1 in 5 Aussies never reimbursed for work expenses

The survey found that 46 per cent of Australian employees are being left out of pocket when it comes to work-related expenses and that one in five employees never get these expenses back.
 
The survey asked 1,000 Australian workers how they approach work expenses and found that with people experiencing the financial pinch in an environment of high inflation, hybrid work and increasing interest rates, workers are trying to stretch their dollars as far as possible.

However, six in 10 (64 per cent) employees aged 45 years and over are left completely out of pocket when it comes to work-related spending. One in five employees (20 per cent) aren’t claiming back work-related expenses at all, with this creeping up to a quarter (25 per cent) of all female employees. 

The research found the pandemic has accelerated the problem, with the line between work and home expenses blurring leaving many employees confused and frustrated as to what is and isn’t considered a corporate expense.

The top reasons for employees not claiming work-related expenses included that they find it too much hassle, they aren’t sure if their employer allowed spending on those expenses, they find the system too complicated and they’ve lost the receipt or proof of purchases.

And there is another consequence of not being paid for work expenses with the research finding that the lack of reimbursements is leading to increased job dissatisfaction. Half of employees (47 per cent) who have paid out of pocket for work-related expenses admit to feeling anxious or worried about getting their money back and just over a third (36 per cent) said they feel dissatisfied with their employer about reimbursements.
 
“This year has been dubbed the ‘great job boom’ with Australia’s job market in the middle of a huge shake-up,” said Daniel Kniaz, founder and chief executive at DiviPay.

“There are currently more jobs being advertised than ever before with many Aussies re-evaluating their careers, current workplaces and future prospects. 

“For business leaders, having a strong Employee Value Proposition has become essential to attract and retain workers.

“Ensuring employees aren’t out of pocket, or worse, are never reimbursed, should not be overlooked. We’re not talking about just money here, but how employees feel about their company and their role in the organisation.”