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.
Ryan Lougheed is a seasoned professional with 13 years of experience at the intersection of GRC and technology. As Onspring's VP of Platform, he applies his expertise in consulting, automation, innovation and AI to guide the platform's evolution and solve complex integration challenges. Outside of work, his passion for technology continues through personal projects, complemented by time spent with family and on the golf course.
Will Gow, Global Head of Claims and Coverage at Brecon Specialty, leads the firm's global technical claims and coverage strategy. He has a particular focus on cyber, technology, and specialty lines. Will formerly served as International Cyber Technical Director and Head of Cyber & Technology Risks at Crawford & Company. Previously, he was Head of Cyber, Digital Assets and Financial Lines at QuestGates. He is dual-qualified as a solicitor and loss adjuster and brings extensive experience in international claims, insurance litigation and cyber and technology risks, combining technical expertise with senior leadership experience. Will also chairs CILA's Cyber & Technology Special Interest Group and advises industry bodies including the IIL and BIBA. He co-authored a book published by the CII on digital assets and insurance. In addition, he works with law enforcement, advocating and training nationally.
Patrice Onwuka is the vice president for economic policy and director of the Center for Economic Opportunity at Independent Women.
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:
