Those who work from home -- Does your employer give you a work-from-home allowance?

[Anonymous]

Hi, all.

My California-based employer recently closed its DC office, but it is keeping me on as a full-time employee working from home.

Last month was the first month I worked from home. Our electricity bill was about $60 higher, which makes sense, given that the heat was on during work hours.

I'd like to ask my employer for some sort of work allowance for working from home. Any advice of what to consider or how to ask? Are such allowances standard elsewhere? I don't want to be penalized financially, while my employer saves a ton of money by closing an office.

I'm not sure what I can deduct from my taxes, because I don't have a dedicated office space at home. It's basically me sitting on my couch with my laptop.

Thanks.

[Anonymous]

When I was working from home in the 90s my office paid for the additional phone lines I needed plus all my equipment. I paid any increased electric bills.

I've been working at home again (same company) since 2007. They still pay for all equipment but I pay for the internet this go round. Plus the electricity.

Since I'm saving so much money not having to drive into the office, plus I own one work appropriate outfit instead of five, and my dress shoes last forever, etc., I don't stress about the extra costs.

(And if you are an employee, none of your expenses can be deducted.)

[Anonymous]

How about just negotiating a pay raise that will absorb the extra costs?

[Anonymous]

What's your gasoline offset for not driving, parking, increased wear/tear on your car, or public transport costs? I worked from home for years and didn't have huge increases in electricity like that. Are you sure it's ALL from you being at home?

[Anonymous]

Consider it even because you didn't have to pay for transportation. The only thing I have heard of people paying for is the phone bill- either directly for the line, or a certain credit each month no matter what the bill is.

Or a work computer, I have heard of that being paid for. Maybe others get money for utilities....but I don't think I would be worried about what else I could get if my company just closed an office. I would be worried about them closing my job.

[Anonymous]

I agree with the PPs, but I was able to get a home office deduction on my taxes. I do have a dedicated office, though. I think the savings I gain from not going in to the office every day definitely offset any increased electricity/heating costs.

[Anonymous]

I doubt you will get anywhere with electricity. Honestly, your working from home in one room should not raise your electricity costs much at all and I would feel foolish asking. You might have some success getting them to cover things like your Internet line. You should also speak with a CPA about what tax deductions you may be able to get because you now have a home office. As pp noted, your commute, dry cleaning, lunches out, etc. costs should go way down which should more than offset any other expenses you might incur.

[Anonymous]

OP here -- When the office was open, I walked to/from work. So I'm not saving any money I would have spent commuting. I'm definitely losing money on this deal.

My employer has already said they won't pay for my Internet (or any portion of it), because I have Internet already. And I have a phone plan where we pay a flat fee for long distance, so I'm not paying more for long-distance work calls; I doubt my employer will chip in for phone service.

[Anonymous]

Are you serious?

Are you not saving way more than $60/month by working from home?

[Anonymous]

Please reconsider asking your employer to help pay your electric bill. I would be embarrassed to ask for this. You will be office gossip for sure with this request.

[Anonymous]

OP again -- I'm not paying for electricity for one room. The electricity bill is so much higher because I have to heat the home while I'm there.

[Anonymous]

I would not push it for an extra $60/mo in utilities. You save in gas and transportation, and TIME shlepping back and forth to the office.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP here -- When the office was open, I walked to/from work. So I'm not saving any money I would have spent commuting. I'm definitely losing money on this deal.

My employer has already said they won't pay for my Internet (or any portion of it), because I have Internet already. And I have a phone plan where we pay a flat fee for long distance, so I'm not paying more for long-distance work calls; I doubt my employer will chip in for phone service.

Consider yourself lucky to remain employed. And quit your whining.

[Anonymous]

You've got to be kidding me.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP again -- I'm not paying for electricity for one room. The electricity bill is so much higher because I have to heat the home while I'm there.

Get a space heater.