No Business on the Go!

I recently read a short blog posting by an exasperated frequent traveller around the highly dubious practice of doing business on planes, trains and auto-mobiles. His frustration was centred around the unethical behaviour displayed by these people and the lack of attention to confidentiality, privacy and information security.

I've had this experience too. I've had some moments where the person next to me is relaying confidential info on the phone within earshot - including passwords, personal information or personal opinion on a named individual. I don't do this personally, I try and avoid punishing my fellow travellers with my work life - but its seen as being acceptable by a lot of people, despite the potential negative consequences.

This post is really about what are the issues with this kind of behaviour and what are the potential negatives?

Confidentiality: This is the obvious one. If everyone around you can hear what your saying then there is an inevitable dissemination of information that can be relayed elsewhere - Twitter, Facebook etc. That information can travel quite a distance before you've even ended the call.

Security: Humans are the weakest link in any security system. Technical people can spend significant time developing security for IT systems just for a human to broadcast the password in a public area such as an airport. Once again that information can travel but it also gives an insight into the personal side of things. If you set your own password on a work system its likely that the same password is in use in your personal life. Taking your work password and trying it on PayPal is a reasonable approach to getting in.

Morally & Ethically: What does your conversation say to other people about your business morals and ethics? If you are criticising an existing customer, what does that say to others listening? If they were your client, would you do the same to them? There are a number of messages that this kind of behaviour gives off, and none of them are positive. It shows a lack of professionalism, respect and understanding.

What compounds this problem is when staff members are wearing company clothing, either a uniform or clothing with the companies logo on it. This means that any transgression is now attributable to the company - potentially bringing the company into disrepute. 

• How do you manage this if your staff are in a position to inflict any of the above on your company?
  
• The company contract of employment should include a statement around travelling on company business - ensuring that in-office etiquette is maintained outside of the office while travelling.
  
• Travel times for staff members should in the company diary with calling them whilst travelling prohibited except in an emergency.
  
• Staff members should not wear clothing with the company logo on it outside of genuine work related circumstances.

Staff travel policies are a good idea, this can include the dress code but can also deal with the claiming of expenses etc. The policy can be part of the employment contract if you feel its of pivotal importance but if you want a softer touch then it can be an aspect of the company handbook.

Regardless, the implications for the company are profound and directors should always take a defensive stance. Bad or inappropriate behaviour that can be attributed to the company is a PR disaster waiting to happen.