Accenture's and Infosys' Reimbursement Policies for Working From Home

Introduction to Remote Working During the Pandemic

Due to the ongoing pandemic, the trend towards remote working has gained significant traction across various industries. Information Technology (IT) employees, in particular, have adapted to working from home, and companies like Accenture and Infosys have implemented policies to support their IT professionals in setting up a productive and safe home office environment.

Accenture's Working From Home Policy

Internet Reimbursement: Accenture offers reimbursement for internet bills as well as a lumpsum amount to cover additional infrastructure needs like inverters, computers, furniture, and other peripherals. However, it's important to note that this benefit applies to some but not all employees. Chair and Computer Freedom: Accenture provides reimbursement for chairs up to 18,000 INR. Employees can utilize the company’s portal to check which items are allowed and which are not. No Reimbursement for Electricity Bill: The electricity bill is considered an essential utility that every home requires. Hence, there is no reimbursement provided for this expense. As Biswajit mentions, one cannot live without electricity even while working from the office.

Infosys' Working From Home Policy

Internet Reimbursement: Infosys offers reimbursement for internet bills up to 1,000 INR per month, provided with proper documentary evidence and managerial approval. Installation charges up to 1,000 INR can also be claimed one-time during the Infosys tenure. This includes router charges if purchased on one's own. Pro-Rata Reimbursement: For quarterly or semi-annual plans, the internet bill can be claimed on a pro-rata basis using the total invoice amount divided by the duration of the plan. No Reimbursement for Electricity Bill: Similar to Accenture, the electricity bill is an essential utility and cannot be reimbursed.

Conclusion

In summary, while both Accenture and Infosys aim to support their IT employees in setting up a functional home office, the extent and types of reimbursement differ slightly. For IT professionals working from home, understanding these policies is crucial for managing their home office costs effectively.

FAQs

Q: Are there specific items that are not eligible for reimbursement?

A: Both companies generally cover essential items like computers, furniture, and internet. However, electricity bills are considered part of daily life and are not eligible for reimbursement.

Q: Can I claim reimbursement for my home office setup more than once?

A: For items like chairs, you can claim a one-time lumpsum amount up to 18,000 INR in Accenture, and for installation charges up to 1,000 INR in Infosys, provided it is during your tenure. For internet bills, claims can be made on a monthly basis or pro-rata basis depending on the payment plan.

Q: Can I claim reimbursement for additional costs like UPS or modems?

A: Yes, in both Accenture and Infosys, you can claim reimbursement for UPS and high-speed broadband. These are important for a stable and efficient home office setup.