Corporate expense policies

[betacentauri]

Why do companies feel it is okay to force employees to pay for business expenses up front?

Comments

because they can

[anonymous]

Either because they can, or the feel the employee gets some benefit from it, such as frequent flyer miles and such. I find it annoying to have to do so, as your question seems to imply you do as well.

cuts down on unnecessary expenses

[cmeador]

I'm guessing it's easier to deny reimbursement than to dock someone's pay for an illegitimate expense.

Maybe a lot of small expenses go unreported because of the hassle? I used to think that was also the motivation behind rebate forms (like Best Buy is fond of) but according to some study the follow-through rate on those is super high, 90-something percent. I guess those are just about using your money for 6-8 weeks.