Corporate companies benefit from business traveling by accessing more networking opportunities, getting exposure to higher-profile projects, and enhancing employee work satisfaction by avoiding burnout. At the same time, helping your team acclimate to the collaborators’ culture and traditions can strengthen relations and nurture new future projects.
Still, traveling for business can pose challenges, especially for those who will cross considerable distances. Jet lag severely disrupts one’s natural sleep rhythms, leading to headaches and insomnia. At the same time, striking a balance between having fun and contributing to the company’s purpose can also be challenging.
Luckily, with technology, employees can manage some of these issues and enjoy an efficient and enjoyable work trip; here are some essential gadgets and items to have.
An eSIM
Regardless of how close or far the trip is from the company’s headquarters, maintaining contact with employees is essential. This implies that they have the necessary tools to maintain the connection when needed, including internet and voice calls. For teams that manage marketing content, being able to publish videos or stories on social media is essential, which is why a digital sim is essential.
Compared to a local SIM, an eSIM allows employees to connect to unlimited internet by installing it before or even during the trip, as it is received in the form of a QR code. With no physical SIM involved, there is no chance of losing or damaging it, making it safer for international trips.
For example, an eSIM for North America offers unlimited data, regardless of the time spent, with fast and reliable coverage. These digital simulations are compatible with most mobile devices, including those from Apple, Samsung, and Google Pixel. Additionally, employees can connect them to a smartwatch or laptop/tablet, allowing them to work efficiently.
One or two pairs of headphones or earbuds
Typically, people bring only one pair of headphones/earbuds when traveling, but for business travel, having two pairs might be more efficient. For instance, one might prefer listening to music or a podcast during the flight to feel more comfortable and relaxed. This doesn’t require the purchasing of expensive products, but rather ones with decent sound quality.
Another pair of headphones would be necessary for calls with teams and management, who ask for products with noise-cancelling features. Blocking background noise is essential when traveling, as work calls can occur anywhere.
It’s ideal for headphones or earbuds to have an efficient microphone to support efficient communication. Wired headphones are effective as they won’t rely on charging, but wireless ones are best for relaxing, going to the gym, or simply walking around.
A portable power bank
Everyone knows the struggle of a low battery occurring right in the middle of a presentation or a call. While this is a normal occurrence, it can be avoided successfully with a portable power bank that employees can use when working remotely. These items offer fast and flexible charging via USB-C or USB-PD, allowing for simultaneous charging of multiple devices.
Choosing the best power bank for one’s needs must be done in consideration of the following:
- Capacity: choosing a product with 20,000 mAh is best for business travel, but be wary of the guidelines of the International Air Transport Association (IATA) on WH, since gadgets with over 160 Wh are not allowed on passenger flights;
- Charging output: a good power bank has USB-C ports compatible with Power Delivery (PD) technology for efficient charging;
- Weight and build: since work traveling requires baggage, choosing pocket-friendly options will ensure less weight on the whole luggage, as well as easier carrying;
Smart tags
According to IATA, airlines globally carry approximately 4 million bags, but a small percentage of them will eventually get lost somewhere. 99.57% of them will reach their owners on time, while the rest are lost due to late check-ins, unexpected weather conditions, or insufficient time between connected flights.
Regular tags are insufficient in this case, which is why tech-based ones that utilize Bluetooth connections are the best option. The Apple AirTag is the best example of such a gadget, as iPhone users can connect their smartphone to it. However, what the tag does is that its connection falls within the Bluetooth range of other iPhones, allowing it to send its location to the closest one.
There are options for Samsung as well, with the Galaxy SmartTag 2, but it’s only compatible with Android 9.0 or higher. Still, it’s an efficient method of ensuring luggage can be reunited with its owner, especially since it’s water- and dust-resistant, allowing it to withstand various environments.
A Bluetooth keyboard
While this might not be necessary for every type of business trip, a Bluetooth keyboard can be considerably helpful for organized employees who want to keep everything in a safe document. This gadget can be helpful in cases where a laptop is unavailable or a compact option is needed for writing, especially when paired with a smartphone.
While there are many aspects to consider, having a keyboard with a carrying case that doubles as a stand is highly efficient. This protects the keyboard while allowing the employee to write anywhere, from a café to a park, in case they’re required to attend a meeting or need to write a report.
The size is also important. Typically, a compact 10-inch version is ideal for carrying, as a larger one would be uncomfortable, while a smaller one would make typing difficult. While searching for other features, consider a keyboard with a microSD card slot for transferring compact files.
Ready for business?
Work trip essentials might vary depending on the country or the purpose. However, gadgets are always necessary and can contribute to efficiency and relaxation. For example, headphones are necessary for calls and sometimes for relaxation, while portable power banks will ensure employees can always have access to their devices. Finally, the most important would be a Bluetooth-based tag so they don’t risk never recovering lost luggage.
