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What is the telework allowance?
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Johanna
28/10/2024
Hybrid work
What is the telework allowance?
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Telecommuting has many advantages. No need to take public transport to work. You can concentrate in the peace and quiet of your own home. Your cat becomes your favorite colleague. But working from home can mean extra costs. That's where the telecommuting allowance comes in. It's financial compensation offered by your employer to help alleviate the burden of these additional expenses, such as electricity, Internet connection, and even homemade coffee. So, how does the telecommuting allowance work, and how do you make sure it's paid? Let's take a look at how this allowance can turn your living room into a 5-star office!
What is the telework allowance?
The telecommuting allowance is financial compensation paid by the employer to cover certain costs associated with telecommuting. You know, those little extra expenses you didn't even notice until you turned your living room into an open space: electricity, heating, Internet connection... These costs can quickly add up, and that's where the allowance comes in. It's designed to offset these costs to ensure that your wallet doesn't suffer the consequences of your new home-based working life.
Origins and development of the telework allowance
Although a relatively recent addition to the professional landscape, teleworking has become a must-have for many companies. In France, it has gradually become the norm, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic, when telecommuting went from being an occasional luxury to a daily necessity. Companies had to adapt quickly, recognizing that telecommuting entailed additional costs for employees.
How does the teleworking allowance work?
Payment terms and conditions
Payment of the teleworking allowance depends on a number of factors, including internal company policies and collective agreements. In general, this allowance can be paid as a monthly lump sum, or calculated on the basis of days actually teleworked. For example, some companies opt for a fixed amount per day of teleworking, while others prefer a global monthly package.
Amounts also vary: some companies may offer a few euros per day, while others offer a more generous allowance. This often depends on the size of the company, its sector of activity and its human resources policy.
Eligibility criteria
Don't panic, the teleworking allowance is not reserved for a secret elite of employees! However, to benefit from it, you generally need to meet certain conditions. Firstly, telecommuting must be regular. Occasional teleworkers are not necessarily eligible. What's more, telecommuting often has to be formalized in a written agreement, be it a rider to the employment contract or a collective agreement.
Tax benefits
The icing on the cake is that in some countries, such as France, the telecommuting allowance can benefit from advantageous tax treatment. Under certain conditions, this allowance is exempt from social security contributions and taxes, making it a boon for both employer and employee.
Why is the telework allowance important?
For the employee
For the employee, the telecommuting allowance is a tangible recognition of the costs involved in working from home. It compensates for increased energy bills, the purchase of computer hardware or other equipment needed to work effectively from home. In short, it's a way of ensuring that telecommuting remains a financially viable and attractive option.
For the employer
On the employer's side, offering a telecommuting allowance can boost the company's attractiveness. It shows a commitment to employee well-being and a recognition of the new realities of the working world. What's more, by offering compensation for telecommuting, the company can encourage this practice, which can translate into substantial savings in terms of infrastructure and management costs.
How do you negotiate your teleworking allowance?
Preparing your sales pitch
Before you embark on a negotiation with your employer, it's crucial to prepare your arguments well. Make a list of the additional costs you incur by working from home: electricity, Internet, equipment... Be precise and put figures to show the real impact of these expenses on your personal budget.
Use legal and contractual references
Find out about teleworking rights in your industry and current practices in your company. Collective and company agreements may contain specific provisions concerning telework compensation. Using these references can strengthen your negotiating position.
Adopting a collaborative approach
Remember that negotiation should not be a battle, but rather a constructive discussion. Show your employer that the telecommuting benefit is beneficial to both parties. By emphasizing the benefits to the company, such as improved employee satisfaction and productivity, you're more likely to get a positive response.
Example of telework allowance calculation
To illustrate in concrete terms how the teleworking allowance can be calculated, let's take a hypothetical example.
Scenario
Suppose you telework 3 days a week, and your company offers an allowance of €3 per day of teleworking. Here's how you could calculate your monthly allowance:
Number of teleworking days per week: 3
Number of weeks in the month: 4
Allowance per day: €3
Calculation of monthly allowance :
Monthly allowance = 3*4*3 = €36
You will receive a monthly allowance of 36 euros to cover your teleworking expenses.
The telework allowance is much more than just a line on your pay slip. It represents a recognition of the new realities of the working world, and a commitment by employers to the well-being of their employees. By understanding how it works and knowing how to negotiate it, you can turn telecommuting into a truly rewarding experience. So why not take advantage of this opportunity to make your living room the best office in the world?
