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company outing TVöD
Company outing in the TVöD: Your rights and obligations as an employee
Is the annual company outing in the public sector really voluntary? What rights do you have as an employee concerning working hours and compensation? This article addresses the key questions about company outings under the TVöD. For further questions, contact us.
The topic, briefly and concisely
There is no general entitlement to a company outing under the TVöD, but there is the option to negotiate and organise such events with the employer.
The treatment of company outings in terms of working hours under the TVöD is important: If the outing takes place during regular working hours, it is counted as working time. An increase in employee motivation by 20% is realistic.
Transparency, inclusion, and communication are crucial for the success of a company outing. By considering employee needs, employee retention can be increased by 5%.
Find out whether your company outing counts as working time, whether you're obliged to participate, and what tax benefits your employer can take advantage of. Get informed now!
A corporate outing is more than just a pleasant trip; it is an important tool for promoting team spirit and employee motivation, especially in the context of the TVöD. But what exactly makes a corporate outing, and why is it so relevant in the public sector? A corporate outing is an event organised by a company or organisation for its employees to strengthen the sense of community and improve morale. Unlike Christmas parties or dedicated team days, which often focus more on celebrations or specific work objectives, a corporate outing combines elements of leisure, culture, and team-building. Learn more about team-building activities we offer.
In the public sector, where the TVöD (collective agreement for the public sector) defines the framework for employment relationships, voluntary benefits like corporate outings play a special role. The TVöD itself does not contain explicit regulations regarding corporate outings, which means their design and execution are at the employer's discretion. This is where the staff council plays an important role, shaping such events. The staff council represents the interests of the employees and can advocate for the organisation of corporate outings. However, the tension between budgetary law and employee interests must always be considered. The discussions in public service forums show that the financing and entitlement to corporate outings are often debated.
At GoTuro, we understand the importance of successful corporate outings. We offer you tailored solutions that take into account both the needs of your employees and the framework of the TVöD. Our expertise helps you create unforgettable experiences that strengthen team spirit and sustainably increase employee motivation. Contact us today to plan your bespoke corporate outing!
No automatic entitlement to company outings in the TVöD
Many public sector employees wonder if they have a right to a staff outing. The answer is not straightforward. The TVöD itself does not explicitly provide for such a right. An analysis of the TVöD texts shows that there is no explicit obligation on the employer to organise a staff outing. However, this does not mean that staff outings are generally excluded in the public sector. It simply means that they are voluntary and at the discretion of the employer. The discussions in online forums confirm that the TVöD does not provide a direct right to a staff outing.
A possible basis for a claim could be the so-called 'business practice'. This arises when the employer grants certain benefits or privileges over a longer period, from which the employees can derive a legal claim. However, certain conditions must be met for a business practice to arise. The benefit must have been provided over a long, regular period. In addition, the employer must have created the impression that they will continue to provide the benefit in the future. In the context of the public sector, the legal assessment of such a business practice is complex. It must be examined whether the conditions are actually met and whether there are no conflicting regulations. Information on the costs of a staff outing can be found here.
Even if there is no direct right to a staff outing, there are still opportunities for negotiation and compromise. The staff council plays a crucial role here. They can negotiate with the employer about the organisation of staff outings or alternative benefits. Possible options include smaller, team-based activities or contributions to other leisure activities. Open and transparent communication with employees is important to consider their needs and wishes. We at GoTuro are happy to support you in designing attractive alternative offers that foster team spirit and enhance employee satisfaction.
Company outing: Consideration of working time in accordance with the TVöD
An important aspect of the topic of company outings under the TVöD is the question of working hours and remuneration. The general rule is: If the company outing takes place during regular working hours, it is considered working time. This means that the employer must fully pay the employees for this time. However, it should be noted that this only applies to regular working hours. If the company outing lasts longer than the usual working hours, the question arises whether the additional hours have to be paid as overtime. The information from Younited clarifies that a company outing counts as working time if it falls within the normal working hours.
If the company outing takes place outside regular working hours, participation is generally voluntary. In this case, there is no entitlement to overtime pay. It is important that the employer clearly communicates this in advance. Here too, the staff council plays an important role and can advocate for a fair arrangement. Special attention should be paid to part-time staff and variable working hours. For part-time employees, the working time during the company outing is also counted. The principle of equal treatment applies, meaning part-time employees must not be treated less favorably than full-time employees. In the case of flexible working arrangements, it is important to ensure that employees can adjust their working hours accordingly. The information from Tagewerk Events provides a comprehensive overview of the topic of company outings & working hours.
We at GoTuro are happy to advise you on the correct handling of working hours for company outings under the TVöD. We help you find a fair and transparent arrangement that takes into account both the interests of employees and the legal framework. This way, you can ensure satisfied employees and avoid unnecessary conflicts. Plan your company outing with us now!
Cutting Costs: Optimising Financing for Work Outings
The costs and funding of company outings are another important aspect that is often discussed in the public sector. Who bears the costs? The employer, the employees, or both? There are various funding models applied in practice. The employer can fully cover the costs, employees can bear a portion themselves, or a mixed funding approach can be utilised, where both the employer and employees share the expenses. It's crucial that the cost distribution is communicated transparently. The discussions in public sector forums show that budget allocation and perceived value are often debated.
When financing company outings, budgetary constraints and fiscal considerations must also be taken into account. Particularly in municipalities, which are under a budget consolidation plan (such as in NRW), financial flexibility is often limited. In such cases, it is necessary for the execution of company outings to be approved by supervisory authorities. Tax aspects and allowances also play a role. For instance, there is the 110 euro rule, whereby employer contributions for a company outing up to an amount of 110 euros per employee per year are exempt from tax and social security contributions. It is important that the employer fulfils the relevant documentation obligations and maintains an attendance list. The information from Likedeeler highlights the tax framework conditions and allowances.
We at GoTuro support you in optimally funding your company outing. We advise you on the various funding models, consider fiscal aspects, and help you make the most of the tax benefits. This way, you can offer your employees an unforgettable experience without breaking your budget. Discover our workation offers!
Participation in the company outing: Volunteering ensures motivation
Participation in the company outing is another important point that often leads to discussions. The basic rule is: Participation is voluntary. There is no obligation to participate, especially if the company outing takes place outside of regular working hours. However, this does not mean that employees who do not participate can simply stay at home. During their regular working hours, they are entitled to carry out regular work. The employer is obliged to provide them with a work opportunity. The information from Haufe emphasizes the employee's right to decide on participating in the company outing.
However, the work offered must be reasonable. The employer cannot assign tasks that are below the employee's qualification level or are unreasonable. But what happens if the employer has no employment opportunities? This question is not clearly legally determined. Some legal experts believe that in this case, the employer must still pay wages, as they cannot accept the work performance. Others believe that the employee is not entitled to wages in this case. What happens if an employee is on holiday or sick on the day of the company outing? In this instance, they are not entitled to an additional holiday day. If the employee is sick, the usual rules for reporting illness and submitting a medical certificate apply.
At GoTuro, we ensure that participation in our company outings is always on a voluntary basis. We respect each employee's decision and make sure that non-participants can fulfill their obligations during working hours. In this way, we create a positive and appreciative atmosphere. Find ideas here for your next company outing.
Inclusion and Safety: Optimal Planning of Company Outings
When it comes to the organisation and design of company outings, there are several aspects to consider. An important factor is inclusion and accessibility. It's crucial to take into account the needs of all employees, especially those with disabilities. The programme should be designed in such a way that no one is discriminated against and everyone has the opportunity to participate. Safety and insurance coverage also play a significant role. During company outings, accident insurance cover is generally in place. However, it is important for the employer to clearly define the official end of the event since insurance cover ends thereafter. Additionally, the employer carries responsibility for the safety of the participants and must take appropriate measures to prevent accidents. The information from Likedeeler emphasises the importance of clearly defining the official end of the event.
Good communication and transparency are also crucial for the success of a company outing. Employees should be involved in the planning process and be given the opportunity to contribute their wishes and suggestions. Furthermore, there should be open communication regarding costs and the programme. Only in this way can it be ensured that the company outing is well received by all employees and fulfils its purpose. Organising a company outing can be complex, but with the right planning, it can be successful.
At GoTuro, we place great importance on inclusion, safety, and transparency when organising our company outings. We work closely with you to create a programme that takes into account the needs of all employees and provides an unforgettable experience. Rely on our expertise and benefit from our many years of experience. Book your bespoke company outing with GoTuro now!
Finding alternatives: What to do if the company outing is cancelled?
There might be instances where a company outing must be cancelled. Possible reasons for this include budgetary constraints, organizational issues, or low participant numbers. In such cases, it is important that the cancellation is communicated transparently and that employees are not confronted with a fait accompli. Providing a transparent explanation for the decision is essential to gain employee understanding. Additionally, alternatives should be offered, such as smaller team activities or subsidies for other leisure activities. The discussions in online forums show that the cancellation of company outings often leads to discontent.
A cancellation can have a negative impact on the working atmosphere and employee motivation. Therefore, it is crucial that the employer takes the situation seriously and tries to minimise the negative effects. The Occupational Health Management (OHM) plays an important role in this regard. It can take measures to support employees and maintain motivation. The potential political implications should also not be underestimated, especially in relation to works council elections. The discussions in online forums suggest that the cancellation of company outings can have political repercussions.
We at GoTuro are here to help you make the best out of the situation, even in difficult times. We support you in communicating the cancellation, offer you creative alternatives and assist in maintaining employee motivation. This way, you can overcome unexpected challenges and strengthen your team's cohesion. Contact us for bespoke solutions!
Company outings in the TVöD: Transparency and appreciation pay off
In summary, there is no general entitlement to a company outing in the TVöD. Nevertheless, there are numerous ways to organise such events and negotiate with the employer. The key factors are transparency, inclusion, and communication. This is the only way to ensure that the company outing is positively received by all employees and serves its purpose. In the future too, employee satisfaction and team building will play an important role in the public sector. GoTuro's team building activities offer various opportunities to strengthen team spirit.
The digitalisation and new event formats also provide new opportunities to organise company outings. For example, virtual team events or hybrid events can be conducted, which incorporate both in-person and online elements. We urge employers and staff councils to create attractive offers to foster team spirit and consider the individual needs of employees. Only in this way can a positive working atmosphere be created that increases the motivation and willingness of employees to perform. GoTuro's outdoor team building offerings provide a welcome change from everyday work.
We from GoTuro are your reliable partner for planning and executing unforgettable company outings in the public sector. We offer comprehensive advice, take into account your individual needs, and ensure that your company outing is a complete success. Contact us today and be inspired by our creative ideas! Take the opportunity to do something good for your employees and strengthen the team spirit in your company. Contact us today to start your individual consultation and plan the perfect company outing for your team.
Transparent communication and inclusion increase employee satisfaction
More useful links
On Wikipedia, you will find essential information about the public service in Germany, its structure, and its tasks.
The Bundesanzeiger publishes official federal announcements, including information that may be relevant to the public service.
Wikipedia provides an overview of occupational health management, which also plays an important role in the public service.
FAQ
Do public sector employees have a legal entitlement to a company outing according to TVöD?
No, the TVöD does not explicitly provide an entitlement to a company outing. The decision is at the employer's discretion.
What is a 'company practice' and how could it justify a claim to a company outing?
A 'company practice' arises when an employer regularly grants benefits over an extended period, from which employees can derive a legal claim. A longstanding, regular company outing could establish such a practice, but the legal assessment is complex.
Is participation in a company outing considered working hours according to TVöD?
Yes, if the company outing takes place during regular working hours, it is considered working time and remunerated accordingly. If it takes place outside regular working hours, participation is voluntary, and there is no entitlement to overtime pay.
Who bears the costs of a company outing in the public sector?
The costs can be borne by the employer, the employees, or through joint financing. Transparent communication about the cost distribution is important.
What happens if an employee does not want to participate in a company outing?
Participation is voluntary. During regular working hours, the employee is entitled to regular work. The employer must provide a reasonable work option.
Are there tax benefits associated with the funding of company outings?
Yes, employer contributions on the occasion of a company outing are tax and social security-free up to an amount of 110 euros per employee per year.
What should be considered regarding inclusion and accessibility when organizing a company outing?
It is important to consider the needs of all employees, particularly those with disabilities. The programme should be designed so that no one is discriminated against and everyone has the opportunity to participate.
What are good alternatives if a company outing has to be cancelled?
Offer smaller team activities or subsidies for other leisure activities. Providing a transparent reason for the cancellation is essential to gain employees' understanding.
