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Outdoor Team Building
company outing December
Company outing December: 10 ideas for unforgettable winter team events!
A company outing in December is the perfect opportunity to strengthen team spirit and round off the year together. From atmospheric Christmas markets to action-packed winter activities, there are plenty of options for an unforgettable experience. Need assistance with planning? Contact us to design your tailor-made company outing!
The topic, briefly and concisely
A well-planned company outing in December is a valuable investment in team spirit and employee motivation, which has a positive impact on the overall company culture.
Early planning and the active involvement of employees are crucial for success. Companies can increase employee motivation by up to 30% by taking individual desires into account.
Take advantage of the varied opportunities for winter activities and team-building games to create an unforgettable experience that sustainably strengthens cohesion.
Plan the perfect company outing in December! Discover creative ideas for indoor and outdoor activities that will excite your team and strengthen cohesion.
December is the ideal time to strengthen team cohesion sustainably with a winter company outing and to conclude the business year on a positive note. A well-planned company outing in December offers the perfect opportunity to appreciate your employees' achievements and significantly boost motivation for the coming year. The possibilities are varied: from classic winter activities to creative indoor alternatives that cater to the diverse interests and needs of your workforce.
Especially after periods of social distancing, team building during the cold season is of great importance to reinforce cohesion. A shared experience outside of everyday work promotes internal communication and strengthens trust among colleagues. Furthermore, a company outing provides the opportunity to actively nurture the company culture and create a positive working atmosphere. The right ideas are crucial for the success of your undertaking.
The diversity of potential activities is enormous, allowing you to find the right option for every taste. Whether winter activities in the snow, an atmospheric visit to the Christmas market, or a cosy evening with a shared meal – the options are virtually limitless. Regional differences also play an important role: for example, a company outing in NRW can offer entirely different experiences compared to a similar event in Bavaria. It's crucial to consider the individual preferences and needs of your employees in advance to create an unforgettable experience.
Early Planning: How to Save Costs and Increase Anticipation
Early planning is the key to the success of any company outing in December. Start organising in good time to take advantage of attractive early booking discounts and a larger selection of activities. Use a comprehensive checklist to ensure you don’t forget anything important.
Careful budget planning and cost control are essential aspects of organising a company outing. Consider all relevant cost factors, such as travel expenses, planned activities, catering, and any overnight stays. It is advisable to set a realistic budget and regularly review expenses to avoid unexpected cost increases. Younited.de provides comprehensive information on tax benefits that your company can use to effectively reduce total costs.
Actively involving your employees in the planning process is another important success factor. Specifically ask about their wishes and ideas to put together a varied programme that appeals to everyone as much as possible. An anonymous survey or a joint brainstorming session can help you gather the best ideas and significantly increase anticipation for the upcoming company outing. Also, consider any restrictions or special needs your employees may have to ensure everyone can participate and feel completely comfortable.
Winter Activities: Curling and Christmas Market Rallies for Greater Team Spirit
December offers a wealth of exciting opportunities for winter activities that strengthen team spirit and create unforgettable experiences. Whether it's traditional winter activities in the snow or creative indoor alternatives, there is certainly something to suit every taste. Hirschfeld.de provides you with a detailed overview of a wide range of winter activities from €39 per person.
Among the most popular traditional winter activities are skiing and snowboarding together in the numerous ski resorts in Germany and neighbouring countries. Ice skating and curling are also excellent options for fostering team spirit and having fun together. Why not organise a small curling competition to spark your employees' ambition and provide extra motivation? Flitz-Events offers special winter corporate outings with curling, which are ideal for such purposes.
A visit to one of the many atmospheric Christmas markets in Germany creates a particularly festive atmosphere. Here you can drink mulled wine, nibble on gingerbread, and fully enjoy the festive mood together. Stadterlebnisse.de offers special Christmas market rallies in Cologne, where your employees can solve various exciting tasks in small teams and explore the Christmas market in a playful way. Also, cutting down a Christmas tree together is a unique experience, where your employees can be active in the great outdoors and choose their own Christmas tree.
Teambuilding games: How to promote cohesion and communication within the team
A successful company outing in December should not only be fun, but also strengthen team cohesion in the long term. Team-building activities are therefore an indispensable part of a successful supporting programme. There are a variety of games and exercises specifically designed to promote communication, collaboration, and mutual trust among your employees.
Wintry scavenger hunts and exciting outdoor escape rooms are thrilling activities where your employees work in small teams to solve various challenging tasks and crack tricky puzzles. These games enhance internal communication and seamless teamwork, as employees rely on each other to achieve the common goal. Varied indoor games and entertaining quiz shows are also an excellent way to boost team spirit and provide top-notch entertainment. B-ceed.de offers numerous ideas for creative team-building games that can be conducted effortlessly while strictly adhering to all current hygiene regulations.
In addition to the actual team-building activities, the individual design of the programme is of great importance. Culinary highlights and regional specialties provide enjoyment and strengthen the sense of community. A joint festive Christmas menu or a relaxed visit to a traditional brewery or a regional winery are excellent ways to pamper your employees and create a pleasant and relaxed atmosphere. Evening entertainment programmes and lively parties can also make your company outing an unforgettable experience. Müller-Touristik offers tailor-made programmes with varied evening entertainment that are precisely tailored to your individual needs.
NRW: Diverse options for your perfect company outing
North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW) is a versatile federal state with an impressive variety of attractive offers for an unforgettable company outing in December. From impressive industrial heritage and significant historical sites to relaxing nature experiences and vibrant urban attractions – in NRW, you will surely find the perfect destination for every taste. Hirschfeld.de presents you with over 550 creative ideas for company outings in NRW.
The impressive industrial heritage and the numerous historical sites in NRW offer you an interesting opportunity to experience the fascinating history of the region up close. For example, visit one of the many former coal mines in the Ruhr area and learn more about the great significance of mining for the entire region. A visit to one of the historical factories is also an exciting and educational experience. Alternatively, the relaxing nature experiences in the Eifel and Teutoburg Forest provide a welcome change from the often stressful working day. Take a relaxing hike through the picturesque landscape or enjoy a peaceful walk through the wintry forest.
For an unforgettable urban experience, the vibrant metropolises of Cologne and Düsseldorf are ideal. Visit one of the numerous renowned museums and famous sights or explore the city on an informative guided tour. Especially in December, the atmospheric Christmas markets in Cologne and Düsseldorf attract visitors with their special charm and invite you to linger comfortably. Stadterlebnisse.de offers you 42 ideas for company outings in Aachen and 42 ideas for company outings in Cologne, which are sure to create unforgettable moments.
Virtual company outings: How to strengthen team spirit despite physical distance
In times of working from home and remote work, virtual company outings are an excellent way to strengthen team spirit and provide a welcome change in the daily work routine. Even if a face-to-face meeting is not possible, there are numerous creative ways to create an entertaining and interactive online program that will delight your employees.
Exciting online games and entertaining quiz shows are a popular option for virtual company outings. There are many professional providers offering interactive games and quiz shows designed specifically for teams. These games enhance internal communication and smooth collaboration while also ensuring top-notch entertainment. Virtual Christmas parties and creative themed evenings are also a great way to celebrate together and fully enjoy the festive atmosphere despite the physical distance. For example, organise a virtual cocktail evening or an original themed party with appropriate music and atmospheric decorations.
For particularly flexible participation, what are known as hybrid models are ideal, where some employees participate in activities on-site while others join virtually. These flexible models allow you to include employees in the event who, for instance, cannot attend in person due to current travel restrictions or personal health concerns. Use modern technology for interaction and direct communication, such as innovative video conferencing systems and interactive live streams, to actively involve all participants in the event.
Legal Aspects: Working Hours, Taxes, and Comprehensive Insurance Coverage
In the meticulous planning of a company outing in December, several important legal aspects must be considered. It is crucial to thoroughly examine the applicable employment law provisions, the correct tax treatment, and comprehensive insurance coverage to avoid potential legal issues beforehand.
With regard to applicable employment law, the first step is to determine whether participation in the planned company outing counts as regular working hours. Generally, the entire time of participation is counted as working time if the company outing is mandated by the employer and is in the direct corporate interest. It is advisable to establish clear and explicit regulations concerning compulsory attendance to avoid potential misunderstandings in advance. The correct tax treatment of company outings is also a key factor. Companies can take advantage of certain allowances and flat rates to claim tax deductions for the costs of the company outing. It is important to meticulously document all relevant costs to be able to provide full evidence to the relevant tax authority if required.
Comprehensive insurance coverage during the company outing is another important aspect. Statutory accident insurance generally covers accidents occurring during the event. However, it is advisable to take out additional insurance to cover special risks. Special liability insurance protects your company from potential claims for damages, while travel cancellation insurance safeguards against unforeseen events that might necessitate a last-minute cancellation of the planned company outing.
10 ideas for your company outing: How to make it an unforgettable highlight!
Planning a detailed company outing in December can indeed be a challenge, but with the right creative ideas, it will undoubtedly be a resounding success. Here are ten fantastic ideas to make your company outing an unforgettable experience:
Visit a picturesque Christmas market: Enjoy the festive atmosphere and sample regional specialities.
Winter scavenger hunt through the old town: Explore the city or the wintry countryside in a playful manner.
Curling outdoors: Boost team spirit with an exciting competition.
Group cooking class for winter specialities: Cook a festive menu together and then enjoy the delicious results.
Christmas tree cutting in a nearby forest: Choose your own Christmas tree in the wintry woods.
Exciting indoor escape room: Solve tricky puzzles as a team and strengthen camaraderie.
Virtual wine tasting with fine wines: Enjoy selected wines in an entertaining online tasting.
Attend a concert or theatre performance: Experience culture together and relax at the end of the evening.
Exciting sledging in the snow: Sledge down the hill and have fun in the snow together.
Relaxing spa day in an exclusive thermal spa: Relax together in a luxurious spa and unwind.
These creative ideas are just an initial starting point. Let your imagination run wild and adapt the chosen activities to the individual interests and needs of your employees. With careful planning and a varied programme, your company outing in December will surely become an unforgettable experience that your employees will be talking about for a long time to come.
Empower your team with an unforgettable company outing this December!
More useful links
Wikipedia provides a comprehensive article on team building, explaining the basics and different approaches.
The Federal Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs (BMAS) provides information on measures to promote work-life balance and personnel development, which can be relevant for organizing company outings.
The German Psychological Society (DGPs) offers scientific insights and articles on group dynamics and team building, which can be helpful in planning activities.
The German Economic Institute (IW) publishes reports on employee motivation and health, highlighting important aspects for the organization of company outings.
FAQ
Why is a company outing in December important for my team?
A company outing in December strengthens the team spirit, acknowledges the employees’ achievements and boosts motivation for the upcoming year. This is especially important after periods of social distancing.
What activities are particularly suitable for a winter company outing?
Popular options include Christmas markets, curling, winter hikes, indoor escape rooms, and joint cooking classes. It is important to consider the interests of the employees.
How early should I start planning my company outing?
Early planning is crucial to benefit from early bird discounts and have a broader range of activities to choose from. Ideally, start several months in advance.
What tax benefits can my company take advantage of?
Companies can claim tax relief for up to EUR 110 per employee for up to two company outings annually. Younited.de offers comprehensive information on this.
What should I consider when selecting activities?
Take into account the individual preferences and needs of your employees, any possible limitations, and the current hygiene regulations. Involve your employees in the planning process.
How important is the choice of location for a company outing?
The location should match the theme of the outing and be easily accessible. NRW offers a variety of options from industrial culture to nature experiences.
Are virtual company outings a viable alternative?
Yes, in times of home office and remote work, virtual company outings are a great way to strengthen team spirit. There are numerous creative online activities available.
What legal aspects should I consider?
Determine whether participation is considered working hours, consider the tax implications and ensure comprehensive insurance coverage.
