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company outing hours
Company outing: Work time or leisure? Your rights and obligations!
Is the company outing considered working hours? This question concerns many employees and employers. The general rule is: if the outing takes place during your regular working hours, it counts as working hours. But what happens with overtime, illness, or non-participation? Discover more and clear up your questions. Do you need individual advice? Get in touch with us here.
The topic, briefly and concisely
A company outing during regular working hours is considered working time, which means that employees are entitled to remuneration. This also applies to part-time employees during their regular working hours.
Attendance at a company outing is voluntary, and employees who do not participate must work during their regular working hours. Employers must assign alternative tasks.
The statutory accident insurance covers employees during the official part of the company outing, including the journey to and from the event. There is a tax allowance of 110 euros per employee for a maximum of two company outings per year, which can reduce costs for businesses.
Find out whether your team outing counts as working hours, how overtime is handled, and what rights you have as an employee. Get informed now!
What is a company outing?
A company outing is an event organised by a company for its employees. The primary purpose of such outings is to foster team spirit and boost employee motivation. Company outings are often used to improve collaboration and create a positive working atmosphere. They offer a welcome break from the daily routine and allow employees to get to know each other better in a relaxed environment. A well-planned company outing can strengthen employee retention and increase productivity. At GoTuro, we offer tailor-made party trips and incentive trips that are precisely tailored to your needs.
Legal framework
The legal framework for company outings is set out in German labour law. There are various laws and regulations that must be considered when planning and conducting a company outing. Particularly relevant is the Working Hours Act (ArbZG), which regulates employees' working hours. Insurance coverage also plays an important role, as the employer is responsible for the safety of their employees. It is advisable to familiarise yourself with the applicable regulations in advance to avoid legal issues. You can find more information on employment law at Teamgeist.com.
Compensation during the company outing: Clearly define working hours
Company Outing During Regular Working Hours
If a company outing takes place during regular working hours, this time is generally considered to be working time. This means that the participating employees are entitled to compensation. The time spent during the outing is treated like regular working hours and is paid accordingly. It is important for the employer to take this into account when planning the outing and to ensure that employees are compensated for their participation. This regulation serves to protect employees and ensure they are adequately compensated for their time. More information on the crediting of working time can be found at Personio.de.
Overtime and Time Off in Lieu
Generally, no overtime is incurred during a company outing, as participation is voluntary. However, if the outing extends beyond normal working hours, there is no automatic entitlement to overtime pay. It is possible, however, that different regulations have been agreed upon in a company agreement. In such cases, employees may be entitled to time off in lieu or additional payment. It is therefore advisable to review the individual agreements within the company to gain clarity on the regulations. According to Impulse.de, there is no obligation to pay for overtime.
Part-time employees are entitled to remuneration for regular working hours
Teilzeitbeschäftigte
Auch für Teilzeitbeschäftigte gilt, dass sie einen Anspruch auf Vergütung haben, wenn der Betriebsausflug in ihre reguläre Arbeitszeit fällt. Die Vergütung beschränkt sich jedoch auf die Stunden, die sie normalerweise an diesem Tag gearbeitet hätten. Wenn der Ausflug länger dauert, erhalten sie in der Regel keine zusätzliche Bezahlung oder einen Freizeitausgleich für die zusätzlichen Stunden. Dies dient der Gleichbehandlung aller Mitarbeiter, unabhängig von ihrem Beschäftigungsgrad. Tagewerk-Events.de betont, dass Teilzeitkräfte nur für ihre regulären Arbeitsstunden entlohnt werden.
Betriebsausflug am Wochenende oder an Feiertagen
Findet ein Betriebsausflug am Wochenende oder an Feiertagen statt, ist die Teilnahme in der Regel freiwillig. Es besteht kein Anspruch auf Bezahlung oder Freizeitausgleich, es sei denn, der Arbeitgeber bietet dies freiwillig an. Da es sich um Tage handelt, an denen die Mitarbeiter normalerweise nicht arbeiten, wird die Teilnahme als eine zusätzliche Leistung des Arbeitnehmers betrachtet. Es ist jedoch üblich, dass der Arbeitgeber die Kosten für den Ausflug übernimmt und für Verpflegung und Unterhaltung sorgt. Laut Factorialhr.de besteht kein Anspruch auf Arbeitszeit, wenn der Ausflug am Wochenende stattfindet.
Krankheit am Tag des Betriebsausflugs
Wenn ein Mitarbeiter am Tag des Betriebsausflugs krank ist, kann der Arbeitgeber die Vorlage einer Arbeitsunfähigkeitsbescheinigung verlangen. Dies dient dem Nachweis, dass der Mitarbeiter tatsächlich nicht in der Lage war, an dem Ausflug teilzunehmen. Die Regelungen hierzu sind im Entgeltfortzahlungsgesetz festgelegt. Es ist wichtig, dass der Mitarbeiter die üblichen Meldeverfahren einhält und den Arbeitgeber rechtzeitig über seine Erkrankung informiert. Laut Gruender.de kann der Arbeitgeber bei Krankheit eine ärztliche Bescheinigung verlangen.
Voluntary Participation: Your Rights and Obligations as an Employee
Voluntary Participation
Participation in a company outing is essentially voluntary. No employee can be forced to take part in such an outing. This is an important aspect of employee protection. Employees have the right to organize their leisure time and can decide for themselves whether or not they want to participate in the outing. However, it is advisable to inform the employer in good time if you do not wish to participate, so as not to disrupt planning. Further information on voluntary participation can be found in the article Betriebsausflug freiwillig.
Obligation to Work if Not Participating
If an employee does not participate in a company outing, there is an obligation to work during regular working hours. The employer must assign an alternative work task to the employee. This ensures that working hours are used effectively and that unnecessary downtime is avoided. It is important that the employer selects tasks that match the employee's knowledge and skills. According to Younited.de, the employer must provide work for employees who are not participating.
Accident insurance provides protection during the official company outing
Statutory Accident Insurance
The statutory accident insurance applies during the official part of the company outing. This also includes the direct route to and from the excursion location. The insurance coverage extends to all activities that take place as part of the organised programme. It is important that the employer clearly informs employees about when the official part of the outing begins and ends, to avoid misunderstandings. The statutory accident insurance covers employees during the outing, which emphasises the liability of the employer.
Exclusions from Insurance Coverage
There are certain exclusions from insurance coverage. These include, for example, unauthorised activities that do not take place within the framework of the organised programme, as well as accidents due to alcohol abuse. Even if an employee leaves the outing early or takes a detour, insurance coverage may lapse. It is therefore advisable to stick to the official programme and to handle alcohol responsibly. According to Teamgeist.com, the company insurance coverage does not apply to accidents after the official end of the outing.
Tax allowance reduces costs for a maximum of two company outings
Tax Allowance for Company Outings
For company outings, there is a tax allowance of 110 euros per employee for a maximum of two company outings per year. This allowance can significantly reduce costs for the employer. It is important that the employer keeps the appropriate records and documentation to claim the allowance. If the costs exceed the allowance, the excess amount must be taxed as income. Further information on costs can be found in the article Company Outing Costs per Employee 2025.
Cost Coverage by the Employer
Typically, the employer covers the costs of the company outing. This is a voluntary benefit from the employer that contributes to employee motivation and retention. However, it is also possible for there to be an employee contribution agreed upon. This may occur, for example, if the outing is particularly elaborate or exclusive. It is important that the terms of cost coverage are clearly communicated in advance to avoid misunderstandings. Gruender.de explains that cost coverage varies, with employers often bearing the full costs.
Company agreements regulate details on working hours and participation
Role of Company Agreements
Company agreements can include specific regulations regarding company outings and working hours. These agreements are made between the employer and the works council and are binding for all employees. They can, for example, specify how overtime is handled, which costs are covered, and what rules apply to participation. Therefore, it is advisable to review the company agreement within the business to be informed about the applicable provisions. According to Anwalt-Suchservice.de, company agreements can contain special regulations.
Individual Agreements
In certain cases, individual agreements can also be made, particularly for part-time employees or employees with special needs. These agreements can, for example, concern working hours, remuneration, or participation conditions. It is important that these agreements are recorded in writing to avoid misunderstandings. The article on company outing laws offers further insights into the legal framework.
Clear rules and communication for a successful company outing
Summary of Key Points
For a successful company outing, clear communication of rules and fair treatment of all employees are crucial. It is important that all participants are informed about their rights and duties and that the regulations are transparent and understandable. Only in this way can a company outing contribute to promoting team spirit and increasing employee motivation. Clear communication is the key to success, as also emphasized by Teamgeist.com.
Recommendations for Employers
Employers should plan the company outing in such a way that it considers the interests of all employees and complies with legal requirements. It is advisable to involve employees in the planning process and to take their wishes and suggestions into account. The choice of destination and activities should also be made carefully to ensure that all employees can participate and feel comfortable. With our party trips and incentive trips, we at GoTuro offer you the perfect solution for your next company outing.
A well-organized company outing that respects working time regulations, respects the voluntary nature of participation, and ensures insurance coverage can make a valuable contribution to employee satisfaction and company success. Ensure that all aspects are carefully planned and communicated to guarantee a smooth and positive experience. Compliance with legal requirements and consideration of the individual needs of employees are of central importance.
Key Benefits of Betriebsausflüge
Here are some of the key benefits you'll gain:
Enhanced Team Cohesion: Betriebsausflüge provide a relaxed environment where colleagues can bond and strengthen their relationships, leading to better teamwork and collaboration.
Increased Employee Motivation: A well-planned outing can boost morale and motivation, making employees feel valued and appreciated, which in turn increases productivity and job satisfaction.
Improved Company Culture: Betriebsausflüge contribute to a positive and inclusive company culture, fostering a sense of community and belonging among employees.
Company outing: Make the most of work time – Plan now!
More useful links
Teamgeist.com offers information and blog posts on company outings and their legal frameworks.
Personio.de provides an HR lexicon that also explains the term company outing and related aspects.
Impulse.de provides articles and information for entrepreneurs, including on the topic of working hours during company outings.
Factorialhr.de offers a blog with articles on HR topics, including information about company outings.
Gruender.de provides information and articles for founders and entrepreneurs, including on the topic of company outings and employment law.
Younited.de offers a blog with articles on various topics, including information on working hours during company outings.
Anwalt-Suchservice.de offers legal tips on various topics, including company outings.
FAQ
What does it mean when a company outing takes place during regular working hours?
When a company outing takes place during regular working hours, this time is generally considered working time. Participating employees are entitled to compensation.
How are part-time employees treated during company outings?
Part-time employees are entitled to compensation if the company outing falls within their regular working hours. However, the compensation is limited to the hours they would normally have worked on that day.
Is there a right to overtime pay if the company outing extends beyond normal working hours?
Typically, no overtime is accrued during a company outing, as participation is voluntary. If the outing does extend beyond normal working hours, there is no automatic entitlement to overtime pay unless there are different provisions in a company agreement.
What happens if an employee is sick on the day of the company outing?
If an employee is sick on the day of the company outing, the employer may request a sick note.
Is participation in a company outing mandatory?
Participation in a company outing is generally voluntary. No employee can be forced to take part in such an outing.
What happens if an employee does not take part in a company outing?
If an employee does not take part in a company outing, there is a requirement to perform work during regular working hours. The employer must assign the employee an alternative work task.
Does statutory accident insurance apply during a company outing?
Statutory accident insurance applies during the official part of the company outing. This also includes the direct route to and from the outing location.
Is there a tax allowance for company outings?
There is a tax allowance of 110 euros per employee for company outings for up to two company outings per year.
