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recording hours for company outing
Company outing: Working hours or leisure time? How to record the hours correctly!
Is the company outing considered working hours? This question often causes confusion. Generally speaking, if the outing takes place during your regular working hours, it is counted as working time. But what happens with overtime or if you do not participate? Find out more and contact us with further questions hier.
The topic, briefly and concisely
A company outing during regular working hours is considered working time and must be paid accordingly, although participation is voluntary.
Clear regulations for part-time employees and ensuring accident insurance coverage are crucial for providing legal certainty and enhancing employee satisfaction.
By utilising tax allowances and maintaining transparent communication, companies can optimise costs and achieve a positive ROI by, for example, increasing employee satisfaction by up to 1.5 points on a scale of 1-10.
Find out when a company outing counts as working hours, how overtime is handled, and what obligations you have as an employer or employee.
A company outing is more than just a pleasant gathering; it is an important tool for strengthening team spirit. But what about the working hours? Do the hours you spend on such an outing count as regular working hours, or are there special regulations? This article provides you with a comprehensive overview of the correct recording and accounting of working hours during company outings, so that you as an employer or employee remain legally on the safe side.
At GoTuro, we know how important it is for our employees to be motivated and engaged. That's why we place great value on team-building activities such as company outings. However, for these to run smoothly, it is essential to know the legal framework. Below, you will learn when a company outing counts as working hours, how overtime is treated, and what obligations you have as an employer or employee. This way, you can ensure that all parties are treated fairly and the outing is a complete success. For more inspiration on unforgettable team events, visit our page on party trips.
The correct recording of working hours during a company outing is not just a question of fairness but also of legal certainty. Both employers and employees must be aware of the applicable rules to avoid misunderstandings and legal consequences. Below, we will highlight the most important aspects, from the basic classification as working hours to special cases such as part-time workers and shift work.
Company outing as working hours: What you need to know
As a general rule: When a company outing takes place during regular working hours, it is considered working time. This means that the time you spend on the outing is treated like normal working hours and is compensated accordingly. Participation in such an outing is voluntary, but if you choose not to participate, you are usually required to perform your regular work. This is particularly important for accurate time tracking.
However, it is important to note that there may be exceptions and special regulations. For example, overtime is generally not compensated, even if the outing lasts longer than the usual working hours. This is because participation in a company outing is considered a voluntary benefit from the employer. Nevertheless, there are exceptions, especially if there is a works agreement within the company that provides for different regulations. More information can be found, for example, on tagewerk-events.de.
Clear regulations for part-time employees
Special regulations apply to part-time employees. They are usually only paid for the hours that fall within their regular working hours. This serves the principle of equal treatment and is intended to prevent part-time employees from being favoured over full-time employees. It is therefore important that employers accurately record the working hours of their employees and adjust the compensation accordingly. Here too, transparent communication and clear agreements are key to a smooth process. Information on correct time tracking can also be found in the HR-Lexikon von Personio.
Voluntary Participation: Your Rights and Duties at the Company Outing
Participation in a company outing is generally voluntary. No one can be forced to attend such an event. This is an important aspect of each individual's personal rights. However, if you decide not to participate, it usually means you must attend to your regular work duties. Unless the company is completely closed due to the outing.
In this case, the employer must provide you with a suitable workplace. This could be your normal workstation or, if that’s not possible, another location where you can carry out your tasks. It is important that the employer ensures you are not disadvantaged during your working hours for not attending the company outing. More details about your rights and obligations can be found on Gruender.de.
No leave entitlement for non-participation
The employer cannot force you to take leave if you do not wish to attend a company outing. This is an important point that often leads to misunderstandings. Your leave entitlement is protected and should not be used for company events you do not wish to attend. If you are ill, you need a regular sick note, even if the outing takes place on that day. This is important to secure your entitlement to continued pay during illness.
It is advisable to inform yourself in advance about the rules regarding participation and non-participation in the company outing. Clarify your rights and obligations with your employer or the works council to avoid misunderstandings. Open communication is key to a harmonious coexistence in the company. Further information on the voluntariness of company outings can be found in our article Company Outing: Voluntary or Mandatory?.
Accident insurance: Ensure protection during company outings
An important aspect that is often overlooked when planning and conducting a company outing is accident insurance coverage. As a rule, you are protected by statutory accident insurance during the official duration of the outing. This includes both the direct route to the venue and the return journey. However, it's important to know that the insurance coverage only applies for the official duration of the outing. What happens after the official end is your own responsibility.
To ensure all participants are adequately protected, it is crucial to clearly communicate the start and end times of the outing. This helps avoid misunderstandings and ensures everyone knows when the insurance coverage begins and ends. At Teamgeist.com, you can find more information about the importance of clear time specifications.
Risks and Exclusion Reasons
However, there are also situations where accident insurance coverage may be limited or even excluded. This is the case, for example, if an accident is caused by gross negligence or excessive alcohol consumption. If you take unauthorized detours during the outing or leave the venue early, this can also jeopardize your insurance coverage. Therefore, it is advisable to follow the employer's instructions and avoid unnecessary risks. Further information on the legal foundations of the company outing can be found in our article Betriebsausflug: Die rechtlichen Grundlagen.
The statutory accident insurance generally also covers accidents on the route to or from the company outing. However, the same applies here: If you make a detour or interrupt the journey for private reasons, this may affect your insurance coverage. Therefore, it is advisable to choose the direct route and avoid unnecessary interruptions. In this way, you ensure that you are optimally protected in the event of an accident.
Costs and Taxes: How to Financially Optimize the Company Outing
A company outing is not only a significant factor for employee motivation but also a cost factor for the company. Generally, the employer bears the costs of the outing. However, there is also the possibility for employees to contribute to these costs. This should be clearly communicated and agreed upon in advance. You can find more information on cost coverage at Anwalt-Suchservice.de.
It is also important to know that there are tax allowances for company outings. Employers can spend up to 110 euros per employee per year for a maximum of two company outings tax-free. If the costs exceed this allowance, the excess amount is taxed as a monetary benefit. This means the employee must declare this amount as income. Therefore, it's advisable to keep costs within the allowance to avoid unnecessary tax burdens. Information on the tax aspects can also be found on Personio.de.
Optimally utilise tax allowances
To make the most of the tax benefits, it is advisable to plan and document the costs of the company outing carefully. Ensure that all expenses are traceable and comply with the current tax regulations. This way, you can ensure that you fully exploit the allowances and avoid unnecessary tax payments. Detailed cost planning also helps you keep track of your finances and organize the company outing within your budget. Further information on costs per employee can be found in our article on Company Outing: Costs per Employee 2025.
Accurate accounting of costs and taxes is an important aspect of organizing a company outing. Careful planning and documentation can help you ensure you take advantage of all tax benefits and avoid unnecessary costs. This way, the company outing becomes not only an unforgettable experience for your employees but also a financially optimized measure for your company.
Company outings outside of working hours: Leisure or mandatory event?
When a company outing takes place outside of regular working hours, such as on weekends or public holidays, it is generally considered a leisure activity. This means that participation is particularly voluntary and there is no entitlement to remuneration or compensatory leave. It is important that employers communicate this clearly to avoid misunderstandings. You can find more information on this topic at Papershift.com.
Since participation in such an outing falls into the private time of employees, it is especially important to respect their personal rights. No one should feel compelled to take part, and there should be no negative consequences if someone decides against it. It is advisable to give employees the opportunity to register voluntarily and leave it up to them to decide whether they wish to participate or not. This fosters a positive working atmosphere and strengthens the trust between employers and employees.
No entitlement to remuneration
There is no entitlement to pay or compensatory leave if the company outing takes place outside regular working hours. This also applies if the outing lasts longer than the usual working hours. However, it is possible for the employer to voluntarily offer remuneration or compensatory leave. This is a voluntary benefit and not a legal entitlement. It is important that this is communicated clearly in advance to avoid misunderstandings. You can also find information about working hours at company outings on Younited.de.
Participation in a company outing outside working hours should always be based on voluntariness. Employers should respect the personal rights of their employees and not draw any negative consequences for non-participants. Open communication and clear agreements are key to harmonious cooperation in the company.
Successful Company Outings: Clear Communication and Planning are Crucial
The successful execution of a company outing depends largely on clear communication and careful planning. It is crucial to inform employees transparently about all relevant aspects, especially the start and end times of the outing. This is not only important for insurance cover but also for correct working time recording. Employees must know exactly when the outing begins and ends so they can plan their working hours accordingly. On Firmenabc.com, you can find more tips on planning.
It is also important to inform employees about their rights and duties in connection with the company outing. This includes, for example, rules on participation and non-participation, accident insurance cover, and tax aspects. The better informed the employees are, the smoother the outing will proceed, and the lower the risk of misunderstandings and conflicts.
Involvement of the Works Council
In many companies, the works council plays an important role in the planning and execution of company outings. The works council has a right of co-determination, especially if the outing serves as a reward or bonus. It is therefore advisable to involve the works council early in the planning process and to consider their suggestions and concerns. This helps ensure the outing meets the needs and interests of all employees. Further information on the role of the works council can be found in our article Company Outings: Recording Working Time Correctly.
Clear communication and careful planning are key to a successful company outing. By transparently informing employees and involving the works council, you can ensure that the outing is a complete success and contributes to team spirit.
Company outing: Team building with clear rules for time tracking
The company outing is a valuable tool for promoting team spirit and employee motivation. Through shared experiences and activities, employees can strengthen their relationships with one another and create a positive work environment. However, it is important that the outing is based on clear rules, particularly concerning working hours, participation, and insurance coverage.
A well-planned and communicated event not only fosters a positive work atmosphere but also enhances employee motivation. When employees feel that their rights and obligations are respected and that the outing meets their needs and interests, they are more likely to actively engage and contribute to the success of the outing. This has a positive effect on morale and willingness to perform. For more information on the benefits of team-building activities, please visit our page on incentive travel.
Clear rules for a positive work environment
To ensure that the company outing is a complete success, it is important to consider the following points:
Working hours: Clarify in advance whether the outing counts as working hours and how the hours will be recorded and compensated.
Voluntary participation: Emphasise that participation in the outing is voluntary and that there are no negative consequences if someone decides against it.
Insurance coverage: Inform employees about accident insurance coverage and the applicable regulations.
By considering these points, you can ensure that the company outing becomes a positive experience for everyone involved and contributes to strengthening team spirit and employee motivation.
Plan your unforgettable corporate outing with GoTuro now!
More useful links
Bundesministerium für Arbeit und Soziales (BMAS) offers general information on employment law that is relevant for employers and employees.
Statistisches Bundesamt (Destatis) provides statistics on the working world, offering insights into working hours and conditions.
Deutsche Gesetzliche Unfallversicherung (DGUV) provides information on statutory accident insurance for company outings and the associated protection.
Bundesarbeitsgericht (BAG) publishes judgments and decisions on employment law that may be relevant for the legal assessment of company outings.
BetrVG (Betriebsverfassungsgesetz) offers the legal framework for company outings and the co-determination of the works council.
FAQ
Does a company outing count as working hours?
Yes, as a general rule, a company outing during regular working hours is considered working time and must be remunerated accordingly. However, participation is voluntary.
What happens if the company outing lasts longer than regular working hours?
Overtime is generally not compensated, as participation in the company outing is considered a voluntary benefit by the employer. Exceptions may be regulated in company agreements.
How are part-time employees treated during a company outing?
Part-time employees are generally paid only for the hours that fall within their regular working hours. This is in line with the principle of equal treatment.
Can I be forced to attend a company outing?
No, participation in a company outing is fundamentally voluntary. No one can be forced to attend.
Do I have to work if I choose not to participate in the company outing?
Yes, if you decide not to participate, you are generally required to perform your regular work duties, unless the entire company is closed.
Am I insured against accidents during the company outing?
Yes, during the official duration of the company outing, you are covered by statutory accident insurance, including the direct journey to and from the venue.
Are there tax allowances for company outings?
Yes, employers can spend up to 110 euros per employee per year tax-free for a maximum of two company outings. If the costs exceed this allowance, the excess amount is taxed as a monetary benefit.
What happens if the company outing takes place outside regular working hours?
If a company outing takes place outside regular working hours, it is generally considered a leisure activity, and there is no entitlement to compensation or time off in lieu.
