save time and make the information much more interactive and instantly accessible. Click here to get started benchmarking your employee mobility programs. As you participate in the process, please feel free to share your "a-ha" moments.

Greg Harper
President
Runzheimer International

Fuel Prices Blowing Budgets

Early 2011 has seen the price of fuel continually increase. With a 27% increase since March 2010, every organization is struggling to control fuel budgets while supporting the business driving needed to increase revenue and retain clients.

Oftentimes, businesses with auto allowance/reimbursement programs are not certain if their plans are keeping up with costs or perhaps even paying too much. Learn about reimbursement program options that adjust reimbursements for fuel market volatility. How is your organization managing fuel budgets in times of fluctuation?

Greg Harper
President
Runzheimer International

Employee Management Top Concern in Mobile Workforce Survey

We recently completed our fifth annual Total Employee Mobility^® (TEM^®) Benchmark Report and it is clear that the mobile workforce remains vitally important to businesses for growth and client retention. This year, a new theme emerged more resounding than in prior years: managing mobile employees was the top concern for almost 50% of the 90 executives who responded to the survey. This elevated rating reflects the essential need for organizations to have more formal processes and assessment, especially now that virtual workers are an accepted business institution. What processes and measurement has your organization implemented?

Greg Harper
President
Runzheimer International

Human Resource Leaders Benefit from Relocation Compliance Audits

Employee relocations are complex and can be costly.  Error rates can top 30% or more in some cases.  Learn how supplier audits can ensure accuracy in expenses, relocation policy compliance, and improve cost control.  What steps are you taking to ensure accuracy and control relocation costs with your suppliers?

Greg Harper
President
Runzheimer International

Recently announced 2011 IRS mileage rate

Managing a business vehicle program involves balancing liability, risk exposure, employee satisfaction, and cost.  The recently announced 2011 IRS rate is one commonly-used strategy for managing these programs.  Evaluating (and understanding) all of your options can help you gain control, flexibility, and cost savings.  Learn more about the available options in this white paper.  As you review this document, consider how your current vehicle program functions.  Is it flexible and fair for your employees?  Also, how much attention are you paying to driver satisfaction and productivity?

Greg Harper
President
Runzheimer International

Control Logistics with Business Intelligence

Route planning and logistics decision-making is often based on how to be more efficient with day-to-day deliveries and service appointments.  However, the information captured by logistics software offers a bigger benefit—business intelligence.  This critical data can answer questions such as: Am I spending too much on overtime?  Which delivery or service call is the most or least profitable?  And what is the cost impact of supporting unique customer requests?  Answers to these questions can help your organization increase efficiency and revenue.  How is your company using business intelligence to improve your logistics decisions?

Greg Harper
President
Runzheimer International

The Value of a Trip - Smart Decisions with Travel ROI

As the economy is taking small steps in the right direction, it is still important to think critically about all aspects of your business. One area that many businesses find difficult to execute is measuring the ROI of business travel. Understanding which trips contribute to the bottom line or even when to schedule a trip vs. finding a trip alternative can help companies pinpoint where to invest. Some companies have linked revenue growth to travel investment. Other companies have reallocated travel funding based on unclear results. What's key is not to immediately slash travel budgets, but to take the time to understand investment results. On your quest to evaluate the value of travel, what processes and tools are you using to measure ROI to keep the profitable trips and eliminate the unproductive ones?

Greg Harper
President
Runzheimer International

Monitoring risk related to drivers can keep your company safe

We know road warriors are out there every day driving to visit clients or making service calls to keep your business moving forward. While many drivers are safe, it is also a best practice to monitor risks related to driving. The National Safety Council estimates that one non-fatal, disabling accident can cost a company $74,500 on average and indirect costs can range from 2-5 times that. If you provide a company car, you are at risk of being held liable if an employee has an accident during personal time. Employees who drive their own cars for business can expose you to risk by not carrying minimum insurance coverage. Many companies are putting processes in place to minimize risk, including safety training and insurance monitoring. What proactive measures are you taking to help keep your company and business drivers safe?

Greg Harper
President
Runzheimer International

The Advantages of Mobile Device Technology

It’s fascinating to take a step back and consider all the things that business people can do today with their mobile devices.  Gone are the days of having to be in the office to update a business contact in a CRM system, call an 800 number to schedule a trip, or keep a manual business mileage log.  Through technology, the business world has truly become mobile.  You can receive an alert on your mobile device if your flight time has changed.  One mobile application called AroundMe lets you search for the closest gas station, restaurant, or bank when you are on the road. Devices exist that use GPS technology to track business mileage, which can then be uploaded to the corporate office for mileage reimbursement.  One of my favorite applications, TripIt, captures all the information about my business trips (including flights, hotels, rental cars, and more) in one spot for easy access. Two articles offer great ideas on business applications for the iPhone and Android mobile devices.  How are you using mobile applications to enhance productivity and simplify business travel?

Greg Harper
President
Runzheimer International