Corporate Travel
Outdoor Team Building
company outing
Company Outing: How to Make Your Team Event a Success!
An unforgettable company outing strengthens team spirit and boosts motivation. But how do you plan the perfect event? From choosing the destination to selecting the activities, there are several things to consider. Let our ideas inspire you and learn how to make the outing a success. Need support with planning? Contact us for tailored advice.
The topic, briefly and concisely
A well-planned company outing is a strategic investment in employee engagement and motivation, which pays off in increased productivity and improved team spirit.
Baden-Württemberg offers a variety of opportunities for unforgettable company outings, from outdoor adventures to cultural highlights. Use this diversity to create a bespoke experience for your team.
Consider the legal framework and make use of the tax benefits to optimally organise the company outing. By taking advantage of the allowance, you can reduce costs while simultaneously doing something good for your employees.
Planning the ultimate company outing? Discover creative ideas, important planning steps, and how to benefit from tax advantages. Read now and inspire your team!
A company excursion is more than just a pleasant outing – it is a strategic tool for employee retention and motivation. But what exactly does this term mean and why is it so important for your company? A company excursion is an employer-initiated, voluntary excursion primarily aimed at promoting team spirit. According to Personio, its goal is to improve the working atmosphere, boost motivation, and enhance communication.
The importance of company excursions lies in their ability to increase employee motivation and satisfaction. A successful excursion strengthens employees' ties to the company and fosters team spirit. This leads to improved cooperation and can even reduce conflicts. According to Europa-Park, shared experiences outside of the work environment create positive emotions and strengthen team relationships. Thus, the company excursion becomes a valuable investment in your human capital. Teamgeist GmbH emphasises that a strong "we feeling" enhances the working atmosphere and increases productivity.
A well-planned company excursion can therefore create significant added value for your business. It is an investment in employee retention, motivation, and collaboration. Take this opportunity to strengthen your team and create unforgettable experiences together. At GoTuro, we are happy to help you design and implement the perfect company excursion for your team. Our expertise in Adventure, Cultural and Leisure Travel enables us to create unique and tailor-made experiences that will enthuse your employees.
Successfully planning a company outing: Define goals and optimise the budget
Planning and organising a company outing requires careful preparation to ensure it's a complete success. An important initial step is defining clear goals. What should the company outing achieve? Do you want to promote team building, emphasise employee relaxation, or perhaps impart knowledge? The goals should be measurable to assess the success of the outing later. According to Hirschfeld.de, it is advisable to involve employees in the planning process to consider their wishes and interests.
Another crucial factor is budget planning. Set a clear budget framework, taking into account the tax allowances of €110 per employee for up to two outings per year, as mentioned by Personio. Calculate costs for activities, catering, transport, and possibly accommodation. It is advisable to obtain and compare various offers to achieve the best value for money. Younited GmbH offers a wide range of team building activities at various price levels, which can help with budget planning.
Involving participants is another important aspect. Conduct surveys or brainstorming sessions to incorporate employees' preferences when selecting activities and destinations. Be mindful to consider different interests and needs, such as the age or physical fitness of participants. An optimal time for the company outing, according to Hirschfeld.de, is to avoid bridge days and school holidays, with May, June, and September being particularly popular months. We at GoTuro are happy to support you with the entire planning and organisation of your company outing, from goal definition to budget optimisation. Our expertise and network enable us to offer you tailored solutions that exceed your expectations.
Discover Baden-Württemberg: Leverage the diversity for unforgettable company outings
Baden-Württemberg offers a wealth of possibilities for an unforgettable company outing. The diversity of the region makes it an ideal destination for teambuilding activities and memorable experiences. From the picturesque landscapes of the Black Forest and the sparkling Lake Constance to the impressive Swabian Alps – Baden-Württemberg captivates with its scenic charms. This diversity provides ideal conditions for outdoor activities and nature experiences that strengthen the team spirit and create unforgettable moments.
In addition to its breathtaking nature, Baden-Württemberg also offers numerous cultural highlights. Cities like Heidelberg, Tübingen, Stuttgart, and Freiburg entice with their historic old towns, impressive sights, and diverse cultural offerings. Visit UNESCO World Heritage sites such as the Monastic Island of Reichenau or explore the charming alleys of Freiburg. The cultural diversity of Baden-Württemberg is an ideal complement to teambuilding activities and ensures a varied and inspiring experience. Its proximity to France and Switzerland also allows for exciting cross-border excursions.
Culinarily, Baden-Württemberg has much to offer as well. Enjoy regional specialties like Swabian cuisine, exquisite wines, and traditional brewery tours. Culinary team events such as cooking classes or wine tastings are an excellent way to strengthen the team spirit and enjoy delightful hours together. For companies with a focus on technology and innovation, Baden-Württemberg also offers opportunities to visit research facilities and gain insights into the world of high-tech companies. At GoTuro, we are happy to help you find the perfect destination and suitable activities for your company outing in Baden-Württemberg. Our expertise and network allow us to offer you a bespoke experience that will delight your employees. Younited GmbH offers numerous ideas for company outings in Freiburg and the surrounding area. Hirschfeld GmbH is another excellent contact for planning your excursion in Baden-Württemberg.
Choose unforgettable activities: combine adventure, relaxation, and virtual team building
The selection of the right activities is crucial for the success of your company outing. There are numerous options, from action-packed outdoor activities to relaxing wellness offerings. For adrenaline junkies, options like canyoning, high ropes courses, geocaching, or raft building are ideal. These activities are perfect for team building and offer the chance to experience boundary-pushing challenges together. Blackforestaction GmbH is a specialist in outdoor activities in the Black Forest and provides tailor-made programmes for companies.
If the weather doesn't cooperate or you prefer a calmer atmosphere, indoor activities are a good alternative. Escape rooms, murder mystery dinners, quiz shows, or cooking classes stimulate creativity and team spirit. These activities are ideal for larger groups and offer an entertaining way to strengthen collaboration. Stadterlebnisse e.K. offers a wide range of indoor activities in various German cities.
In times of remote work and home office, virtual events are an innovative way to boost team spirit. Online quizzes, virtual scavenger hunts, or online cooking classes are flexible and location-independent. These activities make it possible to integrate remote teams and have fun together. Younited GmbH offers a variety of virtual team building activities specifically designed to meet the needs of remote teams. For companies that want to do something nice for their employees, relaxation and wellness offers are ideal. Wellness weekends, spa visits, or yoga classes enhance well-being and work-life balance. These offerings are a perfect way to show appreciation to employees and give them a break from their stressful work routine. At GoTuro, we are happy to help you select the perfect activities for your company outing and put together a diverse and unforgettable programme. Our expertise and network enable us to offer you tailor-made solutions that exceed your expectations.
Observe legal framework: clarify working hours, participation, and insurance coverage
When planning a company outing, legal aspects must also be considered. An important point is the issue of working hours and remuneration. Generally, participation during regular working hours is usually regarded as working time. This means that employees receive their regular pay for the time of the outing. However, there are exceptions, for example, for outings on weekends or public holidays. In such cases, clear regulations should be established for overtime. Personio AG points out that employers can offer compensatory time off for weekend or holiday outings, but this is at the employer's discretion.
Another important aspect is the voluntariness of participation. Employers cannot force their employees to participate in a company outing. However, this does not mean that employees can simply stay away from the outing without working. Non-participants may have to work during the outing. The principle of equal treatment applies, whereby all employees must have the opportunity to participate. Personio AG emphasizes that even employees who are about to leave the company must be given the opportunity to participate unless there are operational reasons against it.
Insurance coverage is also an important point. Accidents during the company outing are generally covered by statutory accident insurance. However, there are exceptions, such as in cases of alcohol abuse or gross negligence. It is therefore advisable to inform employees in advance about the applicable rules and insurance coverage. We at GoTuro are happy to advise you on all legal aspects related to the company outing and help you minimize potential risks. Our expertise and network enable us to offer you comprehensive advice that considers all relevant aspects.
Take advantage of tax benefits: Make the most of allowances
A key advantage of company outings is the tax benefits that companies can utilise. The legislator grants an allowance of €110 per employee for up to two company outings annually. This allowance covers all costs associated with the outing, including catering, activities, and transport. It is important to note that this allowance is inclusive of VAT. Teamgeist GmbH points out that tax authorities generally accept two company outings per year.
If the costs of the company outing exceed the allowance of €110 per employee, this results in taxation as wages. However, there is also the option of flat-rate taxation. In this case, the employer can cover the tax at a flat rate of 25 per cent. This is often the simplest and most cost-effective solution. It is advisable to consult a tax adviser in advance to ensure optimal tax treatment. Personio AG recommends thoroughly familiarising yourself with the tax regulations in advance to avoid unexpected additional payments.
To fully exploit the tax advantages, careful planning and documentation are required. Collect all receipts and invoices related to the company outing and keep them carefully. Create a list of participants with the names of all employees who took part in the outing. Document the costs per employee to correctly calculate the allowance. We at GoTuro are happy to assist you with the tax handling of your company outing and help you provide all relevant documentation. Our expertise and network enable us to offer you comprehensive advice that considers all tax aspects.
Measuring success and using feedback: Designing company outings sustainably
After the company outing, it is important to measure the success and gather feedback to make future outings even better. A simple way to capture feedback is through feedback forms, surveys, or personal conversations with the participants. Ask about satisfaction with the activities, organisation, and overall experience. Analyse the results to identify potential improvements. Hirschfeld GmbH recommends actively involving employees in planning future outings to better consider their wishes and interests.
In addition to mere satisfaction, it is also important to analyse the achieved goals. Did the company outing indeed contribute to strengthening team spirit? Were conflicts reduced and internal communication improved? Document the results and use them for internal communication. Show employees that their feedback is taken seriously and that the company outing makes a positive contribution to the corporate climate. Teamgeist GmbH emphasises that a successful company outing leads to a long-term improvement in the working atmosphere and productivity.
To make the company outing sustainable, you should continuously implement measures to promote team spirit in the workplace. Integrate team-building activities into everyday work, promote communication and collaboration, and create a positive and appreciative corporate culture. We at GoTuro are happy to support you in integrating the company outing into a long-term strategy for employee retention and motivation. Our expertise and network enable us to offer you customised solutions that exceed your expectations.
Checklist for the Perfect Company Outing: From Planning to Execution
To ensure that your company outing is a complete success, we have put together a checklist to support you in the planning and execution:
Before Planning
Define objectives: What should the company outing achieve?
Set a budget: How much money is available?
Determine participants: Who should take part in the outing?
During Planning
Select activities: Which activities match the goals and interests of the participants?
Decide on a destination: Where should the outing take place?
Coordinate the date: What date suits all participants best?
Form an organising team: Who will take care of the details?
Manage registrations: How can participants sign up?
Organise transport: How will participants get to the destination?
Plan catering: What food and drink will be provided?
Book accommodation: Are overnight stays required?
Check insurance cover: Is everyone adequately insured?
Clarify legal aspects: Are there any employment or tax peculiarities to consider?
After the Planning
Collect feedback: How did participants enjoy the outing?
Analyse results: Were the objectives achieved?
Identify improvement potentials: What can be done better for the next outing?
With this checklist, you are well-equipped to successfully plan and execute your company outing. We at GoTuro are happy to assist you with our expertise and network, supporting you every step of the planning and execution. Contact us today to plan your bespoke company outing!
Investing in a strong team: Using company outings as a strategic tool
More useful links
At Personio, you will find information and definitions surrounding the topic of company outings in the HR lexicon.
Europa-Park offers a variety of options for company outings and corporate events.
Teamgeist GmbH specialises in team-building events and company outings to strengthen team spirit.
At Hirschfeld.de, you will receive tips and information for planning and organising company outings.
Blackforestaction GmbH provides outdoor activities and programs for company outings in the Black Forest.
FAQ
What exactly is a company outing and why is it important for my business?
A company outing is an employer-initiated, voluntary trip primarily aimed at fostering team spirit, boosting employee motivation, and improving communication. It is important to strengthen employee retention and create a positive working environment.
What tax benefits can I utilise with a company outing?
The legislator grants a tax-free allowance of €110 per employee for up to two company outings annually. This allowance includes all costs related to the outing, including catering, activities, and transport.
How do I successfully plan a company outing?
Define clear goals, set a realistic budget, and involve the employees in the planning process. Consider varying interests and needs to achieve a high participation rate.
What activities are suitable for a company outing in Baden-Württemberg?
Baden-Württemberg offers a variety of options, from outdoor activities in the Black Forest to cultural tours in Heidelberg and culinary experiences in Stuttgart. Choose activities that suit the team and promote team spirit.
Are company outings considered working hours?
As a general rule, participation during regular working hours is usually considered working hours. This means employees receive their regular pay during the outing. However, there are exceptions, such as outings on weekends.
Can I require my employees to participate in a company outing?
No, employers cannot compel their employees to participate in a company outing. However, this does not mean employees can simply skip the outing without working. Non-participants may need to work during the outing.
What legal aspects must I consider when planning a company outing?
Pay attention to the voluntary nature of participation, working time regulations, and insurance coverage. Inform your employees in advance about the applicable rules and insurance coverage.
How do I measure the success of a company outing?
Gather feedback from participants, analyse the achieved goals, and document the results. Use these insights to make future outings even better and sustainably foster team spirit.