Business travel is one of the largest expenses for companies, but managing employee travel expenses can be a challenge. From meal allowances to hotel costs, ensuring accuracy and compliance is tough for finance teams. One solution to these complexities is implementing per diem allowances, a system designed to streamline travel expense management. Let’s understand what per diem means, how it works and how Zaggle’s Expense Management Solution revolutionizes the process with its Customizable Allowance feature.
What does per diem mean?
Per diem, meaning ‘per day’, refers to a daily allowance given to employees to cover business travel expenses, including meals, lodging and incidental costs. These allowances simplify reimbursement processes, reduce administrative workloads and ensure that all employees are fairly compensated during business trips. The amount varies depending on factors like the destination, duration and company policy.
For example, employees travelling to high-cost cities may receive higher meal allowances or lodging reimbursements compared to those travelling to lower-cost cities. This approach balances employee needs with business budgets while adhering to travel allowance guidelines.
How do per diem allowances work?
Employers set customized per diem allowances based on predefined criteria such as expense category (e.g. meals or lodging) and geographic location. These allowances provide employees with clarity on their entitlements and ensure the company maintains control over its travel budget.
Employees typically receive their per diem allowance in one of two ways:
Advance Payment: The allowance is paid beforehand.
Settlement Post-Travel: Employees settle the per-diem allowance against the advance received after completing their trip.
How will Zaggle’s EMS simplify per diem allowances?
Zaggle’s Expense Management Solution (EMS) transforms the way organizations manage per diem allowances.
With its Customizable Allowance feature, organizations can easily set per diem rates based on specific locations, categories & needs. The system ensures seamless compliance by aligning allowances with company policies, thus minimizing discrepancies. Additionally, Zaggle’s unified platform offers real-time transaction tracking and auditing capabilities, enhancing transparency and reducing administrative overhead.
This streamlined approach empowers organizations to efficiently manage travel expenses while maintaining full control and visibility.
Conclusion
Per diem allowances offer a streamlined and effective way to manage employee travel expenses. By integrating a robust expense management solution like Zaggle, businesses can optimize their per diem system, ensure compliance and reduce administrative overhead.
