Office costs, not surprisingly, took a dive during the pandemic-driven work-from-home era.

Looking ahead, if U.S. employers embraced remote work just half the time for workers who are both able and willing to work from home, they could collectively save more than $500 billion a year, according to an estimate from Global Workplace Analytics. The firm predicts at least a quarter of the workforce will work from home for multiple days a week post-pandemic.

That means workers should be informed and prepared to negotiate should their employer require some remote work.

So how does this situation pan out for workers? 

Under California law, companies must cover all reasonable costs directly related to an employee’s work. Utility bills, paper and printers, computers, Internet and phone service, and workspace accommodations are just some of the costs that may arise when working from home. Obviously, specific needs can vary based on industry and role.

According to the data from Global Workplace Analytics, outfitting an employee with a home office costs an average of just $670 annually; by contrast, not having that worker in the office saves about $11,000 a year.

That may sound straightforward, but the calculations get complicated. How much of a utility or Internet bill is the company’s responsibility? What if you have to get better Internet for all those Zoom calls? And how about ergonomically correct office furniture? 

Much of this requires open communication with an employer — know your expenses and be prepared to make your case. Some employers try to come up with a flat sum that seems fair. When it comes to office necessities, if a company buys it, the desk or computer or fill-in-the-blank probably goes back to the company should you switch jobs. Costs such as your mortgage (which you would have paid anyway) or your favorite kind of coffee (not strictly a necessity) most likely don’t count. 

But with such a dramatic shift in working environments, many disputes are likely to be settled in court as we hash out the nuances under the law.

If your employer isn’t footing its part of the bill for your remote work, reach out to us for a free consultation. In more than 25 years litigating fraud and employment cases, the lawyers at Keller Grover have zealously advocated for workers, recovering hundreds of millions of dollars for clients and class members.