{"id":3507,"date":"2022-02-02T11:49:52","date_gmt":"2022-02-02T11:49:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/michaelleander.me\/?p=3507"},"modified":"2022-02-02T11:49:53","modified_gmt":"2022-02-02T11:49:53","slug":"employee-expenses-for-remote-staff","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/michaelleander.me\/employee-expenses-for-remote-staff\/","title":{"rendered":"Employee Expenses For Remote Staff: A Practical Guide"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
Business leaders need to look after their employees completely. Expenses are regularly incurred in this aim, funding different aspects of their worker’s well-being. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Part of these needs depends on space and place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
As remote working measures have grown in popularity<\/a>, employee expenses have become more complicated. Which steps are necessary? Is there any wasteful spending occurring? How can these arrangements be optimised to the benefit of all?\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n Remote working is still a new concept in the grand scheme of things. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Therefore, industries and regulations are constantly being reshaped and remoulded as this fresh type of work culture finds its feet. <\/p>\n\n\n\n You may be trying to work things out in a similar circumstance yourself. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Therefore, here’s your practical guide to help you manage employee expenses for remote staff.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n It’s worth thinking about how work conditions change cost paradigms. The rulebook has been altered somewhat, which means you need to strategise things differently for remote work. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Some of the more common employee expenses could be made redundant<\/a> with the advent of remote working. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Paying for lodging, on-site food and entertainment, company cars, and other modes of travel may now be rendered obsolete.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n Certain redundancies will be obvious, but it’s important to stay aware of what has become outdated so that you’re channelling your resources properly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Caution is particularly advised if you’re overseeing a hybrid workforce, whereby employee expenses crossover between in-office and remote workers. Ensuring everyone is paid only what they are entitled to is key.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n You can likely expect some employee expenses to rise somewhat, given the nature of remote working. <\/p>\n\n\n\n You may need to provide workers with technology, for instance. However, you can take things a step further here.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n For example, some employers elect to pay for costs such as heating and broadband<\/a> for their remote workers. <\/p>\n\n\n\n If you’re serious about caring for your workers, then covering these costs is a big-hearted display of that. The timing of your support could be crucial, too, with many struggling to cover utility bill costs across the nation. <\/p>\n\n\n\n That kind of spirit could be rewarded with loyalty, leading to better quality work and reduced staff turnover.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n Of course, if you’re contributing toward remote workers’ bills, you’re also providing them with a more comfortable work environment. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Productivity could be improved in that sense as well, in that there are fewer distractions to be concerned about.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n In the end, there is arguably more room to be more flexible with remote staff expenses. <\/p>\n\n\n\n If you can’t build a nurturing culture with them in a shared workspace, showing your support financially could be a worthwhile substitute for that.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n Now that you have considered what expenses are and aren’t justified for your remote workers, it’s time to make things official. <\/p>\n\n\n\n You can do this by revisiting your expenses policy and laying down the law.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It’s important to be very clear and concise with your language when you do this. <\/p>\n\n\n\n While you should be able to trust your remote workers to use their best judgement, there is always a chance more dubious individuals will interpret any vague terminology however they like.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n Work in close coordination with your accounting department as you do this. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Their insights could prove invaluable both in terms of phrasing and what rules you decide to set on expenses.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n Take care to set the same rules for every remote worker. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Some employers attempt to play favourites with expense policies, hoping it stokes competition and thus productivity. <\/p>\n\n\n\n However, you risk breeding only resentment this way, so make sure they’re all entitled to the same benefits and reimbursements.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n On rare occasions, employees may dispute their expenses. Your expense policy is designed to prevent these misunderstandings. <\/p>\n\n\n\n That said, making a claim can still have an undercurrent of tension attached.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n Remote work makes these types of problems more complicated. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Because they are working from home, some employees could feel more inclined to put up a bit of resistance with the benefit of distance. <\/p>\n\n\n\nThink About Obsolete Expenses<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Consider the Costs<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Define Your Expense Policy<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Involve HR <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n