At AutoUncle we ask colleagues to be smart about expense decisions. We strive to be economical and keep costs low, but never want a small cost saving to go in the way of productivity.

Guidelines by cost type

• Travel (flights, car rental, trains): Do what is cost effective and reasonably convenient. Taking the train instead of flying is not always the best option. First-class flights are never necessary.
• Accommodation (hotel, Airbnb): Be comfortable and not luxurious (neither hostels nor 5-star hotels are good choices.). Try to pick locations that does not introduce unnecessary extra travel time.
• Food and refreshments on trips: Takeaway lunches, coffee on-the-go and moderate dinners are things we encourage. Expensive wine and fine dining is not how we roll.
• 1:1s and work from coffee shops: We encourage colleagues to occasionally camp out in coffee shops and the like to connect over coffee or get deep work done.
• Team events: Teams are encouraged to regularly step away from tasks to bond and celebrate. Moderate expenses to support such activities are fine within the monthly limits below
• Books, courses and learning: Approvals are not needed for occasional small purchases of books, online courses and so on.
• Coaches, psychologists etc.: We believe in the power of professional support from psychologists, coaches and industry experts. Please consult with your manager about such expenses.
• Gifts: We don’t have any strong materialistic traditions at AutoUncle, but we encourage symbolic gifts and acts of appreciation at special occasions (weddings, work anniversaries, farewell parties etc.). These are typically in the range of €40-€70.

<aside> 🤔 If you are in doubt about a cost decision, seek approval with your manager.

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Monthly expense limits by levels

The following monthly expense limits are meant to:

• Create a flexible framework to manage costs
• Make it clear for people in different positions what cost levels they can take decisions on without seeking approval in advance
• Describe decision boundaries - € amounts are monthly limits, not budgets that are intended to be spent
• Help you navigate route of approval. If you face a cost decision that exceeds your limit, you can see who needs to be involved to make such a decision.

<aside> 💡 Remember to notify [email protected] of any expense beyond €1,000 before committing to it.

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