What type of employee travel is generally considered outside the scope of employment?

Commutes to and from work are generally considered outside the scope of employment because they occur before or after the workday begins and end, rather than during the performance of job duties. This distinction is significant in terms of employer liability and insurance coverage. During regular commuting, employees are not acting on behalf of their employer, thus any incidents that occur during this time are typically not the responsibility of the employer.

In contrast, travel for business meetings, traveling between job sites, and business-related meals fall within the scope of employment because these activities are directly related to the employee's job functions, performed during working hours, and involve furthering the employer’s business interests.