Is It Fair to Use Personal Phones for Work Calls When Reimbursement Falls Short?

Hi all, my employer has allotted an amount towards monthly reimbursement for telephone expenses. All of us here are frequently asked to utilize our personal cell phones for making official calls. The reason senior management gives is that telephone reimbursement, which is part of our salary, is to be utilized for official purposes.

On taking this matter up with the HR department, they have verbally indicated that telephone reimbursement is for both personal and official use, and the company expects us to use this facility for official purposes as well. However, I countered by saying that if it is to be used for official purposes:

1. The handset should also be provided.
2. Once my quota of (say Rs. 500/-) for a month is exceeded, I should not be expected to make any more official calls.

To this, they had no answer.

I request someone to clarify this doubt as many of my colleagues are spending more than what they are authorized for official calls, and HR has no intention of reimbursing these exceeded amounts.

Regards,
Ltreginald

Addressing Telephone Usage in the Workplace

This is a problem that prevails in all industries. The best way to address this issue is to establish a clear policy on telephone usage. Please consider opting for a CUG connection. Many good plans are available with various service providers, and try to limit yourself to the given mobile allowance. We cannot ignore personal usage on the official phone, so this issue needs to be resolved with mutual consent only.

Regards,
SIDMAN

Thank you, Sidman, I was thinking along the same lines. The telephone policy needs to be defined. However, many of the employees (approximately 350) would have to change their numbers and service providers to adopt a CUG plan, so they have dropped this idea.

Regards,
Lt. Reginald