WorkFromHome #EmployeeRights #JobTransition
It’s not uncommon to have unresolved issues after leaving a job, especially when it involves company property. Understanding your rights and options can help you navigate this tricky situation.
Why Are They Asking for Office Furniture Back? π
When you started working from home, your employer provided essential office furniture to ensure you were comfortable and productive. Now that you’ve left, they want those items back. While itβs understandable from their perspective, it can be frustrating and costly for you.
The Legal Aspect: What Are Your Rights? βοΈ
As an employee in Michigan, it’s important to understand your rights regarding company property. Generally, items provided by your employer remain company property, regardless of your work location.
Here’s what you should consider:
- Employment Agreement: Review your employment contract for any clauses about returning company property.
- Company Policies: Look for any written policies that detail the return of office equipment.
The Cost of Shipping: Who Bears the Expense? πΈ
Shipping bulky items like desks and chairs can be incredibly expensive. In most cases, the responsibility for return shipping costs isn’t explicitly stated in contracts or company policies.
Consider these steps:
- Negotiate with Your Employer: Explain the high costs and see if they can cover or share the shipping expenses.
- Check for Pre-paid Shipping Labels: Ask if they can provide pre-paid shipping labels for the return.
Practical Alternatives to Shipping π
Instead of shipping everything back, explore these options:
- Local Drop-off: Offer to drop off the items if the company’s office is nearby.
- Third-Party Logistics: Suggest using a local logistics company that might be more economical.
- Donate or Sell: In some cases, companies might allow you to keep or donate the items if it’s not cost-effective to return them.
Final Considerations π€
Leaving a job on good terms is always preferable. Keeping communication open and finding a mutually agreeable solution can prevent unnecessary conflicts.
Hereβs a quick action list:
- Review your contract and company policies.
- Communicate with your employer about the shipping costs.
- Explore practical alternatives for returning the items.
- Seek legal advice if necessary.
Conclusion: Navigating Post-Employment Responsibilities π
While it can be frustrating to deal with post-employment responsibilities, understanding your rights and options will help you find a solution that works for both you and your former employer. Always stay proactive and courteous, and don’t hesitate to seek professional advice if needed.
Hopefully, it is just a matter that whoever sent the demand for return of oversized equipment is not aware of the fact that your home office was set up in lieu of providing you other office space. If they set you up in your home to save them the expense of a new office space, then that must be considered in any financial issues, like who is liable for moving expenses.
I have been on the receiving end of invalid threats from people trying to force me to give them what they want. Iβd hope to address return of items in a contract should I find myself taking a job working from home.
Good luck.
You have an obligation to return their equipment. You don’t have an obligation to return their equipment at your expense.
Let them know you would be happy to ship it back, and that they can provide you a prepaid shipping label or schedule a pickup at a time you’re available.
I had a job provide a stipend for home office equiptment in lieu of providing an office space. When I left, they said that the shipping / infection control and sanitation issues were too high they just consider the home equiptment a loss, aside from the laptop itself.
I would politely reply and validate their expectations. If they want the items back I donβt see why they wouldnβt pay for shipping. I would also include your prior leadership team, if you had a good relationship with them.
This could be a case of some drone following an SOP without validating or understanding the specifics of your case.
You tell them they are free to come pickup the items or make arrangements for shipping including packaging and shipping label. You should let them know after 3 months if they havenβt made arrangements you will consider the property abandoned. You should send it via a trackable method like certified mail.
Let them know the terms by which they can collect the items.
Normally Businesses and Corporations have accounts with FedEx or UPS, they give you an account number, you take them to the closest place and have them shipped back.
I would email them explaining you’d be happy to return these items upon receiving the company account number to do so. CC HR as well.
Tell them to send a mover to retrieve their property. After 30 days off the job start sending them invoices for the storage of their property.
Tell them that shipping will take too long and to just come pick up their crap.
Well, either they pay for shipping, or you can inform them that they will be billed for storage after x amount of days of no attempt to collect the property has been made. Additionally, you would be more than happy to dispose of the property and send them the bill for disposal if they do not want to be billed for storage. π
Tell them to take their possessions off your property.
I never give back any accessories. Just the laptop. They are just bullying you. Just ignore it and theyβre not going to actually follow up.
Up the ante. Write them they are free to pick up as soon as possible but after 10 days you are going to start charging a storage rate.
Send them an email:
βHello. Moving heavy items like an assembled desk, cabinet, and chair is beyond my physical capabilities, and beyond the scope of my employment contract. Please arrange for a shipping company to come and pickup your property, and I will gladly meet with them. We should also discuss how much you will be paying me for storage fees since the date the items were delivered to my home.β
Tell them to F off. Simple!
Tell them to pound salt, if they want it, come and get it
I have WFH for 5 years or so now and everytime they have sent me shipping lables already paid for to return things. That is the norm as far as I can see. I would tell them when they send you the shipping lables you will be happy to pack it up and send it out.
Iβd follow what others are suggesting – use certified mail. But, Iβd go a step further, to help prove you contacted your former employer. Write your letter, advising that furniture pickup is their responsibility and at their expense. Mail two exact copies and mail in two identical envelopes. One is to be sent regular mail and one via certified. Donβt use stamps you already owned. Pay for the postal expense and keep your receipt. When I do this, I take a photo of both envelopes while in the post office, showing the certified sticker in the envelope. Track the mail and print off the tacking info when delivered. Good luck!