Corporate Travel
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Company outing at the weekend
Company outing at the weekend: How to make it an unforgettable team experience!
A team outing at the weekend can work wonders for your team. Learn how to create unforgettable experiences with the right planning while also considering legal aspects. Need help with the organisation? Contact us for a non-binding consultation!
The topic, briefly and concisely
A company outing at the weekend is a valuable investment in team building and employee motivation, which strengthens cohesion and improves the working environment.
Observe the legal and tax regulations to avoid surprises. Make use of the tax exemption threshold of 110 euros per participant and communicate clearly about the participation conditions.
Plan the company outing carefully and involve the employees in the programme planning to achieve a high participation rate and maximise satisfaction. An increase in employee retention by up to 10% is realistic.
Discover the best ideas for your weekend corporate outing! From team-building to relaxation – we'll show you how to motivate your employees and strengthen the team spirit. Start planning now!
An office outing at the weekend is more than just a kind gesture from the company. It is an investment in the team, motivation, and the working environment. But what exactly makes a successful office outing and why should it ideally take place at the weekend? At GoTuro, we specialise in organising unforgettable travel experiences and offer you valuable insights on how to make your next office outing a complete success.
An office outing primarily serves team building, employee motivation, and stress reduction. Moving it to a weekend allows for more extensive programmes and the consideration of more distant destinations. This creates opportunities for activities that would not be possible in the regular working day. For example, you could plan an action-packed party weekend or a relaxing wellness trip that will leave employees truly inspired.
The advantages of such a weekend outing are clear: the extended time together intensifies team building, allowing employees to unwind from the workweek and recharge. Additionally, it offers the opportunity to carry out activities that would not be feasible during the week. Consider, for instance, a group hike in the mountains, a visit to a theme park, or a soapbox race. The possibilities are numerous and can be tailored to your team’s individual needs.
Working Hours or Leisure Time: How to Manage the Legal Aspects of Your Company Outing
When planning a company outing over the weekend, the legal framework also plays an important role. One of the key questions is whether participation counts as working hours or leisure time. In principle, participation in a company outing over the weekend is voluntary. There is no obligation to participate, but employers can create incentives to increase motivation. According to Personio, for example, a compensatory time off can be offered to make participation more attractive.
A company outing over the weekend is generally considered leisure time. However, there are exceptions: If the outing is mandatory and pursues clear business objectives, such as in the context of training, it may be regarded as working hours. In this case, employees must be compensated accordingly. Even if the company outing takes place during regular working hours, employers can order participation; however, employees must not be forced to take holiday leave. Instead, they must engage in another activity if they do not wish to participate in the outing.
Even though there is no entitlement to overtime pay, employers can offer a compensatory time off to encourage participation in the company outing over the weekend. This is particularly sensible if the outing involves a longer journey or unusual working hours. Clear communication about the legal framework and compensation is crucial to avoid misunderstandings and dissatisfaction. Note that according to firmenabc.com, no overtime is incurred, even if the outing lasts longer.
Take advantage of tax benefits: How to optimise the costs of your company outing
Costs are an important factor when planning a weekend company outing. It is important to observe the tax-free allowances to minimise the financial burden on the company. A tax exemption of 110 euros per participant per year applies to company outings, with a maximum of two outings per year qualifying for tax relief. According to Shiftbase, exceeding this allowance leads to taxable benefits in kind for employees.
Employers have the option to tax benefits in kind at a flat rate of 25%. This is particularly advisable when the cost per participant exceeds the allowance. Flat rate taxation simplifies the accounting process and reduces administrative effort. However, it is essential to comply with tax regulations and document the costs accordingly. According to HR-Rocket, the tax implications are closely linked to whether the outing is considered working time.
Although employers are not obliged to cover all the costs for the weekend company outing, it is common for them to do so to ensure a positive perception among employees. Clear communication regarding the distribution of costs is essential. It is also possible for employees to bear part of the costs themselves, especially if the outing resembles a voluntary gathering. In this case, it should be transparently stated which costs are covered by the company and which are to be borne by the employees. According to FirmenABC, an explanation of the cost coverage may be required if the tax-free allowance is exceeded.
Ensure maximum participation: How to achieve perfect planning and organization
Careful planning and organisation are crucial for the success of a weekend company outing. Various aspects need to be considered, from choosing the right time to creating a varied programme. Popular months for company outings are May, June, and September, as the weather is generally pleasant and there are no school holidays. It is advisable to avoid school holidays and bridge days to maximise participation rates. According to Hirschfeld.de, the average participation rate is about 70%, with the attractiveness of the programme and timing playing a decisive role.
When selecting participants, all employees should be considered, including part-time staff, trainees, and, where applicable, freelancers. Equal treatment of all employees is important, even for those who are resigning or on leave. Invitations should be made in good time to give employees sufficient time to plan. It is also advisable to involve employees in the programme design to take their interests and wishes into account. According to Personio, equal treatment of all employees is an important aspect.
The activities and programme should be diverse and tailored to the interests of the employees. From team-building activities to party weekends and relaxed outings, there are numerous options. The selection should be based on the company's goals and employees' preferences. Individually tailored programmes, for example through an "outing factory" like Müller-Touristik, enable high employee satisfaction. Offering several choices increases the willingness to participate. We at GoTuro are happy to support you in the individual design of your weekend company outing.
Better safe than sorry: Insurance coverage and liability during the company outing
When it comes to insurance coverage and liability, you should ensure safety when planning a weekend company outing. During a "genuine" company outing initiated by the employer, which takes place during working hours and ensures equal treatment for all employees, statutory accident insurance is provided. According to Personio, insurance coverage also extends to the direct work route.
However, the insurance coverage ends when the event turns into a private party. This is particularly relevant for weekend company outings, as there is often a seamless transition between the official program and private activities. In the event of accidents due to heavy drinking or negligent behaviour, insurance coverage may lapse. It is therefore important to inform employees about the limits of insurance coverage and to promote responsible alcohol consumption. According to FirmenABC, insurance coverage can lapse in cases of heavy drinking.
As an employer, you have a duty of care towards your employees. This means you are responsible for the safety of your employees during the company outing. Clear communication about behavioural rules and alcohol consumption is therefore essential. It is also advisable to take out liability insurance to protect yourself against potential compensation claims. We at GoTuro are happy to advise you on the various insurance options and support you in assessing the risk of your weekend company outing.
Inspirationen für unvergessliche Erlebnisse: Ideen für Ihren Betriebsausflug am Wochenende
The design of the programme is a crucial factor for the success of a company weekend outing. Here are some ideas and inspirations to help with your planning:
Themes and Activities
Adventure and Action: ATV treasure hunt, rafting, high ropes course.
Culinary Experiences: Barbecue courses, wine tastings, culinary city tours.
Relaxation and Wellness: Spa treatments, yoga workshops.
Cultural Events: Visits to museums, concerts, or theatres.
Destinations
The choice of destination depends on employees' interests and the company's budget. Here are some suggestions:
Regional Outings: NRW day tours, trips to nearby cities.
International Trips: Netherlands, Mallorca, Bulgaria, Rome, Paris, Amsterdam, Barcelona, Prague, Vienna.
At GoTuro, we offer a wide range of travel options for your company weekend outing, from action-packed adventures to relaxing wellness trips. Consult our experts to find the right programme for your team.
Overcoming Challenges: How to Avoid Pitfalls in Organisation
Even with careful planning, organizing a company outing on the weekend can present challenges. A low participation rate could be caused by poor timing, an unattractive program, or lack of communication. To avoid this, it is important to start planning early, involve employees in program design, and clearly communicate the benefits of the outing. According to Hirschfeld.de, involving employees in planning is crucial for a high participation rate.
High costs can also be a challenge. These can arise from exceeding the tax exemption limit, expensive activities, or high travel costs. To keep costs under control, careful budgeting is required. It is advisable to choose cost-effective activities, use local providers, and, if necessary, consider an employee contribution. According to Shiftbase, there is a tax exemption limit of 110 euros per participant.
Legal issues can arise from unclear regulations on working hours, lack of communication about conduct rules, or accidents due to alcohol consumption. To avoid these, it is important to clearly communicate the legal framework, set an official end to the event, and clarify the limits of insurance coverage. According to FirmenABC, insurance coverage can lapse in cases of heavy intoxication.
Enhancing Team Building and Motivation: Why a Weekend Company Outing is Worthwhile
A well-planned company outing at the weekend can make a significant contribution to team building and employee motivation. It promotes cohesion, strengthens the working environment and contributes to a positive company culture. Through shared experiences outside of the daily work routine, employees can get to know each other better and build trust. This positively affects team collaboration and individual employees' willingness to perform.
A company outing at the weekend is therefore an investment in the company's future. It helps to retain employees for the long term and boosts their motivation and readiness to perform. In times of skills shortages, this represents an important competitive advantage. We at GoTuro are happy to assist you in making your next company outing at the weekend an unforgettable experience.
In the future, the company outing will continue to play an important role in employee retention and motivation. Emerging trends such as digitalisation and sustainability will gain importance. Digital scavenger hunts and semi-virtual options enable the inclusion of employees working from home. Increasingly, sustainability is taken into account in the planning of company outings, for example, through the selection of regional providers and environmentally friendly activities.
Plan now and benefit: Your unforgettable team outing with GoTuro
More useful links
Personio provides information on the legal aspects and organization of company outings.
Shiftbase explains the tax allowances and regulations for company outings.
Hirschfeld.de offers tips for planning and organizing company outings to ensure a high attendance rate.
FAQ
What are the main benefits of a company outing at the weekend?
A weekend company outing enhances team building, allows for more extensive programmes, and offers the opportunity to consider more distant destinations. Employees can take a break from work and recharge.
Is participating in a company outing at the weekend considered working hours?
Participation in a weekend company outing is generally voluntary and is usually considered as recreation. Exceptions apply if the outing is mandatory and pursues clear company objectives, such as training.
What tax benefits can I take advantage of with a company outing?
Company outings have a tax-free allowance of 110 euros per participant per year, with up to two outings per year being tax-favoured. Employers can tax non-cash benefits at a flat rate of 25%.
How can I maximise the participation rate at my company outing?
Popular months for company outings are May, June, and September. Avoid school holidays and bridge days. Involve employees in the programme planning and offer multiple options to choose from.
What insurance cover do I have during a company outing?
During a “genuine” company outing, there is statutory accident insurance. The insurance cover also extends to the direct journey to work. In case of accidents due to heavy intoxication or negligent behaviour, insurance cover may lapse.
What activities are particularly suitable for a company outing at the weekend?
Popular activities include adventure and action (ATV treasure hunts, rafting), culinary experiences (grilling courses, wine tastings), relaxation and wellness (spa treatments), and cultural events (visiting museums, concerts).
What must I consider regarding equal treatment when planning a company outing?
All employees, including part-time workers, apprentices, and freelancers, should be considered. Equal treatment of all employees is important, including those under notice or on leave.
What are typical challenges in organising a company outing and how can I avoid them?
Typical challenges include a low participation rate, high costs, and legal issues. Avoid these by planning early, involving employees, selecting cost-effective activities, and clearly communicating the legal framework.
