The 24-Hour Rule: Daily Check-Ins That Could Save Lives

When staff members travel abroad, the assumption is often simple: no news is good news. But in reality, silence can mean anything, from delayed flights, stolen phones, illness, or perhaps worse. For companies, especially those with staff traveling in higher risk regions where threats to safety are very real, not knowing an employee’s status can create unnecessary risk.

That’s where the simple to use 24-Hour Rule comes in: a simple practice where traveling staff check in with their company once every 24 hours, usually at a predetermined time. It’s easy to implement, doesn’t require expensive tech, and can make all the difference in an emergency.

Know Before You Go

The foundation of safe travel isn’t just about where your staff members are staying, but also about how you’ll stay connected with them throughout their time abroad. Basic recommendations include:

• Establish check-in protocols before the trip begins, employees shouldn’t guess what’s expected.
• Agree on a primary communication channel (WhatsApp, email, signal, slack, or even a travel safety app).
• Set a backup method in case of poor Wi-Fi connectivity or phone loss.
• Keep time zone differences in mind, make sure the system is realistic for both staff and managers.

Why Check-Ins Matter

Regular contact might seem excessive, but for companies, it’s all about accountability and safety.

• Early warnings: If an employee misses a check-in, it can be an early red flag.
• Crisis visibility: Natural disasters, political unrest, or health emergency? You’ll immediately know who’s safe and who might need assistance.
• Peace of mind: Employees certainly feel more supported knowing someone is looking out for them.
• Liability protection: Demonstrates an employer’s “duty of care” in case of legal review.

A Lesson from Afghanistan

When I was working in Afghanistan, daily check-ins weren’t just a suggestion, they were a requirement. At first, I found them frustrating, especially when living in a compound. Every evening, no matter how busy or tired I was, I had to send the same short message to confirm I was safe by radio or email. It felt repetitive, even intrusive, and I forgot on more than one occasion.

But over time, I realized just how vital those check-ins were. Colleagues working in different provinces sometimes missed their updates, and the response system kicked in immediately, calls were made, contacts checked, and searches dispatched if needed.

What seemed like an annoyance at first became a lifeline, a fundamental part of working in high-risk areas. That discipline, simple as it was, created a culture of accountability and safety that kept everyone alive and connected in both normal operating environments and during times of crisis.

How to Keep It Simple

A daily check-in doesn’t have to feel like corporate babysitting. Done right, it’s quick and unobtrusive. For example:

• Use a simple “I’m safe, nothing to report” message—no lengthy reports needed.
• Encourage staff to combine it with a short trip update: “Arrived at hotel, meeting tomorrow.”
• Automate reminders via calendar invites or mobile alerts if you are the forgetful type.
• Assign responsibility and follow up courses of action, who receives the check-ins and who follows up if one is missed?

If a Check-In Is Missed

This system only works if there’s a plan for when something goes wrong. Some ideas include:

• Decide on a response window: for example, if no check-in is received within two hours of the deadline, escalate.
• First step: attempt contact via phone, text, or email.
• Second step: reach out to local contacts, such as the hotel front desk or client office.
• If still no response, escalate to higher management or local authorities, depending on the risk level.

Final Word

The 24-Hour Rule isn’t complicated. It doesn’t require enterprise-level software or expensive monitoring systems. But this simple daily habit creates a safety net that can save lives, protect your business, and provide peace of mind for everyone involved.

I learned its value firsthand in Afghanistan, where lives sometimes hinged on those quick check-ins. For companies, adopting the same principle, whether employees are in London, Lagos, or Kabul shows that you take their safety and security seriously.

Safe travels, one check-in at a time!