Description:
We talk a lot about companies saving on office space, but what about the employee side? Are there unexpected costs or downsides remote workers shoulder, like higher utility bills, home office setup, or impacts on mental health?
8 Answers
Definately higher electricity and internet bills. Plus the initial setup cost for a decent chair, desk, monitor etc. Some companies offer a stipend, but not all and often it doesn't cover everything.
- L. R.: Did you mean "Definitely"? Also factor in isolation, mental-health impacts, coworking or childcare costs, tax and insurance implications.Report
Hidden costs of a fully remote setup for employees include higher home utility bills (electricity, internet etc...), personal expenses for ergonomic equipment or office supplies, and potential mental health impacts from isolation like burnout or reduced collaboration.Employers might save on office space but could face costs from lower team cohesion or onboarding challenges.
Tax headaches and legal footprints are a sneaky cost!!! If you work from another state or country you can end up with extra tax filings, changed benefits, or payroll surprises. Companies might dodge liability for home injuries and your insurance may not cover work stuff. Plus extra security tools and compliance training add time and cash, tbh 😅🔐
Beyond chairs and bills there are ongoing expenses people skip over. You might end up paying for coworking days or meeting rooms when home is noisy, hiring childcare or pet sitters for video-heavy weeks, losing office perks like free lunch and gym access that you once relied on, and covering travel and accommodation for mandatory in-person meetups.
Professional image costs add up too from clothes to lighting and additional laundry. Devices wear faster so you replace your laptop or phone sooner. Less visible is career cost: fewer spontaneous interactions can slow promotions and raises, which is a long term financial hit. Track these and push for predictable stipends.
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