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company outing mandatory holiday
Company Outing: Compulsory Leave? Your Rights and Duties as an Employee
Can you be forced to attend the company outing? What happens if you are sick? And who actually pays? Many questions surrounding the company outing. If you want to know how to optimise your HR processes, you can find the right solution here.
The topic, briefly and concisely
A mandatory holiday for not participating in the company outing is not permissible. Employees have the right to fulfill their regular work obligations.
Make full use of the tax allowance of €110 per participant by planning several smaller events to enhance employee satisfaction and fully maximise the tax benefits.
Involve your employees in the planning and communicate clear behaviour guidelines to ensure a harmonious company outing and to increase employee satisfaction by up to 20%.
Find out whether your boss can compel you to attend the company outing, which costs are covered, and how you should behave if you're ill. Get informed now!
A company outing is an excellent opportunity to strengthen team spirit and boost employee motivation. But what happens if employees don't want to participate? Is the employer allowed to impose a holiday obligation? This article sheds light on the legal framework, obligations, and options for how you as an employee can handle this situation. We clarify which costs are covered, how illness is handled, and your rights if you don't want to attend the company outing.
Company outing: Definition and purpose for better team cohesion
A company outing is typically a one-day excursion organized by the employer for their employees. The main goal is to strengthen team cohesion, improve the working atmosphere, and foster a sense of belonging. It also serves as a sign of appreciation from the employer. According to papershift.com, company outings are a form of company event aimed at promoting social interaction and employee engagement. Company outings are thus an important tool for enhancing employee satisfaction and promoting a positive corporate culture. They provide a welcome break from the work routine and allow employees to get to know each other better in a relaxed atmosphere.
Holiday obligation inadmissible: Voluntary participation in the company outing
As a rule, employees are not obliged to participate in company outings. This applies even if the outing takes place during regular working hours. A holiday obligation, where the employer forces employees to take leave if they do not attend the outing, is inadmissible. According to gruender.de, employees have the right to meet their regular work obligations if they do not wish to attend the company outing. It is important to emphasize that the voluntary participation is a central element of employment law and protects employees from inadmissible orders. An employer who tries to enforce a holiday obligation risks legal consequences and a deterioration of the working climate.
Work obligations in case of non-participation: How to avoid conflicts
If employees do not attend a company outing, they must continue to meet their work obligations. The employer is obligated to provide them with work in this case. A holiday obligation is, as previously mentioned, not allowed. It is important for employees to know their rights and not feel pressured to take leave if they do not wish to. More information about the rights and obligations of employees can be found in our article on company outings and the law. Clear communication between employer and employee is crucial to avoid misunderstandings and find a fair solution for both sides. The employer should respect the employee's decision and allow them to carry out their regular tasks.
Rights and Obligations: Accident Insurance Coverage and Working Time Regulations during the Company Outing
To ensure that both employers and employees are aware of their rights and responsibilities, it's important to understand the legal framework surrounding the company outing. This particularly concerns the obligation to participate, working hours, and accident insurance coverage.
Voluntariness and Working Hours: Your Rights as an Employee
Participation in a company outing is generally voluntary if the outing takes place during regular working hours. This means that employees cannot be forced to participate. However, if an employee does not attend, they are still required to fulfill their work obligations. It is important to emphasize that a compulsory holiday in this case is not permissible. Further information on the voluntary nature of participation can be found in our article on company outings and voluntariness. Being aware of your own rights is essential to protect yourself from unjustified demands by the employer. Employees should seek legal advice in case of doubt to strengthen their position and protect their interests.
Working Time Aspects: Wage Claims and Overtime Regulations
Participation in a company outing during regular working hours is considered working time. This means that employees receive their regular pay and do not have to make up the time. However, there is no entitlement to overtime pay if the outing exceeds usual working hours. According to gruender.de, there are no specific legal regulations regarding the maximum duration of a company outing. Transparent regulations regarding working time are important to ensure clarity and fairness. Employers should communicate in advance how working time will be managed during the outing and what regulations apply to overtime. This helps to avoid misunderstandings and increase employee satisfaction.
Accident Insurance Coverage: Ensuring Safety During the Company Outing
Employees are legally insured against accidents during the company outing and the journey to and from it. However, this only applies if the outing is initiated by the employer and is open to all employees. The insurance cover extends to accidents that occur during the event or on the way to it. It's important that the employer clearly defines the beginning and end of the outing to avoid uncertainties regarding insurance coverage. Factorialhr.de emphasizes that accident insurance coverage only applies if the company outing meets the criteria of a company event. The legal accident insurance coverage provides employees with important protection in case of an accident. Employers should ensure that all requirements for insurance coverage are met and that employees are informed about their rights and obligations.
Exclusion of Insurance Coverage: Avoiding Alcohol and Negligence
Family members or friends who participate in the company outing are not protected by statutory accident insurance. Furthermore, insurance coverage may lapse if the employee causes an accident through excessive alcohol consumption or negligence. It is therefore advisable to behave appropriately during the outing to not jeopardize insurance coverage. The papershift.com site notes that excessive alcohol consumption can invalidate insurance coverage. Responsible behaviour is crucial to maintain insurance coverage and avoid accidents. Employers should make employees aware of the risks of alcohol and negligence and encourage them to take care of their own safety and the safety of others during the outing.
Role of the Works Council: Co-Determination in Rewards and Bonuses
The works council generally has no co-determination rights regarding the execution of a company outing. An exception applies if the outing serves as a reward or bonus unless there is an individual agreement with the employee. In this case, the works council may have a say. It is important that employers and the works council work together in such cases to find a fair and transparent solution. Our article on company outings and the obligation to participate offers further insights into the role of the works council. A constructive collaboration between the employer and the works council is important to consider the interests of the employees and to find a solution acceptable to all parties. The works council can contribute to ensuring that the company outing is fair and transparent and that the needs of the employees are considered.
Take advantage of tax benefits: Make optimal use of the 110-Euro rule
The financing of a company outing can be a challenge for both employers and employees. However, there are various tax aspects and financing models that allow for cost optimisation and making the company outing financially attractive. Here, the tax allowance and the various financing options play an important role.
Tax allowance: Making the most of the 110-Euro regulation
In Germany, there is a tax allowance of up to €110 per participant for a maximum of two company outings per year. This allowance covers all costs associated with the outing, such as catering, transport and activities. If the costs exceed this amount, the excess is considered a monetary benefit and is taxable. According to factorialhr.de, the tax can be settled at a flat rate of 25%. Making optimal use of the tax allowance can significantly reduce costs for the employer and make the company outing more financially attractive. Employers should carefully plan the costs and ensure that the allowance is not exceeded to avoid unnecessary tax payments.
Financing models: Cost sharing and alternative options
There are various ways to finance a company outing. One option is full funding by the employer. Another possibility is employee cost sharing, where employees bear part of the costs themselves. A third option is full financing by employees in exchange for time off. The choice of financing model depends on the financial capabilities of the company and the preferences of the employees. Papershift.com explains that employers are not legally obliged to cover all costs. The choice of the appropriate financing model should be made in consultation with employees to find a fair and mutually acceptable solution. Employers should present the different options transparently and explain the pros and cons of each model.
Strategic planning: Smaller events for maximum tax advantages
Strategic planning can help make the most of the tax allowance. Instead of one large, expensive event, several smaller events can be organised so as not to exceed the allowance per participant. This allows employees to be delighted multiple times a year without losing tax benefits. It is advisable to accurately calculate the costs and adjust the planning accordingly to make optimal use of the tax allowance. The organisation of several smaller events offers the advantage that employees can enjoy a company outing more frequently and the tax benefits can be optimally utilised. Employers should closely monitor the costs per participant and adjust the planning accordingly to ensure the allowance is not exceeded.
Boost Employee Satisfaction: Utilize Employee Input for the Perfect Team Outing
A successful company outing is characterized not only by good organization and a varied program but also by involving employees in planning and considering their needs. This is the only way to ensure that the outing meets expectations and contributes to increased employee satisfaction.
Employee input: Crucial for tailored company outings
To ensure that the company outing aligns with employees' wishes, it's important to involve them in the planning. This can be done through structured surveys or focus groups where employees can express their preferences and desires. The results of these surveys should be taken into account when planning an outing that meets employees' needs and gains their acceptance. Factorialhr.de emphasizes the importance of gathering employee input to maximize the perceived value of the outing. Actively involving employees in planning the company outing is a key factor for the event's success. Employers should utilize employees as a valuable source of information and consider their wishes and needs when planning the outing.
Behavioural guidelines: Clear communication for harmonious togetherness
To avoid awkward situations and misunderstandings during the company outing, it is important to communicate clear behavioural guidelines and expectations. This is particularly relevant for handling alcohol consumption and inappropriate behaviour. Leaders should set an example and ensure that the guidelines are adhered to. It's advisable to communicate behavioural guidelines to all employees before the outing to ensure all participants are informed and can act accordingly. Papershift.com advises setting clear "Do's and Don'ts" for behaviour during the outing. Clear behavioural guidelines and expectations contribute to ensuring a harmonious togetherness during the company outing. Employers should inform employees of the applicable rules and ensure they are respected by all participants.
Measuring employee satisfaction: Using feedback for future company outings
To measure the success of a company outing and identify areas for improvement, it's important to gather feedback from employees. This can be done by using tools to analyze employee satisfaction. The results of this analysis should be considered when planning future outings to ensure that employees' needs are met and employee satisfaction is continuously increased. Factorialhr.de recommends using feedback mechanisms to gauge employee sentiment and adjust future outings accordingly. Measuring employee satisfaction is an important step in evaluating the success of the company outing and identifying improvement potentials. Employers should take employee feedback seriously and consider it in the planning of future outings to continuously enhance employee satisfaction.
Mastering Remote Work: Company Outings as the Key to Team Building in the Digital Age
In an era of increasing remote work, company outings take on a new significance. They offer a valuable opportunity to foster personal connections and strengthen team spirit, which is often lacking in the digital work routine. It is important to adapt the planning to the needs of remote teams to ensure that all employees can participate and feel comfortable.
Company Outings in the Remote Work World: Strengthening Personal Connections
Company outings provide an important opportunity for personal connections, which are often missing in the remote work routine. They allow employees to meet outside the virtual environment and build a personal relationship. This can improve teamwork and communication and enhance the sense of belonging. Papershift.com emphasises that company outings in times of remote work offer a crucial opportunity to connect employees personally and boost motivation. Strengthening personal connections through company outings is especially significant in the remote work world. They help reduce employee isolation and promote a strong sense of team.
Remote Teams: Flexible Participation Options for Maximum Inclusion
When planning company outings for remote teams, it is important to consider the needs of the employees. This may mean offering flexible participation options or creating virtual alternatives for those who cannot attend in person. It is also important to consider travel costs and time commitments for those travelling and to offer support as necessary. By taking into account the needs of remote employees, it can be ensured that all employees can participate and feel comfortable. Our page on outdoor team building offers additional ideas and inspiration for team-building activities. Flexible participation options and virtual alternatives enable remote employees to partake in the company outing. This contributes to the inclusion of all employees and strengthens the team spirit, regardless of their work location.
Behavioural Guidelines for Harmonious Company Outings: Do's and Don'ts for Employees
An office outing is a welcome break from the work routine, but it also poses potential risks for misconduct. To ensure that the outing is positive for everyone involved, it is important to communicate clear behavioural guidelines and outline possible consequences.
Do's and Don'ts: Networking and Respectful Interaction
During an office outing, it is important to actively participate in networking with colleagues and to engage fully. This provides an opportunity to make new connections and deepen existing relationships. However, it is advisable to avoid excessive alcohol consumption and to refrain from inappropriate topics or gossip. Respectful and professional interaction with colleagues should be a given, even outside the workplace. Papershift.com provides clear behavioural guidelines for employees during the outing. Active networking and respectful interaction are crucial for a positive experience during the office outing. Employees should take the opportunity to make new connections and deepen existing relationships while always maintaining appropriate behaviour.
Dress Code: Choosing Appropriate Clothing for Each Activity
The choice of clothing should correspond to the planned activities. It is advisable to avoid overly revealing clothing and to refrain from tight or transparent outfits at water sports events. High heels are unsuitable for outdoor events. Appropriate and comfortable clothing helps ensure that all participants feel comfortable and can enjoy the activities. Papershift.com provides recommendations for suitable clothing depending on the activity. The choice of suitable clothing significantly contributes to well-being during the office outing. Employees should familiarise themselves with the planned activities beforehand and adjust their clothing accordingly to feel comfortable and enjoy the activities without restriction.
Legal Consequences: Avoiding Warnings for Misconduct
Employers can issue warnings for inappropriate behaviour during an office outing, just as they would for incidents at the workplace. This applies particularly to breaches of the company's behavioural guidelines or actions that damage the company's reputation. It is therefore important to behave professionally and respectfully even outside the workplace to avoid legal consequences. Papershift.com points out that employers can issue warnings for misconduct during the outing. Professional and respectful behaviour outside the workplace is important to avoid legal consequences. Employees should be aware that their behaviour during the office outing can impact their employment relationship, and they should act responsibly accordingly.
Minimise accident risks: Safety precautions for a stress-free company outing
The safety of employees should be the top priority when planning and conducting a company outing. By adhering to certain safety measures and raising awareness among participants about potential hazards, accidents can be prevented, and the well-being of all involved can be ensured.
Safety Measures: Conduct Risk Assessments and Create Emergency Plans
Before the company outing, a comprehensive risk assessment should be carried out to identify potential hazards and implement appropriate safety measures. This includes creating emergency plans for various scenarios, such as accidents, injuries, or sudden weather changes. It's important that all participants are informed about the emergency plans and know how to act in an emergency. The German Social Accident Insurance (DGUV) offers information and guidance on conducting risk assessments. A thorough risk assessment and the creation of emergency plans are essential to ensure employee safety during the company outing. Employers should address potential hazards in advance and take appropriate measures to prevent accidents and respond swiftly in emergencies.
Leaders' Responsibility: Role Model and Duty of Supervision
Leaders have a particular responsibility for employee safety during the company outing. They should act as role models and ensure that safety measures are observed. Moreover, they have a duty of supervision and must intervene if necessary to prevent dangerous situations. It's important for leaders to be aware of their responsibilities and actively contribute to ensuring the safety of all participants. Leaders have a special responsibility for employee safety during the company outing. They should act as role models and ensure that safety measures are observed to prevent accidents and ensure the well-being of all participants.
First Aid: Provide Supplies and Trained Personnel
During the company outing, adequate first aid supplies should be available to care for minor injuries and emergencies. Additionally, it is advisable to have trained personnel on-site who can provide first aid in an emergency. Participants should be informed about the location of the first aid supplies and the contact details of the trained personnel to act quickly in an emergency. The German Red Cross (DRK) offers courses and information on first aid. Providing first aid supplies and trained personnel is an important part of safety measures during the company outing. In the event of an accident or injury, quick and effective help can thus be provided to protect the employees' health.
Sickness no problem: Continued payment of wages and obligations when missing the company outing
Even during a company outing, it can happen that an employee is unable to attend due to illness. In this case, it is important to know the correct procedure and fulfil the relevant obligations to avoid misunderstandings and legal consequences.
Sick Leave: Immediate Notification and Medical Certificate
If an employee cannot participate in a company outing due to illness, they are required to inform their employer of their illness immediately. Additionally, the employer can request a medical certificate (fit note) to prove the illness. The obligation to present a certificate may already exist from the first day of illness. Gruender.de points out that employers are entitled to request a medical certificate from the first day of absence. The immediate sick leave notification and submission of a medical certificate are important responsibilities of the employee when ill. They serve to inform the employer about the inability to work and to verify the illness, to prevent misunderstandings and legal consequences.
Continued Payment of Wages: Securing Wage Entitlement in Case of Illness
If an employee is unable to attend a company outing due to illness, they are generally entitled to continued wage payments in the event of illness. However, this only applies if the illness causes the employee's inability to work and they cannot fulfil their work obligations. The amount of continued payment of wages is determined by statutory provisions and individual agreements in the employment contract. The Continuation of Wage Payments Act (EntgFG) regulates the details concerning continued wage payments in case of illness. The entitlement to continued payment of wages in case of illness provides financial security for the employee if they cannot participate in the company outing due to illness. It is important to know the statutory provisions and the individual agreements in the employment contract to claim the entitlement to continued payment of wages.
Alternative Work Arrangements: Exploring Work Performance Options
In some cases, it is possible for an employee to perform their work despite illness, for example, by completing tasks from home or taking on other activities. In this case, the employee should consult with the employer to find a suitable solution. However, it is important that the health of the employee is not put at risk and that they can adequately rest. Our article on company outings and working hours offers further information regarding employment law aspects. Exploring alternative work arrangements may in some cases enable the employee to perform their work despite illness. However, this should always be done in consultation with the employer and considering the employee's health.
Planning a corporate outing made easy: Unforgettable experiences with GoTuro
More useful links
Deutsche Gesetzliche Unfallversicherung (DGUV) provides information and guidance for conducting risk assessments in a business context.
DRK (German Red Cross) offers courses and information on First Aid, to enable proper action in emergencies.
Entgeltfortzahlungsgesetz (EntgFG) regulates the details of continued wage payment in cases of illness, securing employees.
ifo Institut Munich provides analyses on employee motivation and the labour market.
Handelsblatt offers analyses and reports on corporate culture and employee motivation.
Frankfurter Allgemeine provides analyses and reports on corporate culture and employee motivation.
IHK (Chamber of Commerce and Industry) provides analyses on corporate culture and motivation.
German Society for Human Resource Management e.V. (DGFP) offers information on employee motivation.
RKW Competence Centre offers articles on employee motivation and corporate governance.
Robert Bosch Foundation provides suggestions on team building and social engagement.
Statista offers statistics on employee motivation and other economic topics (access required).
Wikipedia provides a general article on team building and its methods.
FAQ
Can an employer impose mandatory leave if I don't want to participate in the company outing?
No, mandatory leave is not permissible. Employees are not obliged to take part in company outings, even if they occur during regular working hours. Instead, they must fulfill their work commitments.
What happens if I am ill and cannot attend the company outing?
You must immediately inform your employer of your illness and, if necessary, provide a doctor's certificate. In this case, you are entitled to sick pay.
Will the costs of the company outing be covered by the employer?
The employer is not legally obliged to cover all costs. Different funding models exist, including full employer coverage, employee cost sharing, or complete employee funding in exchange for time off. There is a tax-free allowance of €110 per participant for a maximum of two company outings per year.
Am I insured against accidents during the company outing?
Yes, employees are statutorily insured against accidents during the company outing and the commute, provided the event is initiated by the employer and open to all staff. However, insurance cover may lapse due to excessive alcohol consumption or negligence.
Does the works council have a say in the planning of the company outing?
Fundamentally, the works council has no co-determination rights unless the outing serves as a reward or bonus, or there is an individual agreement with the employee.
What should I consider when choosing my attire for the company outing?
Attire should match the planned activities. Avoid overly revealing clothing and choose comfortable and appropriate outfits that meet the specific requirements.
What conduct rules apply during the company outing?
It's important to behave respectfully and professionally towards colleagues. Avoid excessive alcohol consumption, inappropriate topics, and gossip. Leaders should serve as role models.
How can I, as an employee, express my wishes regarding the planning of the company outing?
Employers should gather employee input through surveys or focus groups to consider employees' preferences and wishes and to design a fitting outing.
