Employees working from home during the coronavirus pandemic claimed some outlandish expenses this year, including pricey exercise bikes, facelifts and private jets.
Emburse, an expense management software company, released a compilation Wednesday of some of the craziest expenses it has seen claimed this year, some of which were actually approved. That included $1,895, which was approved as a contribution for an employee's Peloton Bike under the explanation of “for health and wellness.” On the other hand, a $7,600 expense claim for a facelift was submitted under the category of “repairs and maintenance” but was rejected, despite the pressing need to look one’s best during a Zoom meeting.
Ron Vlieger, CFA, is the founder of Freshwater Editorial and a spokesperson for DoubleRock Corp. Bent, chairman of DoubleRock, is co-inventor of the world's first money market mutual fund, the Reserve Primary Fund.
Tony Foss is a partner in the New York office of Prophet. Tony brings over 20 years of experience leading the development of digital and business strategies; as well as overseeing global business transformation initiatives. Prior to joining Prophet, Tony led Capgemini Consulting’s digital strategy practice, for four years, overseeing digital transformation engagements across a diverse client base, including a top 3 P&C insurance firm, the largest US bank, the largest national transportation provider and a cult-brand quick serve restaurant.
Michael Welch is a senior engagement manager in Prophet’s New York office, focused on helping clients build the strategies and organizations to compete the digital age. With experience across a range of industries – from insurance, to retail to grocery – Michael works with senior leadership teams to define a vision, strategy and actionable plan for digital transformation. Michael also has experience in implementing large digital transformation programs, specifically in leading operating model and organization design programs.
Some expenses weren’t for working from home, but more about getting out of the house safely. An expense claim for a private jet charter costing over $20,000 was submitted and approved under the explanation of “required to limit COVID exposure for international shoots.” Another travel-related expense claim was $2,500 for a helicopter ride, which was not approved.
The $79 expense claim for a dog crate could perhaps be used for travel at some point when that's safer, but in these times it was more plausibly to provide "crate training [for] a new COVID puppy to not run into Zoom meetings."
Below is an infographic produced by Emburse showing this and several other head-scratching claims:
