How Do You Handle Company Travel Policies That Don't Meet Your Standards?

Hello All,

There is this peculiar problem faced by me. After my post-graduation, I have joined this company. It's a mediocre company, but the kind of profile offered to me is really challenging.

Currently, my job requires me to travel often all over India. I am open to traveling, but due to the set corporate travel policy of the company, I need to travel by 3-tier AC and to stay at properties which are 1 or 2 stars, and even at times, non-AC rooms.

Fortunately, whenever I traveled before for my personal work or any tours, I have always traveled by air and stayed in standard hotels. Now, here on my official trips, I even upgrade the hotel rooms or train travel class by paying from my pocket.

Kindly give me some suggestions to deal with this situation when your employer expects you to do what you are not used to. Shall I look for a change for this reason? It's been 1 year, and I am paying the difference for hotel rooms or upgraded train fare.

I may sound arrogant here, but it's a genuine concern. I will be glad if you could give your valuable suggestions. 😊

[IMG]https://www.citehr.com/images/icons/icon5.gif[/IMG] Weird but real situation.... If anyone can help

Hello All,

There is this peculiar problem faced by me. After my post-graduation, I have joined this company. It's a mediocre company, but the kind of profile offered to me is really challenging.

Currently, my job requires me to travel often all over India. I am open to traveling, but due to the set corporate travel policy of the company, I need to travel by 3-tier AC and stay at properties which are 1 or 2 stars, and even at times Non-AC rooms.

Fortunately, whenever I traveled before for my personal work or any tours, I have always traveled by air and stayed in standard hotels. Now, here on my official trips, I even upgrade the hotel rooms or train travel class by paying from my pocket.

Kindly give me some suggestions to deal with this situation when your employer expects you to do what you are not used to. Should I look for a change for this reason? Because it's been 1 year, and I am paying the difference for hotel rooms or upgraded train fare.

I may sound arrogant here, but it's a genuine concern. I will be glad if you could give your valuable suggestions. 🤔

Dear HRINFOACCOUNT,

You must understand that when you are traveling, you are representing your company and, most importantly, your "Designation." Since you seem to be a fresher with just one year of experience, I believe you must be in a junior role. So for that role, no matter who is working, they can still provide only those travel considerations.

When you go out on a personal trip, you may want to consider traveling by air. But on the job, I guess you must make use of what is given in terms of such travel issues.

Your upgrade of travel and accommodation facility was your choice. So, if you think you have to leave just because of "higher-end services" not being provided, it's not a great idea. Most companies have grades and levels for travel/accommodation criteria, and also depending on the emergency of travel. See if such things exist in your company, and I suggest you follow what's relevant to your grade. In other companies, depending on your role, they will design the travel/accommodation facilities.

I doubt if it would make sense if you are leaving because of this issue.

Good Luck!

Hi,

I understand it could be difficult to change the standards to which one has been accustomed. You must know that HR policies are crafted with careful consideration, and what a policy permits varies based on the capabilities of the respective role within the company. As you are just starting your career and gaining new experiences, you may find yourself in a situation where the facilities provided may not be extensive. If you have been personally funding enhancements to the facilities to meet your standards, it is a personal choice and cannot be equated with official limits.

In my opinion, it may not be wise to consider leaving for this reason, even if you choose not to voice your concerns. However, the decision ultimately rests with you, and you must weigh what is important and of greater significance to you. If the experience you are gaining is enriching your profile, then I suggest that it is worth being patient. The work exposure will have a long-lasting impact and contribution. These travel constraints may only be temporary, and the situation will evolve with time.

Wishing you the best of luck. 😊

Hi,

Thank you to both of you for the quick replies. I don't expect my employer to cover my airfare. I am still managing with train travel, although I was not used to it earlier. However, asking me to stay in non-AC rooms is not possible for me. Even at my home, I have air conditioning facilities.

If I pay out of my own pocket to upgrade accommodation, it might come across as rude to the management, considering there are executives traveling with me who manage to stay in lower standard rooms. I can still understand that according to company policies, only managers are eligible for airfare or standard hotels. But how do I deal with the management's attitude because they still have issues if I pay from my own pockets.

Hi,

In your case, it may seem to be a very genuine reason, and you may look out for a change if you think. But before doing this, you can speak to the HR and tell him what you expect from the company. Every company has certain fixed criteria to provide facilities to its staff; this thing can be sorted out. However, the company should also value its employees based on the work it is extracting from you.

Above all, it depends on comfort. We all used to set comfort levels for ourselves, and it's up to us to leave or keep working. I hope the company HR can definitely suggest a few things to management if there is any scope for 'better facilities'. You must give it a try, speak out, and see the result.

Many times people leave for minor reasons and ultimately end up in an organization with 'better infrastructure' but a 'poor profile'. If you think this issue is lowering your status, then highlight it.

Good luck.

Gunjan

You have not given enough information to make a judgment. As Asha says, you may be in a junior position. You may belong to the upper middle class, etc. (I am not going to make comments on your personal situation). Let me make some general points from my experience.

As Asha and others have said, the company policies are based on levels of the job. However, the travel and subsistence allowances, etc., can always be modified depending upon the economic climate. For example, a company director has opted to travel by economy class on business due to the present recession; he travels by first class (upgraded) when he travels on personal work (to see parents).

As far as you getting upgraded to higher class travel and staying in better hotels at your cost is concerned, it could pose problems. Let us say you and your colleague or boss travel at the same time. How would it look if you had to be picked up from a posh hotel and your colleague from an ordinary one?

We all have to make sacrifices in life if we want to achieve something. If you think you are learning something by being employed by that firm, then put up with the inconvenience and continue. If not, find another job and get out. As the saying goes, "If you can't stand the heat in the kitchen, get out fast."

It's very simple, you can spend as per the standard you have, but the company will only reimburse expenses that align with the policy applicable to your profile. If you are the only one with that profile, then it's okay, but if there is another person with the same profile, it could be embarrassing for them. It's important to take life as it comes, so quitting a job for this reason may not be a good idea, as this kind of situation exists everywhere and changing it may not be feasible. It's better to adjust your habits or lifestyle for the moment, as success often comes after enduring struggles, and those who succeed are the ones who can adapt to the changing times.

Hey friend, you decide this time what is important for you - high-level comfort or job. This is all your decision. If the company is showing bias, then you can make a complaint. But if it is a uniform and written policy, then you can't do anything.

Should I tell you my example? At my home, I have AC, but here in the office, we are managing with fans. You know the normal temperature in my city is 40-46°C, but not a single person has left the job because of this reason.

Friend, things are understood - either you think of "comfort" or you think of "job." The choice is only yours.

Hello all,

I really appreciate all of you for your comments. I agree it will look bad if my colleagues stay in a lower-class hotel or rooms while I stay in the category of room that has been allotted to my manager.

I understand that work life is all about adjustments, so if I want to survive, I am left with the following options:

1. I should stay in a lower-class hotel because my colleagues are staying in the same kind of hotel.

2. I can't pay from my own pocket for an upgrade just because my management won't like it. (My manager has no issues if I pay on my own.)

3. I should quit the company.

I spoke to HR about this, and they are always ready with standard corporate policies. I tried staying in a low-class hotel, but I can't manage it anymore. Guys, just imagine, when you have lived according to certain standards for the last 24 years of your life, you will obviously look for better living standards when you start earning on your own. So, is it worth it for me to adjust?

Kindly explain.

Why can't I stay the way I want? Because for 15 days I am on my business trips.

Dear Shining,

I can understand your situation, but at least you get to be in AC once you reach home. Here, when you are on a 10-12-hour business trip, at least you would expect a comfortable room for your night stay. What do you say? Anyway, I am not complaining about the infrastructure in this company.

Dear Friend,

Please understand that sometimes things we really like come at a price. You like the position - you say it's challenging. But as far as the convenience part is concerned, you feel you are sacrificing a few things. Now, you need to decide if these comforts you are missing at work are more important than the work itself. At this point, you cannot change the Organization standards (you also mentioned it's only a mediocre company). And you cannot always be paying out of your pocket; after a certain point, you will start feeling frustrated. But there is one thing you can change - that's you and your priorities. Sit and think about what's more important. If you cannot handle the job without the extra comforts, then you need to see what you can sacrifice for that - the Job or the Habit?

If you think the market is really good, and your position is in demand, then there's no harm in looking out. But if you feel you still have a lot more to learn from this position, and if the job can offer you growth - then focus on the job, climb up the career ladder, create a niche position for yourself...and then you can later demand any company for those extra comforts/benefits...because you will be worth it :-)

Good Luck!

Dear Friend,

Most employees are misusing these entitlement class facilities and reimburse money as per their eligibility, whereas they travel by III tier AC and stay in ordinary hotels. These practices are common in Government companies, but in private companies, there are counter-checking mechanisms in place. If a company has adopted some standard for your position, grade, or hierarchy, you have to adhere to that; your own standard or the standard of your previous company has no relevance to your present company's travel rules.

Regards,
Partho

Thank you, Asha. I have been reading your comments on a few other posts. I really like the way you look at the problems.

In my case, yes, I am happy with the profile, and there is a lot I can learn. But I can't compromise on living standards, especially when you expect something; at least you work for the whole day long. I need to look for a job change. I will keep you posted. Thank you anyway. Just for your information, I work for the HR department itself and need to travel for auditing purposes to branches across India.

There was an elephant who was kept captive by a rope tied to its leg. The Mahawat was asked whether this small rope is good enough to hold this huge animal. The Mahawat replied, "I know it is so easy for him to break free, but he cannot. Know why? Because his mindset does not allow him to do so. He keeps visualizing that when he was captivated, when he was too small, he was held by this same rope and however hard he tried at that time he could not break this rope, so it is seemingly impossible for him to do so even now.

So, HRINFOACCOUNT

It is all in the mindset of a person to do something or not to do something. Changing mindset is itself a challenge, but not impossible. Give it a try. The corporate world is a different world with its own set of rules, and people living in it have to follow these rules or else they perish soon.

And my urge to all the Mummy-Papas out there. Do not make your child's childhood so 'absolutely comfortable' that he becomes incapable to face the real-life hardships.

Prashant

I like the way Prashant thinks. Yes, we need to develop ourselves to go beyond our comfort zone. So, HRINFOACCOUNT, my suggestion is... think again... as the summer is almost gone, try to adjust without AC. By the time summer comes again, hope you will be in a better position. All the best.

Once in a while, I will not mind doing that. By the way, have you guys ever got to watch "Man Vs Wild" on Discovery? That guy really teaches you how to adjust in adversities. Anyways, everyone has their own lifestyle and whether or not to compromise with it is entirely their decision.

Prashant

Dear all,

Nice post, Asha. Prashant, you have suggested a good thought.

But Dear HRINFOACCOUNT,

Can we ask some questions to ourselves?

1) What is the size of the company? 2) What is the hierarchy of the company? 3) What is the designation you are offered? 4) Where does your designation fall in the hierarchy?

Once we have answered these questions, you can go to the HR of your company and ask for the corporate travel policy. As an employee, you have the right to ask for the same.

And if there are any unnotified points that are applicable to you but not provided to you (which is hardly possible), we can go ahead and talk to the HR people.

However, HRINFOACCOUNT, there are certain things in life that we need to compromise on to grow professionally. There are certain things that we need to sacrifice personally in order to gain respect, objectives, and goals for ourselves.

Having said that, let me share a personal example:

My grandfather was the chief engineer for the Government of Gujarat when I was born, which means he was an engineer of the Narmada Project during Keshubhai Patel's term.

My dad pursued mechanical engineering and was called for an interview. He got selected and started his career with a mere salary of 200 Rs per month.

Here, if he had wished, he could have asked my grandfather to give him a job under him in such a mammoth project, but he did not.

The morale is: Sometimes, for the sake of satisfaction and the type of work, we need to sacrifice luxury, comfort, and our standard of living.

I hope this will shed more light on what we are supposed to do as professionals.

Working in an organization and being self-employed have differences, which your example makes clear. An organization is always above individuals. You can consider being self-employed. Working in an organization will always require putting comforts, personal likes, and dislikes on a lower priority than the organization's requirements.

Imagine balancing between earnings from your own business (with your skill set) and spending on personal comforts. It will give you a better idea.

Hello HRINFOACCOUNT,

For whatever reasons, quite a few people on this forum have begun to avoid using their names.

Now please don't think I am pessimistic or blunt. I am only stating the facts of life. What you think are the 'facts' will always change depending on the situation you are in. ONLY CHANGE IS CONSTANT.

Like Asha put it -- YOU need to decide which one is MORE important for you... comforts or learning/career. Based on my experience, I can tell you one thing for sure. One doesn't get opportunities to learn regularly, and the wise one wouldn't leave a chance to grab it if and when it comes. And like someone else said: zindagi mein kuch paana hai tho, kuch khona hai. Now it depends ENTIRELY on the individual as to 'what he wants'.

I have always advised freshers who come to me as a part of their job-hunting to focus on the learning process for the first 2-3 years irrespective of the salary and comforts. The money and comforts will follow, but the learning process won't, even if they realize their mistake and want to start all over again.

If you want to change just because of this factor, the possible consequences could be like this [please note I say "possible"], from DIFFERENT PERSPECTIVES.

- You may get a job where your comforts are taken care of, but you could stand to lose the scope you now have regarding learning.

- Now without sounding prophetic, what if your personal well-off status that permits you to live such a lifestyle takes a beating? Wouldn't you perforce lower your living standards? [Don't tell me it can't--go through the newspapers, and you will read of how many have had to change when circumstances change... and in such situations, it WILL INVARIABLY BE by force].

- Looking from a purely spiritual standpoint, whenever one lands into some situation despite the best efforts NOT TO, there's always a reason for it... even if he/she doesn't understand it then. And it WILL BE ALWAYS FOR THAT PERSON'S good, in the long run. Quite possibly, it usually is a preparation for some situation that's coming in his/her life.

All I can say is: apart from learning the job, also learn to give your best shot to whatever you have or you are into. And then what you wanted will always follow. If you want to crib about only the shortcomings, you will never succeed in life, and life's quite long than your few months/years stay in this company. Like someone said: you can look at a half-filled glass as 'half-filled' or 'half-empty'... all depends on YOUR view. And whether to adapt or be rigid also is YOUR choice.

Regards,

TS

Good, In the other hand those can succeed who always hungry/ never compromised also. So, go ahead and search a better opportunity where all your requirements gets fulfilled.
Enjoy.........

Dear company,

The company is not going to change the policy. Either you change yourself, or the company will do the same if required. Please don't mind. Make yourself flexible and adaptable.

Wishing you all the best.

Dear Friend,

Although my suggestions seem very ideal, they are effective. Don't think of changing the job. Better you should try to prove your worth to the company so that they can send you by flight, etc. It's your battle; win it in your own style.

All the best.

QUOTE=hrinfoaccount;714678]

Hello All,

There is this peculiar problem faced by me. After my post-graduation, I have joined this company. It's a mediocre company, but the kind of profile offered to me is really challenging.

Currently, my job requires me to travel often all over India. I am open to traveling, but due to the set corporate travel policy of the company, I need to travel by 3-tier AC and stay at properties which are 1 or 2 stars, and even at times, non-AC rooms.

Fortunately, whenever I traveled before for my personal work or any tours, I have always traveled by air and stayed in standard hotels. Now, here on my official trips, I even upgrade the hotel rooms or train travel class by paying from my pocket.

Kindly give me some suggestions to deal with this situation when your employer expects you to do something which you are not used to. Should I look for a change for this reason? It's been 1 year, and I am paying the difference for hotel rooms or upgraded train fare.

I may sound arrogant here, but it's a genuine concern. I will be glad if you could give your valuable suggestions.

[/QUOTE]

Dear Hrin,

I understand your situation, and trust me, it's not weird. That's your lifestyle, and it's very natural the way you are behaving.

Congratulations on completing 1 year in this organization. I am sure you must have gained a good amount of exposure by now. A learner can grasp things even in 2-3 months if they have the zeal within them.

All I can say is it's not a significant issue, dear. You seem unhappy because you have to spend some money from your own pocket. You can ask the management if they can resolve your problem. Request airfare instead of train tickets. Alternatively, ask for good compensation and benefits that can align with your lifestyle and routine. (As I understand, even if it's a train, 24 hours of traveling can be boring.) Try to make some adjustments with your management. The best approach is to openly discuss your issue with them and ask for their assistance in a proper manner.

Ultimately, I can only give you a suggestion or advice. You are the best person to judge what's good for you.

All the best and good luck!

Rashmi Bhalerao

From the short description given, it sounds like a marketing job.

The Indian population is made up of 28% middle and upper class, 70% lower and below the poverty line. Only 2% are affluent. The experience you gain by keeping your eyes and ears open to the various facets of the Indian populace has no tangible value. In fact, it is priceless. What would have taken you 5 years to achieve up the corporate ladder can be accomplished in 2 years with this kind of exposure. This is one of the best practical orientations to increase your knowledge bank on the Indian mindset. It will help plan strategies for new product development, brand planning, advertising strategy, etc. This would not be possible if you are lost inside an airplane or a 3 or 5-star hotel within an air-conditioned environment.

Remember, the grass is always greener on the other side. And whatever is white is not milk.

I generally move to the bottom line. There are 2 boxes in this world. One I can change and one I can't. I only work on the things in the box I can change. In this situation, you can accept the conditions as they are in the box of things you cannot change, or control your destiny by changing jobs, that you can control. Sounds like the management of your company are frugal people, so be it. Look for management that is more opulent. In this recession, that may be hard. Always have another job before you leave the one you're with. Best of fortune to you.

This is a typical case of a spoiled brat who has been given everything on a silver platter. I think you need to do some soul-searching to determine if you are truly worth what you are expecting from the company.

Hi,

It's good to go back and visit the posts created by you. I wish to thank everyone for their suggestions. However, those following this thread will observe that most of you have given the same suggestion: to adjust.

Here, I don't understand why we still have this typical Indian mentality of continuously adjusting throughout our lives. For example, even if we finish our work on time, we have to sit back just because others are doing so. Even when the boss is wrong, we still don't dare to correct him. Even if we lack basic infrastructure, we continue to adjust without saying a word.

What I mention here might hurt your ego, but I myself am a proud Indian, and there are a few things we need to change. If I continued living the way I used to and that made me a spoiled brat, I would prefer it this way rather than constantly adjusting.

Kindly comment.

Dear Mr. hrinfoaccount,

This is not a case of patriotism. Why don't you only answer the questions that you have asked?

For example,

How many government employees have super interpersonal skills? How many government employees grow within the same organization? (e.g., SBI) How many government employees have developed thinking on their own?

Now compare yourself with these employees; you will find that you are way too superior to these guys because you work hard, you stay back to prove your worth, you adjust to make the organization realize that you are with it in the organization's growth. While doing this, you also take a promise from the organization that you will get returns for what you have worked for the organization.

While you are in corporates, there is nothing like Typical Indian Mentality. Everyone is treated the same, and that is the reason why you are also expected to stay back and finish off the work or pick up some extra load of work to attain the objective.

I'll give you our example (i.e., HR Guys/Girls), you can float this question on the forum. How many on this forum working in the HR Dept. get to leave the office exactly at 1830 or 1730 Hrs.? The probable answer is 1%.

Why is that? Not because they have a typical Indian Mentality, neither is it that they have a number of people from other departments working with them.

It's because they understand the worth of their work and the importance it has in the organization.

In the same way, why don't we argue with the plants that are operating 24 Hrs a day? Technically we won't argue. Let's answer why? Because it is our money-generating equipment; if this machine stops, your company will technically print less money.

In the same company, the company expects us to work after hours with some incentive linked to it, though.

We need to understand these facts to answer your question.

And there is nothing patriotic about it.

If we feel that our boss is wrong, there are no bars or policies saying that you are supposed to follow the orders without raising your voice. If you find that the thing that has been ordered by your boss/manager can be done in an efficient way, your opinion will always have a say.

So, I think compromising and adjusting to the environment is not at all an ill effect.

Why do you think employers try to have employees whose resumes say that they are flexible?

Think about it.

Hi Anonymous,

To be honest, I haven't read all the replies to your post, except those by Asha and Dave. However, what I do not understand is why you want to get approval for any of the actions that you may want to take? Especially when you do not agree with almost 34 replies to your query.

If you do not wish to adjust, it is your way of life - live it and stop looking for approvals.

Regards,
Neeraj K. Singh

I would definitely like to thank you, Zalak! That was a perfect way of putting it across.

Dear HR INFO Account,

This is not about being Westernised/Indian or whatever you call it. Every company has its own standards irrespective of whether it is in India or overseas and prefers you to work within those lines. In exceptional cases, you do have the chance to voice your opinion and say why you can't adjust with what's been given. It is not about adjusting and living with the least comforts. It's about how well you use the resources given to you.

Someone had mentioned that you are being a spoilt brat here. Maybe they meant you were being so pampered and your parents never gave you the second available resource. That's because you are special to them, and they don't expect anything back. Whereas in the case of the company, they only see it as an expense/investment :-)

Dear HR Info Account,

I have followed the comments and your reaction to them with interest. As someone born in India and settled in the West, I would like to know a few things. When you did your post-graduation, who paid all the expenses? Did you work while studying?

Here in the West, a number of children (even born to Indian parents) work part-time in evenings and/or weekends from the age of 14 in order to be independent. No doubt we drop them off and pick them up in our cars. Sometimes they travel by bus, not because parents cannot afford it. We have a friend, both husband and wife are medical consultants, whose daughter worked even when at the university.

As soon as they get a job, even in the same town, they like to be independent and move out. I wonder whether you still live with your parents! Even consultants and other wealthy individuals travel only by economy class when going on holidays.

Now coming to work, here if work demands people work 12 hours per day in the management cadre without extra pay. They work at home over weekends too. Even here, depending upon the company, people do not question the judgment of the bosses. One only needs to see the problems faced by banks and other large companies.

So, as I said before, either we stand the heat of the kitchen or get out of it if we can't or are not allowed to have coolers.

Here is my two cents.

Best wishes