The Ultimate List of Challenges in Contract Employee Travel
21 Pain Points Companies Must Address
Contract employees are a vital part of today’s workforce, especially for industries that rely on specialized expertise, temporary projects, or seasonal demand.
In this article, we’ll uncover 21 challenges that contract employees and their employers face in managing travel and housing, highlighting the complexities of contractor logistics, why these issues demand attention, and the solution that WWStay offers.
1. Limited Access to Corporate Travel Perks - Unlike full-time employees, contract workers often miss out on perks like frequent flyer programs, preferred seating, or hotel loyalty benefits. This can make their travel experience more stressful and less rewarding.
2. Tight Budgets for Housing - Companies often have strict budgets for contractor housing. This can lead to dissatisfaction and lower productivity.
3. Lack of Housing Benefits - While full-time employees might get housing allowances or corporate accommodations, contractors are not entitled to avail of such benefits.
4. Remote Locations with Limited Options - Contractors often work at remote sites where accommodation options are scarce, expensive, or both. This limits their choices and increases the burden on employers to find viable solutions.
5. Rotational Scheduling Wastage - Contractors frequently move between sites, but companies still pay for unused rooms during their absences. This leads to significant financial waste.
6. Partial Occupancy in Shared Housing - Shared accommodations are common for contractors, but managing these setups is a logistical nightmare. When some beds remain empty, the cost savings of shared housing disappear.
7. Poor Quality of Accommodations - Budget constraints often mean contractors are housed in poor-quality facilities that lack certain amenities, affecting morale.
8. Last-Minute Housing Changes - Project delays or sudden workforce shifts can lead to last-minute cancellations or booking changes, often resulting in penalties or increased costs for the company.
9. Complex Reimbursement Processes - Many contractors have to pay for travel and housing out of pocket, with cumbersome reimbursement processes adding unnecessary stress and delays in getting their money back.
10. Limited Meal Options - Remote sites often lack meal options, leaving contractors to spend extra money or rely on unhealthy fast food, which impacts their health and performance.
11. Poorly Communicated Policies - Unclear policies around travel allowances, housing arrangements, and shared accommodations often lead to confusion and dissatisfaction among contractors.
12. High Administrative Burden - Managing travel and accommodation for a large group of contractors involves significant administrative work, which can overwhelm teams and lead to costly errors.
13. Unforeseen Costs - Extra charges for unused rooms, extended stays, or emergency relocations can quickly escalate beyond the planned budget, catching companies off guard.
14. Lack of Consistency Across Projects - Different projects often have inconsistent policies for contractor travel and housing, leading to confusion and dissatisfaction.
15. Shared Room Conflicts - Contractors placed in shared accommodations often face issues like conflicting schedules, which affect their overall experience.
16. Inadequate Access to Transportation - Remote locations often lack reliable transportation options, forcing contractors to either walk long distances or rely on costly alternatives like car rentals or rideshares.
17. Long Commutes - When affordable housing isn’t available near worksites, contractors face long and exhausting commutes that reduce their productivity and work satisfaction.
18. Overbooked Accommodations - In busy areas, companies may struggle to secure enough rooms, forcing contractors to share cramped spaces or relocate frequently.
19. No Standard for Incidentals - Unclear policies on who pays for incidentals like laundry, internet, or parking lead to disputes and frustration between contractors and employers.
20. Poor Coordination Between Teams - Multiple departments often manage different aspects of contractor travel, leading to miscommunication, double bookings, or missed deadlines.
21. Hotels want a single card for large group booking - Contractors do not get a company travel card. Hotels do not want to swipe separate cards for each room when it’s a large group booking.
What’s the Solution?
At WWStay, we have crafted innovative solutions to address these challenges, ensuring seamless travel and accommodation management for contract employees. Here's how we make a difference:
Partnerships with flexible accommodations for dynamic scheduling.
Real-time occupancy tracking to optimize room utilization.
Comprehensive Support and Clear Policies
Streamlined Processes for Administrative Efficiency
In-house single-use virtual card payment solution for secure and hassle-free transactions.
Closing Thoughts
Contract employees are an essential part of today’s workforce, yet their travel and housing challenges are often overlooked. By recognizing these issues and taking proactive steps to solve them, WWStay has improved the experience for contract employees while avoiding unnecessary costs and increasing operational efficiency for our customers.
Do you want to learn more about WWStay's solution for corporate travel? Talk to us!