[Image] [Image] Telecommuting Program[Image][Image] ENROLLMENT * Employee Agreement * User Profile OVERVIEW * Regional TelecommutingProgram Managers * Eligibility * Policies and Procedures BASICS * ELF, EDCF, Mail notification, Communications * Telephone and Long Distance Services * Pagers * Computing Environment * Fax Equipment/Services * Federal Express, UPS * Office Supplies * Office Services * Risk Management, Asset Protection * Office Set Up * Health, Safety, Personal Injury * Expense Reimbursement, Mileage * Travel Arrangements, Ticket Delivery Americas Property Site Services: http://webcad.mso.dec.com/apss.htm ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- OVERVIEW The Digital Telecommuting Program is an alternative work model empowering employees to work successfully outside the traditional office. As a pioneer in information technology, Digital recognizes that work is tied to information, not location. Utilizing this principal and technology, employees can function in the most appropriate setting at any given moment, ranging from a Digital site, to a home or mobile office, or customer site. Many companies have implemented telecommuting programs, citing some of the following as obvious benefits: * Increased face to face customer contact * Increased productivity * Improved employee retention, recruitment, and job satisfaction * Real estate savings * Environmental legislation compliance However, telecommuting is not without challenges. It can sometimes be difficult transitioning into a different work model with seemingly few resources. This guide is intended to assist employees and their managers with their transition into the telecommuting work model. Please browse through the site and bookmark for future reference. The Regional Telecommuting Program Managers are also available to answer questions. Their names, numbers and electronic mail addresses are listed below. Please contact the Program Manager responsible for the state in which you live. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- REGIONAL TELECOMMUTING PROGRAM MANAGERS Contact Phone Responsible for the States of: Janice (908) CT,DE,IN,MA,ME,MI,NH,NJ,NY,OH,PA,RI,VT,WV Sutphen 725-4323 A B (301) AL,DC,FL,GA,MD,NC,SC,VA Blocker 776-8760 Dayna (303) AR,CO,IA,IL,KS,KY,LA,MS,MN,MO,NE,ND,OK,SD,TN,TX,WI,WY Smith 933-5887 Pat Bowie (602) AK,AZ,CA,HI,ID,MT,NV,NM,OR,UT,WA 240-3431 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ELIGIBILITY Selection of suitable telecommuting candidates is based on various criteria established in support of business objectives, such as: * Work activities appropriate to telecommuting * Business Unit Requirements * Management Approval You and your manager should directly discuss eligibility, and how/whether your work is suited to a telecommuting environment. Regardless of telecommuting status, an employee and manager should negotiate and have in place a current, valid job plan with specific, measurable goals and expectations around availability, reporting, etc. If it is determined that an employee is to become a telecommuter, the employee should initiate the ENROLLMENT process as detailed in the guide. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- POLICIES AND PROCEDURES Digital's objective for all telecommuters is that they have the ability to do their work in a cost effective manner without the addition of expensive equipment or potential degradation of job performance. A telecommuter does not have a dedicated cubicle at a Digital site. Instead, the employee will work primarily from a mobile environment. Actual time spent in a mobile office will vary widely, and time spent at a company site will be primarily for meetings or other routine business tasks such as making copies, trading out parts, etc. Unless otherwise specified in writing, a telecommuter is expected to be available for work during Digital's usual business hours. Non-exempt employees must accurately record work hours and managers must pre-approve overtime in writing. Employees and managers must conform to Digital policy in regard to management notification of vacation, sick time and holidays. Telecommuting is subject at all times to management discretion regarding how, when, where, and by whom the Company's work will be performed. Management decides if an employee is eligible for telecommuting. It is not an employee benefit, entitlement, or blanket permission to work at alternative locations, but the opportunity for an employee to perform specific job activities in an appropriate work environment on a schedule approved by Digital management. The duties and conditions of a telecommuter's employment with Digital remain unchanged. Employee compensation, work status, and participation in Company sponsored benefits, pension and insurance plans are unchanged by telecommuting. This document is not a contract or guarantee of any particular kind of treatment or management process. Specific business needs may dictate minor variations by functions. However, employees and managers are expected to implement the Digital Telecommuting Program within the context of the following policies and procedures and to seek appropriate guidance in their application. Other Digital Policies and Procedures (VTX Orangebook) such as the following, should be consulted where relevant: * Business Expense Policy (5.11) * Corrective Action and Discipline (6.21) * Digital Equipment Corporation Policy (2.06) * Equal Employment/Affirmative Action Statement (2.03A) * Proper Use of Digital Computers, Systems and Networks (6.54) * Security Philosophy Statement and Principles (8.00) * Change of Job Requirements (2.11) * Workers' Compensation (4.31) Managers are responsible for ensuring that the telecommuter's Job Plan is completed, providing the basis for a regular review of performance against goals. Performance reviews should be scheduled and held on a regular interval. Managers and telecommuters are expected to address the organizational and systemic impact of telecommuting. Business staffs and project teams which include telecommuters should agree upon operational norms such as: * Accessibility to management and colleagues (i.e., weekly concalls or meetings) * Frequency/timing of visits to designated Company site * Administrative support needs * Messaging and customer contacts * Use, maintenance, and access to shared space * Teamwork expectations Managers are responsible for ensuring that telecommuters are provided with appropriate on-site facilities (touch-down space) as well as administrative and technical support. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- EEO/AA Valuing Differences The criteria used to select telecommuters must be exclusively job-related and free from gender/racial bias or adverse impact on protected groups. It is the employee's responsibility to ensure that the alternative work environment is conducive to execution of the employee's job in a professional manner. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Compensation, Benefit and Tax Implications An employee's benefits and compensation are not affected by telecommuting. Digital is responsible for withholding federal, state, and local income taxes from employees based on where they live and/or work. If Digital fails to withhold incomes taxes properly, there is risk that these taxes could be subject to interest and penalties upon audit. The employee is responsible for determining the local and state taxes required of them as a result of telecommuting, and is solely responsible for complying with applicable tax laws. Further, it is the employee's responsibility to obtain a Payroll Deduction Form (EN-01446-06-REV F) to update local and state tax, if applicable. This form may be obtained by calling the People Support Network (PSN) at DTN 592-7500 or 1-800-544-9944. * If an employee lives and works in the same state, that state code should be input in the Tax State Code box * If an employee lives in one state but works in another 100% of the time: a) If an employee lives in a state that has no income tax but works in a state that does, the employee will pay tax and be coded to the state where they work. b) If the employee lives in a state that has an income tax, but works in a state that does not, the employee will pay tax and be coded to the state where they live. c) If both the state in which the employee lives and the state in which the employee works have an income tax, please consult the state reciprocal agreement table to determine the correct state taxes (contact PSN at DTN 592-7500 or 1-800-544-9944 for details). * If an employee works in multiple states: a) Where only one of the states imposes an income tax, Digital is required to with-hold income taxes in the taxing state, even if the employee does not spend 100% of their time working in that state. The employee must have a state tax code for the state that imposes the income tax. Please consult with payroll on how to adjust the withholding so it is based on earnings for that state. b) Where more than one of the states imposes an income tax, please consult directly with Payroll. Note that participation in the Telecommuting Program does not imply eligibility for a home office deduction on income tax returns. The employee is responsible for understanding the federal, state, and local tax laws as they apply to his or her particular set of facts and circumstances, and should seek external tax advice at their own expense in the preparation of tax returns. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- BASICS ELF, EDCF, Mail Notification, Communications Just like any other employee, a telecommuter must be able to service customers, stay in touch with management and colleagues, track expenses, receive reimbursements and paychecks. To maintain these levels of communication, telecommuters and their managers are responsible for updating certain records, directories, etc. Employee Data Change Form (EDCF): Managers are no longer required to submit an updated EDCF when an employee becomes a telecommuter. However, certain portions of the Employee Master File will automatically be changed to reflect the new status for legal and business reporting purposes. It is important for any new telecommuter to be aware that listing their residence address as the "telecommuting" or business address on the User Profile authorizes Digital to use this address as non-confidential. If you wish to maintain residence address as confidential, please utilize on of the alternatives below (with appropriate management approval), and complete the "Telecommuting" address as appropriate. * * U.S. Postal Service Mailbox * * Mailbox from a private service (i.e., Mailboxes, Etc.) * Customer Address * Maximum box rental reimbursement is $200 per year (Use of a Digital site address is not an option) Employee Locator Facility (ELF): With increased numbers of telecommuters, telephone listing changes, transfers between locations, migration to Exchange, etc., it is imperative that each employee review and initiate changes to their ELF listing. ELF is currently resident in VTX, and will soon migrate to a Web site. In the interim, please check your ELF listing and review the following fields for possible updates: * Primary DTN Field is non-user modifiable. Send mail message to DIRECTORY@PKO or ICS::DIRECTORY including name, badge, phone # and indicate that you are a telecommuter and do not have a DTN. * Telephone Field is user modifiable. Put fax number and/or beeper/pin number or any additional telephone numbers you need. * Location Code Field is user modifiable. * Electronic (including Exchange) Address field is user modifiable. Suggested fields to use are NODE and USERNAME, or you can add an electronic mail address in the organizational unit or position fields. * Primary Organization Unit Field is non-user modifiable. This information is tied to the employee's Cost Center and determined by Human Resources. You may use the three additional spaces to enter a different title or position within the organization. * Internal Mail Address field (affiliated site code) is non-user modifiable, and must be changed by your manager or supervisor utilizing the Employee Data Change Form (EDCF) submitted to USHR@MSO. * Telecommuter Business Address; use org unit field which is user modifiable. * Common Name Field is non-user modifiable. The common name field in ELF is taken from EDCF. If a nickname is present on your EDCF, it is used in the common name field in ELF. * Search Surname and Given Name fields are user modifiable. They are used for additional first (given) names and last (surname) names. The alternate surname field is useful with former names after a name change. Difficulty or problems with ELF changes should be reported to: Mary Eley Corporate ELF Administrator DTN: 297-4407 (508) 467-4407 Electronic Mail: MROA::MELEY All-In-One: You can change your phone number in the memo header by typing US (User Setup), and then SPD (Set Personal Details). Digital Telephone Network Directory (DTN): To update the Directory to accurately reflect a telecommuting phone number, the telecommuter must send electronic mail to: ICS::DIRECTORY or Directory @PKO stating: * They are a registered Telecommuter * They no longer have a DTN * The new Telecommuting voice number To access the electronic Digital Telephone Directory, use VTX TEL. Reader's Choice: This communications profile database receives both the Digital affiliated site code for electronic mailings, and the Telecommuter's business address for hard copy mailings. Please complete Telecommuting Enrollment documents completely and accurately so you can continue to receive Reader's Choice mailings. Interoffice Mail/Internal Hardcopy: When your new telecommuting business address becomes effective, it is important that you notify those people that would likely send you interoffice mail and inform them of your new address. External Mail: Mail from external sources will be directed to your designated telecommuter business address as specified in your User Profile enrollment form. As noted in the EDCF update section, listing your residence address as the "telecommuting" or business address on the User Profile authorizes Digital to use this address as non-confidential. If you wish to maintain your residence address as confidential, utilize one of the alternatives below (with appropriate management approval), and complete the "telecommuting" address as appropriate. U.S. Postal Service Mailbox Private Mailbox Service (i.e., Mailboxes, ETC.) Customer Address Maximum reimbursement for a postal box is $200 per year. Since the U.S. Post Office does not accept vendor mail such as UPS or Federal Express, use of a private mailbox service is recommended. Business Cards and Stationery: You may continue to order business cards through the Digital Purchasing Department. Stationery should be obtained through your nearest Digital site. If a telecommuter rarely visits a site, letterhead should include the Digital logo only. The telecommuter should type the name, title, telephone number and telecommuting business address in the business header/address. Meetings: Customer meetings should be held at a Digital, customer, or vendor site. It is strongly recommended that customer meetings NOT take place in the home office environment. Managers should meet with telecommuters on a monthly basis, at minimum, to ensure team and staff cohesiveness. Meetings with coworkers can take place at a Digital site or mutually convenient location to develop proposals, brainstorm or discuss areas of concern for the team. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Telephone and Long Distance Services The telecommuter is responsible for ordering the phone lines and services agreed upon with their manager. The service and features listed below are used simply as an example, and may not be needed or available in your area. Number of lines and services should be based on business need and resulting expense. Since long distance calls are a significant expense within the Corporation, the telecommuter is required to specify MCI as their long distance carrier so the line(s) may be placed on MCI Vnet by your Regional Telecommuting Program Manager. MCI will only accept these orders from the Regional Managers, so please do not contact MCI directly. Vnet is the most efficient and cost effective way to place long distance and outbound DTN calls, and Digital will reimburse telecommuters for all Digital business-related telecommunication costs. All billing is direct to the employee (local monthly charges, installation, and MCI long distance monthly charges), and paid by the employee. Reimbursement is through normal expense voucher procedure (TMS). The telecommuter must resolve any phone line difficulties directly with the local phone company. Difficulties with the MCI Vnet/DTN service should be resolved through your Regional Telecommuting Manager. Phone Service * One to Three lines (defined by business and prior mgmt. approval) * Handset (Max $100 one-time reimbursement) * Installation * Monthly base charges Phone Features (as available, as approved) * Voice Messaging * Call Forwarding * Call Waiting * Call Conferencing Long Distance Service * MCI designated as long distance carrier Notification to Regional TC Mgr. of Numbers (and subsequent number changes/address changes; read Telecommuting Acknowledgment Letter after Enrollment for details) * Outbound DTN capability (Dial 1+700+DTN number) * Direct Long Distance Dialing (Dial 1+area code+number) * Monthly long distance charges bill directly from MCI Please note that the frequent practice of "slamming" (changing your long distance carrier by another carrier) can be avoided. When specifying MCI as your long distance carrier, simply tell your local carrier that you want the line(s) on a "Freeze". In that way, you will be the only person authorized to change the long distance carrier. MCI carries and bills Vnet Calls (including dialup data [modem] calls), at a special low rate. Telecommuters should not use their MCI credit card from home, since each credit card use incurs a surcharge and higher per minute usage charge. Credit card use is intended primarily as a travel convenience. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Pagers Pagers are provided by individual business units to employees (regardless of telecommuting status) on an exception basis only. If you have need of a pager, contact your cost center manager to source. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Computing Environment Digital will provide telecommuters with the computing equipment and services required to perform their job as determined by management. In most cases, this means the equipment and services you use today. While acquisition of all hardware and software is the responsibility of the telecommuter and the appropriate Cost Center Manager, CCS (Connectivity and Computing Services) can offer minimum system configuration for a typical telecommuting environment. Because every person's computing and connectivity needs vary with the work they do, CCS can offer recommendations on equipment, software configuration, and connectivity options to the network. This information can be accessed via their Web address, which also details account enrollment information (i.e., MS Exchange, Domain and Tunneling). To access their Web site for further information, please use the following CCS Web page addresses: http://www.imc.das.dec.com/ccs/ http://www-ccs.wro.dec.com/NT/ You may also contact the CCS Helpdesk at: (800) 332-2468 (Northeast and Headquarters may dial DTN 297-6100 for Assistance) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Fax Equipment/Services Several fax options are available to telecommuters (see below). If, however, you and your manager agree that fax volume warrants purchase of a separate machine, it must be approved on an exception basis. The responsible cost center makes a one-time reimbursement up to $500, with proof of payment (receipt indicating purchase of fax machine and/or printer, paid in full) submitted through expense voucher reimbursement process and approved by the cost center manager. The telecommuter may purchase a more expensive machine with additional functionality, but must cover the additional expense over and above the $500 maximum. The telecommuter owns the equipment and is fully responsible for all service and maintenance. Fax Options * Selling Platform (PC Notebook and Horizon) * Third part store fax services (i.e. Kinko's) * Digital Location * Fax modem with PC * E-mail to fax transmission services (contact Frank Kaminsky @MRO to register) * Fax/printer purchase (by exception only; subject to mgmt. approval) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Federal Express, UPS For ease of use and tracking purposes, telecommuters are encouraged to set up their own Federal Express account which will be billed directly to the responsible Digital cost center. Please follow the steps below to set up an account: * Contact Federal Express at 800.238.5355 and request a new account (be sure to mention that you are a Digital employee). * Send a memo to Rick Herrick @DAS with cost center billing information, location address of your account (telecommuting address), and copy the cost center manager. If you use the account before sending this memo, you will receive the bill directly, and delay billing through Freight Payment. * Call Carolyn Serullo at Federal Express at 617.426.0356 with the new account information; Carolyn will tie the new account into the Digital contracted rates * Contact Marc Fortin @DAS with a memo stating your new account, the responsible cost center, and the cost center manager that needs to receive the Transportation spending report. UPS (United Parcel Service) Account: Digital employee Dick Parks should be contacted to work through the process of setting up an individual UPS Account. Contact him directly at: Dick Parks DTN 275-3086 or (508) 474-3047 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Office Supplies COSMOS can be used to order basic supplies and arrange for pick up at your local Digital site. Supplies ordered through COSMOS cannot be delivered to a telecommuting address. If you are in a remote location and COSMOS is not an option, discuss purchases in advance with your cost center manager, and purchase supplies locally trying to obtain the lowest cost vendor. This type of expense is reimbursed through the expense voucher process (TMS) and is subject to management approval. To obtain a COSMOS account, please contact the COSMOS Hotline at DTN 264-4117 or (603) 884-4117 for further details. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Office Services Digital Purchasing has negotiated a discount agreement for telecommuters with Kinko's, Inc. Kinko's can provide such services as faxing, copying, proposal generation, color graphics, and presentation materials. Video conferencing services are available at selected locations, and all sites have Federal Express drop off capability. After a telecommuter enrolls, the Regional Telecommuting Manager notifies Kinko's to send a welcome packet that contains a list of Kinko services and locations. The packet also contains a Kinko's discount card. This card entitles you to a 15% discount on all regularly priced Kinko's products and services, except postage and shipping. The Kinko's discount card is for identification purposes only. It identifies you as a Digital telecommuter, entitled to a 15% discount. It is not and cannot be used as a charge card. Expenses incurred at a Kinko's should be paid by the telecommuter (cash or company credit card), and submitted through TMS for approval and reimbursement. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Risk Management, Asset Protection All Digital Security policies and standards apply to employees in the Digital Telecommuting Program. Employees are responsible for protecting and properly using Digital equipment and resources, such as telephones, networks, computers and software. Further, special attention is needed in the telecommuting environment to protect Digital's information assets from unauthorized disclosure and exposure to viruses. See general Security Standards 10.0 and 10.1, or Electronic Security Standard 211, available on VTX. The standard Property Removal Pass procedure must be used for moving Digital property (equipment) to the employee's telecommuting environment. Damage to, or theft of capital equipment owned by Digital while in use at the telecommuting office is covered by the same Company insurance policy covering Digital's property at the company site. Assuming that title to the equipment remains with Digital, the Company bears the risk of loss or damage to the equipment while in the possession of the employee. Damage to or theft of information contained on PC equipment of a telecommuter is a greater risk. Telecommuters are responsible to ensure that their environment is reasonably protected against theft of Digital property or information. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Office Set Up The workspace should be suited to the tasks at hand, and provide as few distractions and hazards as possible. Spare rooms or a corner of a basement are obvious choices for a clearly delineated, private space. This type of seclusion is especially important to someone who spends a great deal of time on the telephone. Also, a closed door can serve as both a sound and psychological barrier. Closing it behind you in the morning can signal to others that your workday has begun, while shutting it at the end of the workday can help distance work from the rest of your family life. Certain safety and ergonomic considerations should be given consideration when setting up your space: Surface Heights: Conventional desk surfaces are approximately 29" high, while 26" is commonly recommended for a keyboard. Plan your area to be broad enough to spread out the work, and sturdy enough to handle the weight of any equipment and supplies placed on it. Furniture: Excess furniture may be available at some sites. Registered telecommuters are eligible to purchase Digital office furniture that has been designated by local site services as expendable. Please contact local site services for further information and forms. No items should be removed from any Digital site without completion of the appropriate paperwork and authorization. If authorized, furniture removal from the Digital site is the total responsibility of the employee. Digital will not be liable, under any circumstances, for any damages, including injury claims, arising out of transport or use of the furniture, even if Digital is advised of the possibility of such damages. Seating: Your chair is possibly the most important piece of furniture in your office, and should be well-suited to your tasks. Ideally, the seat should be adjustable, and the distance from the top of the seat to the floor should be 15 to 21 inches. The backrest should also be adjustable, and provide support at the back of your waist. The use of a footrest might also be considered if you're going to be seated at an area for particularly long periods. Lighting: Office lighting strongly affects comfort and performance. Whether you use natural or artificial lighting, it should be directed to the side or behind the line of vision of your work. Bright light bounces off work surfaces and causes a diminished sense of contrast. Just as in an artist's studio, natural, northern daylight is best. If you need to supplement your light supply, consider the use of a UL approved halogen or incandescent source, rather than fluorescent lighting. Viewing Distance: It is important to measure and adjust your viewing distance from a terminal screen. Simply take a measuring tape and measure the distance between the video screen and your eyes while you are in your normal seated position at the computer. If you wear bifocals or trifocals, you might want to discuss this distance with your eye doctor to help avoid awkward neck postures. Computer/Equipment Safeguards: The following tips may help prevent computer breakdown or loss of data: * Position equipment away from direct sunlight or heat sources such as heat vents or radiators * Place equipment on well-ventilated surfaces * Place covers on equipment when not in use * Clean and dust work area regularly * Don't place food or beverages on top of equipment or near the keyboard * Keep all magnetic paper clip holders (or other magnets) and fluorescent lamps away from floppy disks Personal Safety Tips: * Take short breaks from repetitive tasks * Use the "straight hand-forearm" method of typing * Avoid video display glare when working at your terminal * Make sure a fire extinguisher is accessible * Place heavy items on sturdy stands close to walls Electrical Safety Factors: * Only use extension cords with a built in circuit breaker * Use extension cords in good condition, with the proper amp rating * Do not overload outlets, breakers or extension cords * Know the location of your electrical boxes and have circuits clearly labeled * Provide surge protection if feasible/necessary ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Health, Safety, Personal Injury Employee safety during the setup and use of any remote office related to Digital work is of prime concern to Digital. Employees should follow accepted safe practices for the handling and moving of heavy objects like computer equipment and furniture. Employees are responsible for complying with all applicable Health and Safety policies and standards when working at home, and reporting all work-related injuries and illnesses to their supervisors. Managers shall determine the need to conduct on-site visits, as part of the normal accident investigation process to help ensure that safe, ergonomically sound working conditions exist. These visits will be made at a mutually agreed upon time. If problems are found, employees are responsible for resolving them with their managers. Employees are required to report all injuries and illnesses that arise out of, or in the course and scope of their employment, to their manager or to the Health Services Center providing support to the employee's designated work site. Please see U.S. Personnel Policy 4.31, Worker's Compensation, for further directions (VTX Orangebook). Work-related personal injury to telecommuting employees while in their telecommuting environment is covered by Workers' Compensation. The general framework of liability concerns whether or not the employee is acting within the scope and course of his/her employment duties when the injury occurs. For example, employees would be covered by Workers' Compensation while working at their terminal or writing reports. They would not be covered, however, while taking a shower, carrying out the garbage, or doing laundry, even if these activities are carried out during their intended work periods (such as performing domestic tasks while a computer program is running). Non-employee injuries arising from business activities or Company equipment in the telecommuting office would fall into the category of general liability. The standard telecommuter's owner's or apartment dweller's homeowner's policy provides protection from personal liability if a guest is injured while visiting a your home. However, it usually does not cover a visitor coming to the telecommuting office for business purposes. For these reasons, telecommuters should not conduct business-related meetings in the home. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Expense Reimbursement, Mileage Expenses are now reimbursed to all employees using the Electronic Travel Management System (TMS). Questions regarding TMS enrollment and usage should be directed to the TMS Hotline at DTN 264-8000 or (603) 884-8000. All TMS users are required to utilize Electronic Funds Transfer; no checks are issued or mailed. Digital does not reimburse an employee for any portion of any employee's home expenses such as rent, mortgage, heating, electricity, etc. Digital does reimburse the costs associated with additional phone line(s) and business related calls as referenced in "Telephone and Long Distance Services". Business Mileage for Telecommuters: Under IRS guidelines, for all mileage expenses to be reimbursable to telecommuters, Digital would have to ensure that all telecommuters' home/mobile offices are their principal place of business. Digital's intend with telecommuting is to allow flexibility in where employees perform their work. Digital's position is that the telecommuters' home/mobile office is not their principal place of business because they work from various locations (i.e., home/mobile office, customer sites, hotels, Digital sites, etc.). Therefore, "Commuting" Mileage (the first trip out and the last trip back home each day) for telecommuters (or any employee) is not reimbursable. If an employee believes that their home is their principal place of business, they should consult with their tax advisor regarding potential deductions on their personal tax returns. Based on the above decision, a 25 mile radius was implemented as a company guideline to use in calculation of "commuting" mileage. The first and last trips of the day (up to a total of 25 miles per day) are "commuting" mileage, and all other mileage relating to company business is business mileage. NOTE: All fleet program participants must follow specific fleet mileage policies. You may obtain the appropriate fleet policy through the Business Transportation Manager at DTN 223-9985. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Travel Arrangements, Ticket Delivery As always, travel arrangements should be made directly through the American Express Travel office at (800) 374-5858. Each month, they are provided with an updated list of registered telecommuters. American Express is authorized to deliver tickets to someone's residence only if this person is a registered telecommuter. [Image] [Image][Image] For Digital Internal Use Only Last Updated: 17 March, 1997 Web pages designed by Information Delivery Services