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Company outing: Leisure or working hours? Your comprehensive guide!
Is a company outing considered working hours or purely leisure time? This question concerns many companies and employees. The answer is complex and depends on various factors. Would you like to learn more about how to organise a legally compliant and motivating company outing? Then contact us for personalised advice.
The topic, briefly and concisely
An office outing is a valuable investment in employee motivation and team cohesion, which has a positive long-term effect on productivity.
Correct handling of working time regulations and insurance coverage is crucial to minimise legal risks and to protect the interests of all parties involved.
Through careful planning, employee involvement, and leveraging tax advantages, you can organise an unforgettable company outing that boosts employee retention by up to 5%.
Planning a company outing? Learn everything about working time regulations, insurance coverage, and what you need to consider as an employer or employee. Get informed now!
An office outing is more than just a pleasant excursion – it is an investment in your team. At GoTuro, we understand the importance of your employees feeling comfortable and harmonious with one another. A successful office outing leisure event can work wonders in boosting employee motivation and enhancing team building. But what exactly makes a good office outing, and what legal considerations need to be taken into account?
What is an office outing? Definition and Purpose: An office outing is a company-organised event that usually lasts for a day and is designed to strengthen team spirit and improve morale. Unlike other company events like Christmas parties or summer festivals, which often have a more representative character, an office outing focuses on shared experiences and employee interaction. FactorialHR defines an office outing as an "extracurricular, company-organised activity aimed at strengthening team cohesion and improving employee engagement."
Why are office outings important? Office outings have positive effects on the working environment and long-term benefits for the company. They provide a welcome break from the daily routine, reduce stress, and promote personal development and networking. Studies show that employees who feel appreciated and have a good relationship with their colleagues are more productive and engaged. This leads to higher employee satisfaction and retention, which in turn positively affects the company's efficiency. Stadterlebnisse.de highlights the benefits such as improved communication, increased employee motivation, and stress reduction.
Clear Guidelines: Handling Working Hours Correctly During Company Outings
The question of whether a staff outing is leisure time or working hours is of central importance. At GoTuro, we emphasise that you understand the legal framework to protect the interests of both your employees and the company. It is important to know when a staff outing is considered working hours and what rights and obligations arise from this.
Leisure or working hours? The core question: As a rule, a staff outing during regular working hours is considered working time with normal pay. This means that your employees are paid for the time of the outing as if they were performing their usual duties. However, if the staff outing takes place outside of regular working hours, such as on a weekend or public holiday, it is generally considered leisure time and there is no obligation for remuneration. Younited.de explains that the staff outing is considered working time if it falls within the normal working hours.
Obligation and right to participate: There is no general obligation to participate in a staff outing. Your employees can decide for themselves whether they want to take part or not. An exception exists when the staff outing takes place during regular working hours. In this case, employees are required to either participate in the outing or undertake an alternative work task. You cannot force your employees to take holiday if they do not wish to participate in the outing. The Anwalt Suchservice emphasises that employees are not obliged to participate.
Labour law aspects: The usual labour law provisions also apply during a staff outing. This means that your employees must behave appropriately and can expect consequences for misconduct. In the worst case, this can lead to a warning or even dismissal. If an employee is ill on the day of the staff outing, the normal sick leave obligations apply. They must report sick in a timely manner and potentially provide a doctor's certificate. FirmenABC points out that appropriate behaviour is expected despite the relaxed atmosphere.
Clear compensation rules: Fairly organise payment for the company outing
Correct payment of your employees during a company outing leisure activity is crucial for a positive working atmosphere. At GoTuro, we support you in establishing fair and transparent rules that consider both your employees' interests and those of the company. It is important to understand the different scenarios and special cases to act in compliance with the law.
Payment during the company outing: During regular working hours, your employees are entitled to full payment. This means they are paid for the time of the company outing just as they would be for their normal duties. However, if the company outing extends beyond regular working hours or takes place on the weekend, there is generally no claim for overtime pay, as participation is voluntary. Unless compensatory time off was agreed upon in advance. Tagewerk Events explains that a company outing during regular working hours is considered work time.
Special cases: Part-time and mini-jobbers: The same rules apply to part-time and mini-jobbers as to full-time employees. They are entitled to compensation for the time of the company outing that falls within their regular working hours. If they participate longer, there is no claim for additional compensation. It is important to treat all employees equally to avoid discrimination. Younited.de emphasises that part-time employees are only compensated for their regular working hours.
What happens if the company is closed? If your company is closed during the company outing, as an employer, you have an obligation to provide work to employees who do not wish to participate. This means you must offer them alternative work opportunities. If this is not possible, the legal situation is unclear. It is advisable to find an amicable solution with the affected employees in advance. Tagewerk Events points out the complications when the company is closed.
Better safe than sorry: Insurance coverage and liability during the company outing
Comprehensive insurance coverage is a must for any company outing leisure. At GoTuro, we ensure that you and your employees are protected in case of an incident. It is important to understand the limits of the insurance coverage and take the necessary precautions to minimise risks.
Statutory accident insurance: During the official duration of the company outing, your employees are protected by statutory accident insurance. This also applies to travel to and from the venue. However, the insurance does not cover private deviations or activities outside of the official programme. The Lawyer Search Service explains that company outings are considered work-related activities and are covered by statutory accident insurance.
Exclusion of insurance cover: Insurance cover may be excluded if an employee is heavily intoxicated or behaves with gross negligence. Family members participating in the company outing are generally not protected by statutory accident insurance. It is therefore important to inform your employees of the risks and encourage them to act responsibly. CompaniesABC points out that insurance cover lapses in the event of heavy intoxication or negligent behaviour.
Employer's liability: As an employer, you are only liable to a limited extent for damages your employees incur during the company outing. Liability usually only exists if you have breached your supervisory duties or if the damages are due to your fault. It is therefore advisable to plan and conduct the company outing carefully to minimise risks. The Lawyer Search Service explains that employers are generally not liable for incidents related to drunkenness unless the dangers are obvious.
Important safety information: Clearly communicate the start and end times of the company outing to ensure insurance coverage. Plan and conduct the company outing responsibly to minimise risks. Inform your employees of the dangers and encourage them to act responsibly. These measures can help ensure that your company outing is a safe and memorable experience.
Keeping the Budget in Check: Optimising Costs and Taxes on Company Outings
The costs and taxes surrounding the company outing leisure can quickly become a complex issue. At GoTuro, we help you stay on top of things and optimise your expenses. There are various ways to reduce costs and take advantage of tax benefits. Careful planning and documentation are essential in this regard.
Costs covered by the employer: It is common for the employer to cover the costs of the company outing. However, this is not mandatory. You can also require your employees to contribute to the costs. It is important to clearly communicate the cost-sharing arrangements to avoid misunderstandings. Shiftbase explains that employers typically cover all costs to ensure fair participation.
Tax treatment: For company outings, there is a tax-free allowance of 110 euros per participant per year. This amount applies to a maximum of two company outings per year. If the costs are higher, you must tax the excess as a monetary benefit. Alternatively, you can use the flat-rate taxation at 25 per cent to simplify the settlement. FactorialHR points out the tax-free allowance of €110 per person.
Key Benefits of Cost Optimization
Here are some of the key benefits you'll gain:
Cost Savings: By optimizing your budget and taking advantage of tax benefits, you can significantly reduce the overall cost of your Betriebsausflug.
Increased Employee Satisfaction: When employees feel valued and appreciated, it boosts morale and creates a more positive work environment.
Compliance: Understanding and adhering to tax regulations ensures that your company remains compliant and avoids potential penalties.
Unforgettable Experiences: Ideas for the Perfect Company Outing
A successful company outing experience will be remembered by your employees for a long time. Here at GoTuro, we have numerous ideas on how to turn your company outing into an unforgettable experience. Whether it’s outdoor adventures, cultural discoveries, or team-building activities, we’ll find the right solution for your team.
Variety of Activities: The possibilities for a company outing are diverse. Outdoor activities like GPS city rallies, outdoor escape rooms, or geocaching are perfect for strengthening team spirit and enjoying nature. Indoor activities such as mystery tour challenges, team-building quiz shows, or escape rooms offer an exciting alternative in bad weather. Online events like virtual team-building games or online quizzes can also be an interesting option. Stadterlebnisse.de offers a wide range of activities, from outdoor adventures to cultural discoveries.
Seasonal Adaptation: Adapt the activities to the respective season. In spring, geocaching or escape games are suitable; in summer, boat tours or city rallies; in autumn, wine tastings or workshops; and in winter, escape rooms or visits to Christmas markets. There’s something for every taste and season. Stadterlebnisse.de provides seasonal recommendations for company outings.
Team-Building Aspects: Ensure that the activities promote team spirit and strengthen collaboration. Team mini-games, construction tasks, or problem-solving scenarios are ideal for improving your employees’ communication and cooperation. Teamgeist.com is a market leader in the team-building sector and offers a wide variety of ideas for company outings.
Successful Implementation: Planning and Organisation for Smooth Operations
Thorough planning and organisation are crucial for a successful company outing. At GoTuro, we support you at every step, from brainstorming to execution. Good preparation saves time and stress, ensuring your outing is a complete success.
Employee Involvement: Involve your employees in the planning process. Ask about their interests and preferences and consider these when choosing activities. This ensures there is something for everyone and keeps participation motivation high. FactorialHR recommends including employees in the planning process.
Responsibilities and Task Allocation: Assign tasks clearly and explicitly. Determine who is responsible for logistics, the budget, and activities. This avoids chaos and duplication of effort. Good task distribution ensures a smooth process. FactorialHR advises designating specific individuals to manage event logistics.
Communication and Information: Inform your employees in a timely and comprehensive manner about the schedule, costs, and participation requirements of the company outing. This creates transparency and trust. Good communication is key to high attendance and a positive atmosphere. Shiftbase emphasises the importance of clear communication regarding cost coverage.
Sustainable Employee Retention: Company Outings as an Investment in the Future
A well-organised company outing is more than just a nice event – it's an investment in the future of your business. At GoTuro, we believe that satisfied and motivated employees are the key to success. A successful company outing can help strengthen employee retention, increase the attractiveness of the company, and boost productivity.
Summary of the key points: Pay attention to the legal aspects, especially working time regulations and insurance coverage. Plan the costs carefully and take advantage of tax benefits. Involve your employees in the planning process and ensure a varied and exciting design for the company outing. Personio summarises that company outings aim to promote team cohesion and morale.
The company outing as a tool for employee retention: A company outing gives you the opportunity to show appreciation to your employees and strengthen the sense of community. This leads to higher employee satisfaction and retention, which positively impacts turnover and the recruitment of new employees. FactorialHR explains that a company outing strengthens employee retention.
Outlook on future developments: Trends in team building and company outings are constantly evolving. New technologies and innovative concepts continuously offer new opportunities to make the company outing an unforgettable experience. Stay ahead and let us inspire you! We are happy to help you create the perfect company outing for your team.
Are you ready to invest in the future of your team? Contact us today to plan your bespoke company outing and offer your employees an unforgettable experience. We look forward to your enquiry!
Unforgettable company outings: Plan now with GoTuro!
More useful links
FactorialHR explains the definition and purpose of company outings to strengthen team cohesion and improve employee engagement.
Stadterlebnisse.de emphasises the benefits of company outings, such as improved communication, increased employee motivation and stress reduction.
Younited.de clarifies that a company outing is considered working time if it falls within regular working hours.
Anwalt Suchservice highlights that employees are not generally obliged to participate in a company outing.
FirmenABC points out that despite the relaxed atmosphere during a company outing, appropriate behaviour is expected.
Tagewerk Events explains that a company outing during regular working hours is considered working time and notes complications if the business is closed.
Shiftbase states that employers generally cover all costs to ensure fair participation and emphasises the importance of clear communication about cost coverage.
Teamgeist.com is a market leader in teambuilding and offers a wide range of ideas for company outings.
Personio summarises that company outings aim to promote team cohesion and morale.
FAQ
Is a company outing considered working time or leisure time?
A company outing during regular working hours is considered working time and is compensated accordingly. If it takes place outside regular working hours, it is usually regarded as leisure time.
Are employees required to participate in a company outing?
Participation is generally voluntary. An exception exists if the company outing takes place during regular working hours. In this case, employees must either participate or undertake an alternative work task.
What happens if an employee does not wish to participate in the company outing?
If an employee chooses not to participate during working hours, the employer must offer them an alternative work opportunity. Employees cannot be forced to take leave.
Is there a tax-free allowance for company outings?
Yes, there is a tax-free allowance of 110 euros per participant per year for up to two company outings. Costs exceeding this amount must be taxed as a monetary benefit.
Are employees insured during the company outing?
Yes, during the official duration of the company outing, employees are protected by statutory accident insurance, including travel to and from the event.
What applies to part-time employees and mini-jobbers regarding payment?
Part-time employees and mini-jobbers are also entitled to payment for the duration of the company outing that falls within their regular working hours.
What happens if the business is closed during the company outing?
The employer has a duty to provide employment to employees who do not participate. If they cannot offer alternative work, the legal situation is unclear, and a mutual agreement is advisable.
What behavioural rules apply during a company outing?
During a company outing, the usual employment law regulations apply. Employees must behave appropriately; misconduct can have consequences.
