The extensive contacts that Israeli high-tech companies now have with international markets require them to periodically send their staff overseas on official business. The most popular destination for business trips is the US, although employees also get sent to other destinations across the globe, and such trips - provided they are within reason - are a perk.
Business trips like these can range from few days to several months, and the reasons for them can vary. Juniper Networks Israel HR manager Anat Levy explains, "They can be for training, meetings with clients, troubleshooting tasks at client sites, and even meetings that amount to a form of brainstorming session with teams overseas."
According to Levy, most employees see trips as a kind of benefit, "providing the frequency is reasonable." Except for those instances where an employee is constantly shunted around the globe and never knows which country he's going to wake up in, trips like these allow employees to have a change of scene.
It can be pleasant and even enjoyable to spend a few days on a business trip at a hotel in New York, London, or even less attractive spots. However, when a business trip that lasts for weeks, or even months, the employee's enjoyment becomes a function of his personal outloook.
In general, business trips do not involve a change in salary - for better or worse. CRG CEO Doron Niv says, "On these trips, the employee receives the salary of the Israeli company that sent him. The company is responsible for the work licenses, if necessary, and expenses." He noted that employees are housed either at a hotel registered in an arrangement, or at an apartment. (CRG is the Israeli affiliate of Mercer).
Niv explained that company policies determine employees' living expenses while abroad, and that the Israel Tax Authority recognizes a tax expense of up to $66 per day per employee.
Insurance is another issue that should be taken into account when going abroad on a business trip. Niv notes that while most companies cover employees' medical insurance, an employee should verify the coverage, and not be satisfied with flight insurance, especially if the trip will last for more than a month.
In some cases, companies offer benefits to employees on business trips. Niv says that the bonus is usually an extra vacation day on the day after the return to Israel, and sometimes an employee is allowed to take a weekend overseas at the company's expense. "When a longer trip is involved, weeks or months, it's possible to bring the employee home for a few days. Some companies even consider sending an employee's wife and children to him, if necessary."
Published by Globes [online], Israel business news - www.globes-online.com - on June 19, 2008
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