CLEVELAND, Ohio – When will business travel return after the COVID-19 pandemic ends?
The return of conferences, conventions, and conventions depends on vaccines, government rules, and people’s comfort. But the pandemic may have transformed the business world in such a way that remote meetings are becoming the norm.
Ashley Qualls, HR director at Embrace Pet Insurance, believes travel could return towards the end of the year.
“Think about it like you do at professional sports events. They are now starting to fill the stadiums to full capacity, which was not an option three months ago, ”said Qualls. “I think when we see how the vaccine works and how it affects people’s ability to come together, it will open things up more. I would like to say that we see some normality towards the end of the year, but I think that by next year we will really start returning to those conferences or annual conferences that we are used to. “
For the List of top jobs for 2021, cleveland.com and the Plain Dealer have selected 175 outstanding employers in northeast Ohio based on employee surveys. We focused on their responses and adjustments during the coronavirus pandemic.
Cleveland-based Embrace Pet Insurance, the # 6 midsize company for top jobs, typically attends conferences like the American Veterinary Medical Association Convention, Midwest Veterinary Conference, and Veterinary Meeting and Expo. (Confirmation whether these conferences take place in person or virtually or hybrid with Qualls)
But travel may not feel any more than necessary
“I think it is more acceptable to be remote than ever. There are (Microsoft) teams, there are zooms, there are different ways to connect, and people are now used to connecting that way. So I don’t think it will be required as it was before, ”she said. “I think there is an advantage when people are together, but I don’t think it will be necessary.”
Union Home Mortgage, the # 1 top jobs company, has been out of business travel for 14 months, said President and CEO Bill Cosgrove.
Cosgrove said the mortgage lending industry conferences will return in September.
An autumn conference will be held by the Association of Mortgage Lenders in San Diego. The annual congress took place practically last year.
Union Home recently granted some executives permission to travel by air. Executives must be vaccinated to fly and stay in hotels, Cosgrove said. However, workers do not need to be vaccinated when they are not traveling.
“We don’t require our employees to be vaccinated or show proof of vaccination,” said Cosgrove. “Although we highly recommend it and we promote vaccinations within the company. As long as your doctor approves it. “
Summer serves as a transition period from the vice of the pandemic to a relaxed policy.
Oswald Companies, the Cleveland-based insurance broker, is the No. 8 midsize company for top workplaces. Business travel is gradually making a return for the company, said Deborah Cooper, chief human resources officer.
“I think companies are taking it slow,” said Cooper. “We all navigate through vaccinations and how we deal with employees who are vaccinated versus those who choose not to be vaccinated. And we proceed carefully. “
Cooper said the company is starting to watch the return of face-to-face business meetings. Some customers have come to the office, and the accounts team has also made some on-site customer visits, Cooper said.
However, she added that conferences and training are starting more slowly and plans are beginning to be made for in-person events in the fall.
“So I’m stepping back and I think a lot of us are waiting for the summer months,” said Cooper.
