Smart use of your home office allowance: invest in a portable monitor

Using your home office allowance smartly? Choose a portable monitor that increases your work productivity no matter where you work. In this blog, we explain how to leverage the allowance, the benefits of a portable monitor and how to convince your employer of the added value.

What is a work-at-home allowance?

The home office allowance is a financial allowance that many employers offer to employees who work (partially) from home. In 2025, employers in the Netherlands will be allowed untaxed reimbursement of up to €2.40 per day. This amount is intended to offset costs such as energy, internet and workplace supplies.

Depending on policies within your organization or collective bargaining agreement, there may be additional allowances or budgets associated with this, including for equipment such as monitors, keyboards and office chairs.

Can you use the home office allowance for a portable monitor?

In many cases: yes. The home office allowance itself is usually not for hardware, but through the work expense ratio (WKR), employers can invest tax-free in resources that support your work.

A portable monitor is often covered because it makes a direct contribution to:

• Ergonomics
• Efficiency
• Flexible (hybrid) working

Want to be sure if this is possible at your company? Consult the homework policy or consult with HR. Your industry's collective bargaining agreement may also contain specific agreements on this type of compensation.

Why a portable monitor is a smart investment

A portable monitor offers immediate benefits for anyone who works flexibly:

• Extra screen space means less switching between tabs
• You work faster, more clearly and with more focus
• Ideal for multitaskers, analysts, designers or anyone who works a lot with data
• Light and compact, so easy to carry between the office and home

For hybrid professionals, this is the solution to staying productive - wherever you work.

How can you declare a portable monitor?

Follow these steps to smartly and effectively substantiate your application:

• Check your employer or organization's work-at-home policy
• Consult your collective bargaining agreement for additional workplace compensation arrangements
• Explain the benefits of an extra screen for your productivity
• Ask if it falls under the WKR - many companies have annual budgets for this
• Keep your proof of purchase - this is needed for claims

Tips for a compelling motivation to your employer

Would you like to formally apply for reimbursement? A brief motivation (via email or memo) can help support your request.

Practical Tips:

• Start with your work needs: explain how a portable monitor improves your work
• Emphasize the benefits to the company: think more efficient work, fewer errors, higher output
• Refer to available schemes: such as the home office allowance or the workfare scheme
• Keep it businesslike and concise: a clear structure comes across more professionally
• Conclude with a concrete question: ask if your employer will look into the possibility and offer to provide clarification

Future-proof your home office

Do you regularly work from home or hybrid? Then a portable monitor is a smart, sustainable choice that contributes to comfort and productivity. By taking advantage of available schemes, you can get (part of) the purchase reimbursed - without hassle.