As coronavirus restrictions are eased, so life begins to get back to something approaching normal. Although infection rates are still high, things look to be back to the way they were before the pandemic, if the lack of masks in supermarkets and on public transport are anything to go by.
And the easing of restrictions means we’re once again being called back to our offices and workplaces. Although many have adopted the hybrid working model, this still means there’ll be an element of commuting.
It also means that business travel is back on the table. Often cross-region, sometimes cross-country, and even cross-continent, business travel is usually paid for by the business. But should you get something back for the time this travelling takes, especially if takes considerably longer than your trips to and from the office?
What is a business trip?
What does your employer say?
If it is an actual business trip and not a business trip, the recognition of the business trip as working time depends mainly on the instructions of your company. Crediting must always be weighed up on a case-by-case basis. However, there are principles that must be met in this case. Labor law decides between rest periods and working hours. The former is time that the employee can use for private interests. If the employer has not stipulated how the trip will be carried out, the business traveler has the opportunity to relax. If the latter decides to start the journey by car – without being instructed to do so by the employer – the travel time is considered a rest period. If, on the other hand, the company gave instructions to this effect,
If you go on a business trip using public transport, the travel time only counts as working time if the employer has given instructions on how to process tasks for the travel time. The regulations mentioned may differ for employees who are constantly traveling due to their regular work. These include, for example, drivers or field staff.
In any case, before you start your business trip, you should clarify with your employer whether this will be counted as working time – or not.
How can a conference call help?
Although face-to-face meetings are a must from time to time, business travel can be expensive and time-consuming. So, why not save time and money with a conference call?
Our service is quick and simple to set up, and you can include up to 100 participants on the one call. We also offer international dial in numbers for more than 70 countries worldwide, and an international dial in number for any countries not on our list.
Click the button below to get started.
