American Express survey finds huge mobile gap in corporate travel policies

It's as if these global, multinational and midsize corporations had blinders on about their employees and their travels.

American Express Global Business Travel surveyed nearly 100 of these businesses about their corporate travel policies and found several shocking gaps, including one related to mobile adoption.

"None of the travel policies addressed the use of mobile applications or even referenced tools they may have available for travelers to use on the road or when working remotely," American Express states.

That is "none," as in zero out of 100.

All agree that business travelers have been early adopters of mobile technologies for travel, and many of the surveyed corporations undoubtedly have developed or offer mobile tools for their employees.

But, it all went missing in their corporate travel policies.

"A successful travel policy should include rules for these resources and help travelers find and take advantage of them to save time and increase compliance," American Express says.

Without referring to the mobile issue specifically, American Express Global Travel suggests that corporations should get employees involved and revisit travel policies for "relevancy." If corporations do so, they undoubtedly will take up the mobile issue in their subsequent policies.

"Establish a policy team with representatives from all stakeholders, including those that can represent the traveler, and charge them with the maintenance of the travel policy," American Express suggests. "Then communicate changes to travelers so everyone can stay current."

The mobile gap in corporate travel policies wasn't the only omission uncovered by the travel management company.

The American Express Global Business Travel survey also found:

80% of the policies failed to address reimbursement of ancillary fees for add-on purchases at hotel and car-rental companies, as well as bag fees and reservations changes;