Are employers obligated to pay for employee travel expenses?

In Washington, employers are not obligated to pay for employee travel expenses in most cases. However, there are some specific situations where employers must pay for employee travel expenses. For example, the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries requires employers to pay for reasonable travel expenses incurred by employees while they are away from their regular job location doing duties related to their job. The Washington Minimum Wage Act also requires employers to pay employees for reasonable travel expenses related to their job, such as travel to attend a job-related seminar or conference. In addition to these specific situations, employers may choose to provide travel reimbursement benefits for their employees. It is recommended that employers have a clear travel reimbursement policy in place that outlines the types of employee travel expenses that may be paid for and the process for getting reimbursed. In general, employers should be aware of the applicable employment laws in Washington regarding employee travel expenses. Employers should also be aware that providing additional travel benefits to employees may be a positive incentive for a more productive and engaging workplace.

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