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Company Outing & Staff Council: How to Create Unforgettable Experiences!
A successful company outing strengthens team spirit and employee motivation. But what role does the staff council play in planning and implementation? And how can you ensure that everything runs smoothly and is tax compliant? Find the answers and plan your next outing stress-free. Need support with planning? Get in contact with us!
The topic, briefly and concisely
A successful company outing boosts employee motivation and retention, which positively impacts team productivity. Plan strategically to achieve maximum ROI.
The staff council plays an important role in the planning and organisation of company outings by representing the employees' interests and focusing on sustainability. Involve the staff council early in the planning process.
Pay attention to the legal framework, especially the voluntary participation, the tax aspects, and the accident insurance coverage. Avoid risks and protect your employees' claims.
Planning the perfect company outing? Learn how the works council plays a key role and how you can save on taxes. Find out more now!
A successful company outing can work wonders for employee motivation and team cohesion. But what exactly makes such an outing, and what role does the works council play in it? At GoTuro, your experts in unforgettable travel experiences, we show you how to plan a company outing that not only provides fun but also offers tax benefits and long-term employee motivation. Our expertise in adventure, cultural, and leisure travel enables us to offer you unique and tailored solutions that are precisely adjusted to your needs. We combine adventure, education, and relaxation to create an unforgettable experience. Learn how you can get the most out of your company outing with the right planning and organization.
What is a company outing?
A company outing is an employer-organized event, typically held for one day, aimed at fostering team spirit and increasing employee motivation. According to poko.de, participation must be voluntary and open to all employees. The works council plays an important advisory role here. Such outings are a form of incentives designed to reward and motivate employees. They can improve the company atmosphere and promote communication.
Definition and Purpose
The main purpose of a company outing is to strengthen cohesion and reduce absenteeism, as emphasized by gruppenhandbuch.de. It is a company event organized by the employer to foster team spirit. The works council can offer suggestions and represent the interests of employees. A well-planned company outing can sustainably improve the company atmosphere and increase employee retention.
Importance for the Company Atmosphere
A positive side effect of company outings is the improvement of the company atmosphere. They promote communication and informal exchange among employees. According to weka.de, company parties and company outings can strengthen team cohesion and potentially reduce sick leave and bullying. It is important to form mixed groups and avoid cliques to sustainably improve the company atmosphere. At GoTuro, we ensure that our offerings are inclusive and suitable for all employees.
The Role of the Works Council
The works council plays a central role in the planning and design of company outings. It can offer suggestions, represent the interests of employees, and ensure that the event meets the needs of everyone. According to weka.de, the works council should critically assess the design, especially regarding environmental aspects. At GoTuro, we emphasize sustainability and offer you environmentally friendly alternatives for your company outing. Our party trips and outdoor teambuilding events are designed to be both fun and environmentally friendly.
Securing Rights: Voluntariness and Participation in Company Outings
When organising a company outing, there are several legal principles and frameworks to consider. An important aspect is the voluntary nature of participation. No employee should be forced to take part in a company outing. Additionally, the co-determination rights of the works council play a role, although these are limited. We at GoTuro support you in considering all legal aspects and planning a company outing that meets both the needs of the company and the employees. Our expertise in the area of company practice helps you to identify and account for potential claims.
Voluntary Participation
Participation in a company outing is fundamentally voluntary. Employers cannot force participation or deduct holiday days, as gruppenhandbuch.de emphasises. Non-participants must be provided with alternative work options. This ensures that no employee is disadvantaged if they choose not to attend the company outing. At GoTuro, we ensure that our offerings are flexible and meet the individual needs of the employees.
Working Hours and Compensation
The counting of participation time as working time is a matter of negotiation. There is no entitlement to overtime pay if the outing exceeds regular working hours, as poko.de explains. The works council has no say regarding the counting of participation time as working time, since participation is voluntary. It is important to communicate these aspects clearly in advance to avoid misunderstandings. At GoTuro, we are happy to advise you on relevant employment law questions.
Co-Determination Rights of the Works Council
The co-determination rights of the works council are generally restricted in the decision on a company outing. According to papershift.com, the works council does not have a general co-determination right in the execution of a company outing. However, co-determination may apply if the company outing is used as a reward or bonus. It is advisable to conclude a works agreement to clearly regulate all aspects. We at GoTuro help you find a fair and transparent solution that considers the interests of all parties involved.
Successful Planning: How to Organise Your Corporate Outing
The planning and organisation of a company outing requires careful preparation and consideration of various aspects. Who is responsible for the organisation? How will the staff council be involved? And how will the needs of the employees be taken into account? We at GoTuro have years of experience in organising company outings and are happy to support you at every step – from brainstorming to execution. Our bespoke offers guarantee you an unforgettable company outing that boosts employee motivation and strengthens team spirit.
Who organises the company outing?
Usually, the employer or an appointed person/department is responsible for organising the company outing. According to weka.de, a commission with equal representation (with representatives from both the employer and the workforce) is ideal. This ensures that the interests of all parties involved are considered. At GoTuro, we work closely with you to plan a company outing that meets your expectations and fulfils your employees' needs.
Involving the staff council
The staff council can gather and filter employee suggestions. It can also negotiate additional leave for the organisation, as weka.de emphasises. The staff council has the opportunity to critically examine the design of the company outing, especially concerning environmental aspects. We at GoTuro support the staff council in carrying out its tasks effectively and creating a company outing that benefits all parties involved.
Considering employee needs
It is important to consider employees' needs when planning the company outing. This includes taking into account employees with health issues or limited physical abilities. Also, avoiding clique formation and promoting mixed groups are important for improving the work environment, as weka.de advises. We at GoTuro ensure that our offerings are inclusive and suitable for all employees. Our outdoor team-building events are designed to be enjoyable while also addressing the individual needs of the participants.
Steuern sparen: How to optimise the financing of your company outing
The tax aspects and financing of a company outing are important factors to consider during planning. How can you make use of tax-free benefits? What counts as benefits? And what happens if the exemption limit is exceeded? At GoTuro, we are well-versed in the tax regulations and assist you in optimising the financing of your company outing. Our expertise in the area of benefits and company practices enables us to offer you tailored solutions that are both tax-efficient and boost employee motivation.
Tax-free benefits
Employer-provided benefits (catering, travel, gifts) are tax-free up to 110 euros per employee per event. A maximum of two tax-free events per year is permitted, as Betriebsrat.de emphasises. This regulation allows you to do something good for your employees without having them pay taxes on it. At GoTuro, we are happy to advise you on how to make the most of these tax advantages.
What counts as benefits?
Benefits include travel costs, catering, entertainment, and small gifts. It is important to take note of the artists' social security contributions for hired musicians, as gruppenhandbuch.de advises. Be sure to carefully document all costs to be on the safe side in case of a possible tax audit. We at GoTuro support you in creating a detailed cost breakdown.
Exceeding the exemption limit
If the exemption limit of 110 euros is exceeded, there are different options. Employees can cover the difference themselves (written agreement required) or the employer can apply a flat-rate taxation of 30%, as explained by gruppenhandbuch.de. The flat-rate taxation is particularly useful when the event is not open to all employees or if it is the third event of the year. At GoTuro, we are happy to advise you on which option is best suited for you.
Ensuring Safety: Accident Insurance Coverage During Company Outings
The accident insurance coverage is a crucial aspect to consider when planning a company outing. Are your employees covered during the event and on the way there and back? What requirements need to be met for the insurance coverage to apply? And when is the insurance coverage excluded? At GoTuro, we place great importance on the safety of your employees and are happy to advise you on all questions related to accident insurance coverage. Our expertise in the field of company practices helps you identify and minimise potential risks.
Statutory Accident Insurance
The statutory accident insurance offers protection against accidents during the event and on the way there and back. The prerequisite is that there is a direct connection between the accident and the event, as poko.de emphasises. This means that the insurance coverage applies if an employee is injured during an organised activity. At GoTuro, we ensure that all our offers are safe and comply with the applicable safety standards.
Exclusion of Insurance Coverage
The insurance coverage is excluded in the case of private extensions of the outing or accidents caused by excessive alcohol consumption. It is therefore important to inform employees about the limits of the insurance coverage. At GoTuro, we recommend establishing clear rules for the company outing and sensitising employees accordingly.
Presence of Management Staff
The presence of management staff or their representatives is required, as gruppenhandbuch.de emphasises. Participation should be open to all employees, and a minimum participation rate of 20% should be achieved. This ensures that the company outing is considered an official company event and that the insurance coverage is guaranteed. At GoTuro, we support you in organising a company outing that meets all these requirements.
Securing entitlement: How a right to company outings is created
Is there a general legal entitlement to company outings? How does such an entitlement arise through customary company practice? And what role do company agreements play? At GoTuro, we inform you about the legal framework and show you how to secure a claim for company outings. Our expertise in customary company practice and company agreements enables us to offer you tailor-made solutions that are legally sound and increase employee motivation.
Customary Company Practice
An entitlement to company outings can arise through customary company practice if the employer has provided benefits for at least three years continuously without a voluntary reservation, as gruppenhandbuch.de explains. This means that employees have a claim to a company outing if it has taken place regularly and without restrictions. At GoTuro, we are happy to advise you on how to avoid or shape such a customary company practice.
Company Agreements
Company agreements can also establish a claim to company outings. In a company agreement, all details regarding the company outing can be regulated, such as frequency, costs, and participation conditions. We at GoTuro support you in creating a legally secure company agreement that considers the interests of all parties involved.
No General Legal Entitlement
In principle, there is no statutory entitlement to a company outing. The employer is not obliged to organise a company outing. However, an entitlement may arise through customary company practice or company agreement, as explained above. At GoTuro, we are happy to advise you on how to organise company outings in a legally secure manner.
Sustainability and Digitalisation: Trends for Future-Proof Corporate Outings
The world is changing, and so are the demands on company outings. Environmental considerations, digitalisation, and inclusion are becoming increasingly important. How can you make your company outing more sustainable? What alternative formats are available? And how do you ensure that all employees can participate? At GoTuro, we are always at the forefront and offer you innovative solutions for future-proof company outings. Our expertise in sustainability and digital events allows us to present you with tailored offers that are both ecologically responsible and boost employee motivation.
Environmental considerations
Critically examining the environmental impact of company outings is more important than ever. This is particularly true for motorcycle tours and other environmentally harmful activities. It is crucial to promote environmentally friendly alternatives, as highlighted by weka.de. At GoTuro, we offer a variety of sustainable options, such as hiking, cycling tours, or visits to organic farms.
Digitalisation and virtual events
Virtual company outings and team events are an interesting addition or alternative to traditional company outings. They enable reaching employees who, for various reasons, cannot attend a physical event. At GoTuro, we offer you innovative digital events that are interactive and entertaining and enhance team spirit.
Inclusion and accessibility
The accessible design of company outings for employees with disabilities is an important aspect of inclusion. It is essential that all employees have the opportunity to participate in the event. At GoTuro, we ensure that our offerings are accessible and meet the needs of all employees.
Company outing with GoTuro: Unforgettable experiences for your team!
Are you planning a company outing that will inspire your employees and strengthen team spirit? At GoTuro, we are your reliable partner for unforgettable travel experiences. Our tailor-made offers are tailored to your company's needs, guaranteeing you a successful company outing. From party trips to outdoor team-building events – we have the right offer for every taste. Contact us today and let our experts advise you!
Key Benefits of Company Outings
Here are some of the key benefits you'll gain:
Team Building: Company outings foster stronger team bonds through shared experiences.
Motivation: They boost employee morale and motivation, leading to increased productivity.
Stress Reduction: Company outings provide a break from the daily routine, reducing stress and improving well-being.
We offer you a wide range of carefully curated travel experiences that combine adventure, education, and relaxation. Our focus is on tailor-made adventure themes, a strong emphasis on community building (e.g., through quizzes and competitions), and a commitment to sustainable and inclusive travel options. With GoTuro, your company outing becomes an unforgettable experience that your employees will remember for a long time.
Are you ready to make the next company outing a complete success? At GoTuro, we are happy to assist you with planning and organizing. Contact us today and let our experts advise you. Together, we will create a company outing that will inspire your employees and strengthen team spirit. Visit our website to learn more about our offers and request a personalized quote. We look forward to hearing from you!
Get started now: Plan your unforgettable company outing with GoTuro!
More useful links
On the page of Betriebsrat.de you will find lexicon articles about company outings and the role of the works council.
Weka.de provides information and checklists on the topic of company parties and outings for works councils and staff councils.
The Federal Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs provides information on current topics and press releases in the field of labour market.
FAQ
What exactly is a company outing and what are its main objectives?
A company outing is an event organized by the employer aiming to strengthen team spirit, increase employee motivation, and promote communication. It serves as an incentive and improves the workplace atmosphere.
What role does the staff council play in planning and implementing a company outing?
The staff council has an advisory role and can represent the interests of the employees. It can provide suggestions and ensure that the event meets everyone's needs. A critical examination, particularly regarding environmental aspects, is also part of its responsibilities.
Is participation in a company outing mandatory?
No, participation in a company outing is fundamentally voluntary. Employers cannot force attendance or deduct holiday days. Non-participants must be offered alternative work opportunities.
How are the costs of a company outing handled for tax purposes?
Employer contributions (catering, travel, gifts) are tax-free up to 110 euros per employee per event, provided a maximum of two events occur per year. If the exemption limit is exceeded, there are options for self-bearance of the difference or flat-rate taxation.
What aspects should be considered regarding accident insurance coverage?
The statutory accident insurance provides protection for accidents during the event and on the way there and back, provided there is a direct connection. Private extensions of the outing or accidents due to excessive alcohol consumption are excluded.
Can a claim to company outings arise even if there is no legal obligation?
Yes, a claim can arise through established company practice if the employer has provided services for at least three years continuously without a reservation of voluntary nature. Company agreements can also establish a claim.
How can company outings be made more sustainable?
It is important to promote environmentally friendly alternatives, such as hiking, cycling tours, or visits to organic farms. Critical engagement with the environmental impact of traditional activities is crucial.
What advantages do virtual company outings and team events offer?
Virtual company outings allow reaching employees who, for various reasons, cannot participate in a physical event. They provide an interactive and entertaining alternative that strengthens team spirit.
