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Company Outing Working Hours: How to Make Your Team Outing Legally Secure!
A successful company outing boosts team spirit and employee motivation. But what needs to be considered regarding working hours, taxes, and insurance? Discover the key aspects for successful planning now. Do you need support with implementation? Get in touch with us here.
The topic, briefly and concisely
Company outings are a strategic investment in employees, leading to higher employee satisfaction and retention.
The tax regulations (e.g. the 110-euro limit) must be considered to avoid unexpected costs. Combining with further education can offer additional tax advantages.
The voluntary participation and accident insurance coverage are important aspects that must be considered during planning. Through clear communication and code of conduct, risks can be minimized, and a positive working environment can be promoted.
Planning an unforgettable company outing? Learn how to make the most of the legal framework and provide your employees with a fantastic experience.
//factorialhr.de/blog/betriebsausflug/">FactorialHR.de emphasises that company outings strengthen employee retention and promote a positive working climate.
Plan legally: Accurately record working hours and optimally utilize tax allowances
//www.shiftbase.com/de/lexikon/betriebsausflug">Shiftbase.com emphasises compliance with tax regulations to avoid legal issues.
If the exemption limit is exceeded, the input tax deduction may be forfeited or neutralised through taxation according to § 37b Abs. 9a Nr. 2 UStG.
In summary, careful planning that considers the legal and tax frameworks is crucial for a successful and legally compliant corporate outing. Transparent communication with employees about cost distribution and tax implications further contributes to satisfaction and acceptance.
Motivated Participation: Voluntary involvement ensures engagement and reduces liability risks
Employer-initiated during working hours, equal treatment of all employees.
The insurance coverage also extends to the direct work commute.
Exclusions from Insurance Coverage
However, there are also exclusions from insurance coverage. For instance, family members participating in the trip are not covered by statutory accident insurance. Additionally, insurance coverage may lapse in cases of excessive alcohol consumption or gross negligence. Inform employees in advance about these exclusions and appeal for responsible behaviour to minimize the risk of accidents and liability claims. Clear behavioural guidelines can help minimize the risk of accidents and liability claims.
Family members are not insured.
Insurance coverage may lapse due to excessive alcohol consumption or gross negligence.
In summary, it is important to respect the voluntary nature of participation, consider the work obligation of non-participating employees, and ensure accident insurance coverage through clear rules. Transparent communication and clear behavioural guidelines help minimize risks and ensure a smooth conduct of the company outing.
Successful Planning: Involve Employees and Clearly Distribute Responsibilities
//factorialhr.de/blog/betriebsausflug/">FactorialHR.de provides useful tips on this topic.
Consider employee preferences to increase acceptance and participation.
Pre-select activities to simplify decision-making.
Logistical Aspects
Responsibilities and Task Allocation
A clear division of tasks is essential for the smooth organisation of a company outing. There should be persons in charge of various areas, such as booking accommodations and transport, organising activities, and coordinating participants. Clear communication of the schedule and framework is also important to avoid misunderstandings and ensure all participants are well informed. Create a detailed checklist to stay on top of things and ensure no important points are forgotten.
Appoint individuals responsible for organisation and execution.
Clear communication of the schedule and framework conditions.
Activity Ideas
Diverse Options for Company Outings
Selecting the right activities is crucial for the success of a company outing. There are a variety of options to consider depending on the interests of the employees and the company's goals. Popular choices include escape rooms, outdoor activities like canoeing or climbing, culinary activities such as wine tasting or cooking classes, sporting activities like mini-golf or bowling, charitable activities, game nights, or cultural activities such as museum visits or workshops. Select activities that fit the team and promote cohesion to create an unforgettable experience. The outdoor teambuilding offers from GoTuro provide great inspiration here.
Escape rooms, outdoor activities (canoeing, climbing), culinary activities (wine tasting, cooking classes), sports (mini-golf, bowling), charitable activities, game nights, cultural activities (museum visits, workshops).
Successful planning thus involves active employee engagement, clear task allocation, and selecting suitable activities. Through careful organisation and transparent communication, you lay the foundation for an unforgettable and motivating company outing.
Respectful Interaction: Guidelines for a Positive Work Environment
Behaviour Guidelines and EtiquetteSection 05 - Content
Appropriate Conduct
Alcohol and Manners
During a company outing, appropriate conduct is of great importance. This particularly pertains to alcohol consumption, which should be moderate, especially for managers. A respectful interaction with colleagues and superiors should be a given. Discriminatory or harassing behaviour is unacceptable and can lead to disciplinary actions. Establish clear behavioural guidelines to create a positive and pleasant environment where all participants feel comfortable and respected.
Moderation in alcohol consumption, especially for managers.
Respectful behaviour towards colleagues and superiors.
Avoidance of discrimination and harassment.
Communication and Choice of Topics
Handling Sensitive Information
Caution is also advised in communication and choice of topics during a company outing. Business topics and confidential information should be avoided. Instead, the focus should be on teambuilding and informal exchange. The outing provides a great opportunity to get to know each other better in a relaxed atmosphere and strengthen personal relationships. Focus on positive and non-controversial topics to avoid conflicts and foster a harmonious coexistence.
Avoidance of business topics and confidential information.
Focus on teambuilding and informal exchange.
Respectful interaction and appropriate communication are essential for a positive company climate during the outing. By setting clear behavioural guidelines and promoting open communication, you help ensure that all employees feel comfortable and the company outing is a success.
Budget Control: Transparent communication of costs builds trust
//www.shiftbase.com/de/lexikon/betriebsausflug">Shiftbase.com offers more information on this.
Open communication regarding cost coverage to avoid misunderstandings.
Transparent cost communication and clear cost allocation are thus crucial for employee trust. By maintaining open and honest communication, you lay the foundation for a successful and harmonious company outing.
Maximise tax benefits: Combine corporate outings with training
Company outing and further training combinedSection 07 - Content
Mixed Events
Tax benefits through the combination of outings and training
An interesting way to maximise the tax advantages of a company outing is by combining it with corporate training. Such a “mixed event” can be more tax-efficient as the costs associated with the training may potentially be deductible. However, it is crucial that the training clearly relates to the business and its necessity can be documented. Plan and document the training carefully to optimise the tax benefits and enhance corporate development.
Combination of a company outing with corporate training to maximise tax benefits.
Need for documentation of the training for the company.
By combining company outings and training, you can not only maximise tax benefits but also enhance your employees' skills. Such a “mixed event” offers a win-win situation for both the company and its employees.
Overcoming Challenges: Early Planning and Clear Communication as Success Factors
//de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Betriebsveranstaltung">Wikipedia page on company events offers further information on this.
Early planning and organisation.
Clear communication and involvement of employees.
Flexibility in adapting to unforeseen events.
Addressing challenges, therefore, requires early planning, clear communication, and flexibility. By taking a proactive approach and involving employees, you can minimise potential problems and ensure a successful company outing.
Investment in Employees: Company Outings for More Motivation and Team Spirit
More useful links
Wikipedia offers a detailed description of company events, including legal aspects and tax treatment.
Personio.de explains the key aspects of company outings in the HR lexicon.
Shiftbase.com emphasizes compliance with tax regulations and provides information on the correct accounting for company outings.
FAQ
What exactly is a company outing and why should I, as an employer, invest in it?
A company outing is an event initiated by the employer aimed at strengthening team spirit and improving employee retention. The investment is worthwhile as motivated employees are more productive and loyal.
How do company outings affect working hours and potential overtime?
If the company outing takes place during regular working hours, this time is considered as working hours. However, there is no entitlement to overtime even if the outing lasts longer. Outings on weekends or days off are not considered working hours.
What tax aspects do I need to consider when planning a company outing?
In Germany, there is a tax allowance of 110 euros per person per event, for up to two events per year. If this amount is exceeded, the excess is taxed as a benefit in kind.
Are my employees obliged to participate in a company outing?
No, participation in a company outing is generally voluntary. Employees who do not wish to participate must perform their regular work duties during working hours.
What type of insurance coverage is available during a company outing?
Accidents occurring during a “genuine” company outing are usually covered by statutory accident insurance, provided the outing is initiated by the employer, takes place during working hours, and is open to all employees.
What activities are particularly suitable for a company outing?
Popular options include escape rooms, outdoor activities, culinary activities, sports activities, charitable activities, game nights, or cultural activities. It is important that the activities fit the team and promote cohesion.
How can I ensure that the company outing is a success?
By involving employees in the planning, ensuring a clear distribution of tasks, and choosing suitable activities. Careful organisation and transparent communication are crucial.
Can I combine a company outing with further training to gain tax benefits?
Yes, such a “mixed event” can be more tax-efficient, as the costs for the training can potentially be deducted. It is important that the training is clearly related to the company and that its necessity can be documented.
