Return-to-office takes toll on employees’ budget
NEW YORK, UNITED STATES — Employees are starting to feel the financial strain of returning to the office.
According to an Insider report, the costs associated with office attire, daily lunches, and commuting are starting to add up, causing frustration among workers.
After years of working remotely in comfortable attire, many employees find themselves needing a wardrobe update. Wall Street Journal’s Jessica Chou said she spends between 20% and 30% of her paycheck on her work wardrobe after years of wearing joggers.
In addition to clothing expenses, other costs are incurred during a typical day at the office.
Workers who have documented their spending throughout the day, particularly on platforms like TikTok, have revealed that expenses for transportation, coffee, and lunch can range from $30 to $45 for a single day. For those required to be in the office more than three days a week, the weekly cost of commuting and meals alone can exceed $100.
While some employees are finding ways to mitigate these costs, such as preparing meals in advance or bringing lunch from home, the overall financial impact of in-person work is becoming increasingly evident.
As companies continue to push for a return to the office, employees grapple with the financial implications and seek ways to manage their expenses in this new work environment.
