The Future of Business Travel After the Pandemic

The coronavirus pandemic has hit the airline industry doubly hard. Approximately two million passengers had passed through the Transportation Security Administration’s (TSA) checkpoint on March 30, 2019. On the exact day this past March, a meager 154,000 air travelers did the same.

Business people travel for either work or other professional reasons. But since the coronavirus pandemic peaked in the first quarter of 2020, airports had seemingly turned into ghost towns. Rather than concourses filled with people, just one or two individuals were present.

How the Pandemic Affected the Airline Industry

Adding further tension to the already worrying situation caused by the coronavirus pandemic were the increased stress levels of flight attendants, customer service personnel, and pilots. Shops in airports were also closed, leaving only the solitary coffee stands to provide air travelers with a jolt of caffeine.

As the worst of the pandemic seems to be over or at least somewhat under control, more business people are choosing to fly now than during the height of the pandemic. This past May, 14 percent of consumers say they will board a plane once flight restrictions are lifted.

Changes within Airports

While airline executives believe it could take years for air travelers to resume flying as frequently as they had done in prior years, planes are still taking off—albeit with significant changes. Basic adjustments are being made, but major changes will take some business passengers by surprise.

The changes to business travel are likely to be permanent. These alterations will be apparent as soon as the air travelers arrive at the airport. Large international hubs will see drastic changes. All these efforts are intended to help passengers feel and remain safe from COVID-19.

1. Changes to Flight Experiences

Measures to reduce contact between airplane passengers, crew members and airport employees are being enforced. While social distancing is a key factor in preventing the spread of COVID-19, doing so on a 186-seat Boeing 737 airplane is difficult. However, airlines are exploring new seating arrangements.

For instance, airlines might reduce cabin capacity by leaving the middle seat empty. Future design enhancements to seating could include facing the middle seat backwards or adding a plastic shield around seats. But such retrofitting is expensive and could affect ticket prices.

Occasionally, packed planes will fly, angering passengers. New airline policies are in place, where passengers are notified if their flight will be over 70 percent full. But most major airlines limit the passenger capacity to 60 percent, and more flights are being added to meet demand.

2. Modifications at Airports

At the airport, the TSA will limit contact between air travelers and airline personnel by having the former scan their own boarding passes, whether paper or electronic. Efforts to reduce touch points while screening also include passengers placing phones, keys, and wallets into carry-on bags.

Food items are known to set off the alarm in the x-ray scanner. To prevent TSA officers from removing and handling the food, officers now request that all food items be placed in clear, plastic bags. Passengers should remove the bags of food from carry-on luggage.

When checking in, business travelers can expect to see sneeze guards at the counters. TSA officers will be wearing face masks, and passengers are encouraged to do the same. More touchless kiosks will be added to US airports to allow passengers to print bag tags with a smartphone.

3. Implementation of Health Screenings

Health screenings at the airport will be commonplace. Airline personnel are exploring thermal scanning and temperature checks at airports. While the risk of exposure to the coronavirus is not fully avoided, airlines can request that travelers with elevated temperatures reschedule.

Airlines will prevent travelers with temperatures of 100.4 degrees or higher from flying. Temperature checks are done safely using touchless thermometers prior to passengers boarding. Temperature screenings are imperfect, given that a small percentage of hospitalized COVID-19 patients have fevers.

Passengers boarding major airlines will be required to complete a checklist prior to entering the aircraft. The checklist displays COVID -19 symptoms, and the traveler must declare to not have experienced any symptoms or been in close contact with an infected person within the last 14 days.

With the addition of health screenings, business passengers can expect longer lines. The coronavirus may be sniffed out by dogs in the foreseeable future. The rationale is to train bomb-sniffing dogs to detect the coronavirus. Research on these capabilities is currently underway in labs.

4. Assessments of Business Flights

Not every part of the world is equally affected by COVID-19, making air travel to some regions safer than others. However, the situation can change rapidly, as researchers uncover more details about the novel coronavirus. Business travelers are urged to assess all business trips for risks.

If a business trip has multiple risks, consider canceling the flight. Business professionals should also consider national and international guidelines prior to booking their trips. Those evaluating whether or not to fly should give significant weight to their comfort levels in the aftermath of the pandemic.

Also consider business travel insurance in the event flights are canceled due to the coronavirus. Certain companies offer specialized travel insurance to businesses, given the fact that business trips occur more frequently and are thereby subject to cancellations more often than leisure travel.

Need Help with Moving Your Business?

Company executives may have plans to scout a new business location, necessitating business travel. When it’s in your company’s best interests to relocate, consult a premier office relocation service, like Chicago Office Movers. We are open and ready to relocate your company in the safest ways.

Chicago Office Movers takes care during the coronavirus pandemic to disinfect moving trucks, practice social distancing and take employee temperature checks prior to each shift. Our moving crews are trained, licensed and background checked to ensure a secure commercial move.

Free Estimate

Consult the Windy City’s most reputable commercial mover, Chicago Office Movers. We provide quality corporate relocation services, whether you are moving internationally or interstate.

Call our friendly representatives at 312-244-2246 for a free moving estimate when you are preparing for an upcoming relocation.

Business owners who are prepared to relocate may have a desire to perform a commercial cleaning prior to the big day. Commercial cleaning is appropriate for whisking away the dust, grime and stains that accumulate over the course of several weeks or months in an office environment.

Commercial cleanings are intended specifically for business spaces. Cleaning crews access hard-to-reach spaces, ensuring that the whole office is sparkling clean in every nook and cranny. What results is a professional deep clean. Before moving, refer to this commercial cleaning checklist.

1. Cubicles

Many office workers keep their desks tidy without prompting. A few, however, will require a nudge in the right direction. Prior to moving, hire commercial cleaning crews to engage in deliberate cleaning practices that go beyond the scope of what employees are able and willing to handle.

Dusting is a basic cleaning step that should be performed. Rather than spread the dust particles into the office atmosphere, use a damp cloth to grab the dust. Alternately, make electrostatic or microfiber dusters available. Target dust magnets, like file cabinets, electronics and office equipment.

The HVAC vents should undergo dusting to prevent pollutants, like spider webs and dirt particles, from cascading through them. Wipe down the windows, which, if not cleaned often, will likely have formed an obstructive layer of dust. The blinds, shades and windowsill should receive ample attention.

Once the dust is cleaned up, disinfect the surfaces with disinfectant wipes. Specifically aim to disinfect the phone and its earpieces, keyboards, desks and chair arms. Empty the office trash receptacles. Wipe down the trash cans with a disinfectant and replace the liners with fresh ones.

2. Kitchen and Break Room

Office personnel should be given notice that the fridge will be cleaned out before moving day. After notification has been given, empty the refrigerator of any unclaimed food or containers. Using a disinfectant, wipe down the empty refrigerator shelves. Use a disinfect to wash the countertops.

The countertop will likely be topped with kitchen gadgets, like a coffee maker and dish rack. Give the coffee maker a rinse. If employees have not already done so, wash any dirty dishes in the sink. Straighten out a messy kitchen countertop to achieve a presentable appearance.

The kitchen floors deserve attention, since the porous tile materials can trap grease. Sweep the floors to remove dirt and grime. Next, mop the floors with a cleaning solution. Replace the mop water as soon as it darkens; otherwise, the dirty mop water will spread the filth around the floor.

3. Bathroom

Restrooms often require elbow grease to achieve a hygienic status. Using a microfiber cloth, scrub all bathroom surfaces. Pay attention to cleaning and disinfecting even the smallest of areas, like stall handles and locks, as they are high touch spots that get covered in germs.

The toilets should first be flushed prior to cleaning and disinfecting. Once the contaminants are flushed away, apply a toilet bowl cleaner to the inside rim and directly onto the bowl mop. After scrubbing the interior, allow the cleaning solution to sit for approximately 10 minutes for a deep clean.

Glass cleaners may be used to polish the mirrors without leaving unsightly streaks. Empty the trash receptacles and sanitary napkin dispensers. An important component of bathroom maintenance is refilling the soap dispensers, toilet paper and paper towels. Mop the floors with a disinfectant solution.

4. Reception

The reception area sparks guests’ first impressions. Preserve its cleanliness with cleanings several times throughout the day as well as before moving. To start, any existing welcome mats and front door décor should be straightened out for an immaculate presentation.

Using a glass cleaner, wipe down the glass front doors on the inside and outside. Empty the waste bins, disinfect them and replace the liners. The reception counter and desk must be wiped down with disinfectant. Existing furniture, such as a coffee table, should be similarly wiped down.

Various surfaces in the reception room should be scrutinized for dust. The vents, window shades, lamps, chairs and tables are typical areas that accumulate layers of dust if not cleaned regularly. Before moving, address these common areas. Remove fingerprints, cobwebs and dust from walls.

Guests will wipe their feet upon entering, leaving grime embedded in the carpet or welcome mat fibers. Vacuum the carpeting or mop the flooring. Keep in mind that frequent maintenance of the carpeting or hard flooring prevents dirt from entering the fibers or cracks, thereby extending their lifespans.

An effective commercial clean will fail to leave behind antiseptic smells. Even overpowering air fresheners are to be avoided. Heavily scented products can be problematic for people with respiratory conditions, like asthma. Good air quality or pleasant smells encourage relaxation and a positive response.

Commercial Movers

When you are ready to pack up and move your business to greener pastures, schedule a relocation service with Chicago Office Movers. We are an experienced commercial mover that will transport your office equipment and goods safely, quickly and affordably. Our movers can also provide decommissioning services, including sign removal, ceiling tile replacement, floor and carpet cleaning, furniture and fixture removal, and more to avoid move out fees and prepare for moving day.

As a leader in office relocation, Chicago Office Movers has transported a variety of machinery, including HVAC equipment and assembly lines, large microscopes, heavy electronics, libraries and the standard desks, chairs and furniture. If you are looking to renovate, we’ll shift your items, regardless of size.

Chicago Office Movers is proud to be a green company. We have reduced waste and energy costs 30 percent due to our use of recycled packaging and best practices. Our crews are background checked and licensed, so that businesses can count on us for a secure relocation.

Our experienced office movers will relocate your business to anywhere in the world or to the next neighborhood. Customers include Northwestern University and Alcatel Lucent. As we’ve done with countless satisfied customers, we’ll successfully move your company, whether small or large.

Call Chicago Office Movers when you are planning an office move. We can even help pack and unpack your office goods. Storage solutions are offered as a convenience to our customers. A free estimate is available to companies ready to take their businesses to new heights and new destinations.

Contact Us

Give us a call at 312-244-2246 for a free estimate on our commercial moving services.

Homeowners and corporations pay property taxes each year. In some locales, those who own personal property, like boats or cars, also are taxed. While property tax is unavoidable with home or business ownership, those in the American South pay some of the lowest property taxes.

What’s Behind Property Taxes?

Local governments that govern over an area where the property is located are responsible for calculating property taxes. These taxes are based on the value of the property, which may include land. The owners of the property are subject to paying property taxes, which may be deemed a regressive tax.

Property tax is used to improve the local community. Local governments use collected property taxes to pay for enhancements to the water and sewer systems. Police and fire departments, highway and road constructions, educational institutions and libraries are funded by property taxes.

Property taxes vary annually. The current market value of a property is one factor that determines the amount of property tax an owner must pay for a given year. Tax rates are normally recalculated each year by tax officials in municipal governments. A hired tax assessor assesses area properties.

Property owners have the option to either formally contest tax rates or discuss them with the assessor. Unpaid property taxes have financial consequences. Taxing authorities impose a lien against a property when the owners fail to pay their property taxes.

What’s the Average Property Tax?

In the United States, the average amount of property tax American homeowners pay every year for their homes is $2375, according to the US Census Bureau. Twenty-seven states impose vehicle property taxes, and owners are taxed an additional $441 each year.

Depending on the area of residence, drastic variances in property taxes exist. In Arkansas, for instance, property taxes can be as low as $743 per year. On the opposite end of the tax spectrum, property taxes can balloon to $7800 per year for homeowners in New Jersey.

States with a lower property tax make living in a large house with ample amounts of land financially feasible. Many southern states are known to have the lowest property tax rates in the union. The property tax rates in the American South are typically under one percent.

Which States Have the Lowest Property Taxes?

While some states may have a low property tax rate, these regions may also have a high median home value. Homeowners who live in homes worth over half a million dollars unavoidably remain stuck with a heavy property tax bill each year.

1. Hawaii

Hawaii, for instance, has an effective property tax rate of 0.29 percent. The property tax rate in The Aloha State is the lowest in the country. However, the median home value on the island is $620,400. These homeowners remain on the hook for paying $1799 in property taxes each year.

2. Alabama

Competing for the lowest tax rate is Alabama, which has a 0.40 percent property tax rate. In contrast to home prices in Hawaii, the median price of homes in Alabama is $130,500. Homeowners pay a $522 property tax bill, making this state the most affordable to own a home.

3. Louisiana

Louisiana comes a close third in property tax rates with 0.51 percent. Median home prices are among the lowest in the nation. Given the state’s combination of low property tax rates and median home values, Pelican State homeowners pay a modest $751 in property taxes annually.

4. Lowest Business Property Taxes: New Mexico, Indiana, Utah

Business properties differ when it comes to the lowest states for property taxes. The Tax Foundation’s research concludes that New Mexico, Indiana and Utah are among the states that have the lowest tax rates for business properties. New Jersey has the highest property taxes for businesses.

What are Possible Exemptions?

Some states, counties or local jurisdictions offer property tax exemptions to people who qualify. Homestead exemptions (where owners do not pay taxes on a portion of the home’s value) reduce the cost of property taxes for those who meet age or income requirements.

Exemptions may be offered to eligible homeowners, such as older people, military veterans and those with disabilities. Homeowners who invest in certain renovations, like solar panels, are eligible for discounts and should ask their taxing authority for a reduction of their tax bill.

Some business properties may be eligible for a property tax exemption, as well. Such businesses may include nonprofits, those situated on historical land and agricultural properties. In New York, for example, businesses may also receive exemptions for temporary greenhouses and forest land.

Depending on where a property is located, a property tax bill can almost equal a mortgage. When either your property tax or business property tax bill is overburdensome, you may want to consider moving to a state with low property tax rates.

Work with a Trusted Commercial Mover

Chicago Office Movers will get you to a more affordable destination fast. As one of the Windy City’s most reputable commercial movers, we are positioned to offer a range of comprehensive services that make relocating a business affordable and reliable.

Moving services provided by Chicago Office Movers include corporate relocation, machinery moving, lab and equipment moving, library moving and long-distance moving. Our experienced crews are also available to shift heavy office goods when you are in the midst of renovating or remodeling.

As a part of our professional moving services, Chicago Office Movers helps companies pack and unpack. Once we arrive at your new destination, our crews set up the desks, computers and machinery. Our reliable storage solutions are ideal when your new location is not yet ready.

Reputable Union Movers

Chicago Office Movers has earned a reputation for excellence in Chicagoland. We’ve moved prestigious institutions, like the University of Chicago, and major companies, like Alcatel Lucent. As a plus, we are committed to employing green practices to help preserve the environment.

When it is advantageous to relocate your business to benefit from lower property tax rates, choose Chicago Office Movers. Our dedicated team of professional office movers will ensure that the transition to your new space is done seamlessly.

Free Estimate

For a free estimate on your next commercial move, contact Chicago Office Movers at (312) 244-2246.