General Expenses
Only business-related equipment that can be returned to the Lab at the end of the Telework or Remote Work arrangements should be purchased. If any item needs to be installed (such as residential internet service equipment), charges related to the installation are the responsibility of the employee. Divisions should evaluate on a case-by-case basis where reimbursement is necessary for employees with specific needs not already met with existing resources. Costs of maintaining home-based services, including, but not limited to utilities, phone lines, and internet service, are the responsibility of the employee.
Employees should work with their divisions / departments for regular office supply needs. Purchases made outside of the Lab procurement mechanisms will not be reimbursed.
Equipment Expenses
Telework and Remote Work employees are responsible for maintaining a safe at-home / off-site work environment.
Berkeley Lab will provide support to ensure that employee workstations meet basic ergonomic standards. For employees in the Hybrid Work, Telework, or Remote Work modes pursuant to a flexible work agreement, the Lab can provide a virtual ergonomic assessment of their off-site work space to determine what equipment is necessary to support the employee’s ergonomic requirements.
- For on-site workers and those employees who participate in the Telework or Remote Work modes, Berkeley Lab will support one workstation and related accessories if determined necessary for ergonomic safety. A workstation typically consists of a desk, chair, computer, and related peripherals (monitor, keyboard, and mouse).
- For Hybrid Work arrangements, Berkeley Lab will support two workstations and related accessories if supervisors determine these are necessary. An ergonomics evaluation can be requested as needed.
The eBuy Telework catalog contains various items to help employees telework comfortably and safely. Purchase of telework items requires supervisor approval. An ergonomic consultation is also required for ergonomic accessories not found in the eBuy Telework Catalog. To learn more about the Telework catalog, visit the Procurement & Property website.
All items purchased by the Laboratory, regardless of whether or not they are tagged (i.e., have a barcode), are government property and must be returned to the Laboratory on request or at the end of the employee’s relationship with the Laboratory. Visit the Property Management Page. Divisions are responsible for tracking equipment/accessory purchases.
Employees are responsible for ensuring that Laboratory property is properly protected from unauthorized use. If an employee experiences an injury related to their off-site work space, e.g., due to poor ergonomics, and the off-site work space cannot be adjusted to fit the employee’s needs and/or a disability accommodation cannot be provided, the flexible work agreement will be reviewed to determine if it is necessary to reduce the number of off-site work days or end the flexible work agreement. If the injury involves a disability, the review of the flexible work agreement will be part of the interactive process. Employees who wish to request ergonomic furniture for their off-site work locations as reasonable accommodations for a disability should contact their supervisor. Be Well at Work > Disability Management is available for assistance and/or consultation.
Travel Expenses
Reimbursement of business travel expenses will be in accordance with the Lab’s Travel Policy and Reference Guide.
- Remote Work mode employees may be reimbursed for travel to the Lab’s main site for official business purposes.
- Remote Work mode employees whose lodging expenses will be paid by the Lab should stay at the Berkeley Lab Guest House and pay by direct bill.
- Employees who are in on-site, Hybrid Work, or Telework mode are considered to be within the local area, and will not be reimbursed for the costs of commuting to the Laboratory.