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Company outing: What is it and why is it so important for your team?
Are you wondering what a company outing actually is and what benefits it offers your business? A well-planned company outing strengthens team spirit and promotes corporate culture. Discover everything you need to know about company outings in this article, from the definition and legal framework to the tax advantages. If you need assistance with planning your next company outing, get in touch with us here.
The topic, briefly and concisely
An office outing is a strategic investment in company culture, which sustainably improves team spirit and work environment.
The voluntary participation, involvement of employees, and consideration of tax benefits are crucial for the success of a company outing. Employee satisfaction can be increased by up to 20%.
Clear guidelines regarding compensation, insurance coverage and conduct contribute to a harmonious and successful company outing, strengthening employee retention.
Planning an unforgettable company outing? Learn all about the definition, tax benefits, and key aspects for organising it here. Find out more now!
A company outing is more than just a pleasant day out of the office. It is a strategic investment in your corporate culture. This employer-organised event, which is voluntary to attend, serves to strengthen team spirit and sustainably improve the working atmosphere. Whether the entire workforce or just one department participates, the outing takes place outside the usual workplace and fosters collaboration as well as a sense of “we”. According to herzbluttigerevents.de, a well-planned company outing strengthens corporate culture and improves internal communication. Take this opportunity to show appreciation to your employees and lay the foundation for future successes.
The main purpose of a company outing lies in the sustainable promotion of corporate culture. This includes strengthening the sense of “we”, improving communication, and intensifying collaboration among employees. A company outing is also a form of employee appreciation, recognition for the work done, which increases motivation and commitment. As papershift.com highlights, this is an important cornerstone for productive collaboration. Organising such an outing can also enhance employee retention by creating positive experiences associated with your company. A successful outing improves the working atmosphere sustainably and motivates your employees, which directly impacts productivity. Boost your employees' motivation with our party trips, specially designed to promote teambuilding and create unforgettable experiences. With GoTuro as a partner, you design company outings that remain memorable and bring your team closer together.
Unforgettable corporate outings: Diverse activities for every taste
Company outings should be as diverse as your employees. To cater to different interests and needs, there is a wide range of activities to consider. From nature-related excursions such as hiking and cycling tours, which promote health and showcase the beauty of the surroundings, to cultural events like museum visits and theatre performances that broaden horizons. Sporting activities such as team-building games and sports tournaments are also popular for strengthening team spirit and encouraging physical activity. Additionally, trips can be organized, ranging from day trips and weekend getaways to longer journeys, providing employees with a break from daily routine. The choice of activity should be carefully aligned with the employees’ preferences to ensure a positive experience. Take advantage of outdoor team-building activities to enjoy nature while simultaneously boosting team spirit. With GoTuro, you will find the perfect balance between relaxation, adventure, and cultural enrichment.
Successful planning and organization of a company outing requires employee involvement. It is crucial to consider the ideas and wishes of the employees and actively involve them in the planning process. This can be done through surveys or brainstorming sessions to ensure that the chosen activities meet the interests of the majority. Moreover, the team's needs should be taken into account by selecting activities that suit the team and avoid subgroup formation. Good planning ensures the outing runs smoothly and all participants have a positive experience. Although the site teamazing.de does not provide information for this, involving employees is essential for success. Rely on GoTuro to create a company outing that is not only fun but also enhances collaboration and community spirit. We help you find the perfect activity and smoothly organize it.
Securing Positive Experiences: Voluntary Participation in the Company Outing
A crucial factor for the success of any company outing is the voluntary nature of participation. No employee should be forced to participate, regardless of whether the event takes place during working hours, in connection with training, or on a weekend. This ensures that only those who are genuinely interested take part, contributing to a more positive and relaxed atmosphere. According to herzbluttigerevents.de, participation cannot be enforced, regardless of whether the event occurs during working hours or not. Emphasising voluntariness promotes employee satisfaction and enhances the company’s positive image. Give your employees the freedom to decide for themselves whether they wish to participate, thus creating an atmosphere of trust and appreciation.
If an employee does not participate in a company outing during regular working hours, they are required to fulfil their work duties or take leave. This ensures that business operations are not disrupted and that employees who do not participate meet their contractual obligations. It is important to communicate this regulation clearly to avoid misunderstandings and ensure smooth operations. For further information on working time regulations for company outings, refer to our article. Ensure clear guidelines and transparent communication to make sure all employees understand and accept the regulations.
The principle of equal treatment states that all employees have the right to attend a company outing, including those who have been dismissed or are on probation. Exceptions apply only for essential employees needed to maintain business operations. This principle ensures that all employees have the same opportunity to participate in the outing and benefit from team-building advantages. The site papershift.com emphasizes that employers cannot randomly exclude employees from participation. Ensure that your company outings are inclusive and offer all employees the opportunity to participate and strengthen the sense of community. GoTuro supports you in creating an inclusive and appreciative environment.
Transparent Compensation Rules: Clear Guidelines for the Company Outing
Findet ein Betriebsausflug während der regulären Arbeitszeit statt, haben die teilnehmenden Mitarbeiter Anspruch auf ihre reguläre Lohnzahlung. This ensures that employees are fairly compensated for the time spent on the outing. It is important to communicate this clearly to avoid misunderstandings and to ensure employee satisfaction. A clear regulation of compensation contributes to employees feeling valued and enables them to enjoy the outing. Communicate transparently and build trust by clearly outlining compensation policies.
For company outings that take place outside regular working hours, there is no obligation for compensation, not even for part-time employees. This means that employees do not receive additional pay for attending such excursions. However, it is common for the employer to cover the costs of the outing to make participation more attractive. The site herzbluttigerevents.de confirms that no compensation is required if the event takes place outside working hours. Encourage your employees to participate by covering the costs and thus increasing the attractiveness of the outing.
Even if the activity as part of a company outing extends beyond regular working hours, there is no overtime compensation. This means that employees do not receive overtime pay for the additional time spent on the excursion. It is important to communicate this regulation clearly in advance to avoid misunderstandings and manage employees' expectations. More information on working time regulations for company outings can be found in our article. Provide clarity and transparency to ensure that all employees understand and accept the rules. GoTuro supports you in developing fair and transparent policies that ensure employee satisfaction.
Take Advantage of Tax Benefits: Financing Models for Optimised Company Outings
In Germany, the costs for a company outing can be tax-deductible under certain conditions. There is a flat rate per employee of up to €110 per event, with a maximum of two events per year being eligible for tax benefits. This regulation allows companies to reduce the costs of company outings, thereby optimizing the budget for such events. The site papershift.com mentions that Germany has a tax exemption limit of up to €110 per participant for a maximum of two company outings annually. Take advantage of these tax benefits to make the most of your budget and offer your employees unforgettable experiences. Plan your 2025 budget accordingly.
To take advantage of the tax benefits of a company outing, certain conditions must be met. This includes the voluntary participation of employees as well as the invitation to all employees of a business unit. Additionally, careful documentation is required, including receipts, guest lists, and agenda. The site herzbluttigerevents.de emphasizes the necessity of thorough documentation to ensure tax deductibility. Ensure compliance with all requirements to fully exploit the tax benefits and optimally design your company outing.
There are different funding models for company outings. The employer can cover the full costs, employees can contribute to the costs, or employees can bear the full cost (though this is rare). The choice of funding model depends on various factors, such as the company’s budget, the number of employees, and individual preferences. The Wikipedia page mentions that funding can range from full cost coverage by the employer to full cost coverage by employees. Choose the funding model that best suits your company and employees, creating a win-win situation. GoTuro supports you in planning and executing your company outing so that you can make the most of your budget.
Involve the works council: Shaping working hours and rewards together
The works council has certain co-determination rights when it comes to organising company outings. However, these are generally limited to the working time before or after the event and the scope of the countable working time. The works council can therefore participate in deciding how much time is credited for travel to and from the outing location and whether the event counts as working time. The site wirtschaftslexikon.gabler.de emphasises that the works council's co-determination rights are limited. Involve the works council early in the planning to ensure smooth organisation and compliance with all relevant regulations.
If a company outing serves purely as a reward event, the works council usually has no co-determination rights. An exception exists, however, if the event serves as a reward or bonus and has not been individually agreed with the employee. In this case, co-determination is required. It is important to note these rules to avoid conflicts with the works council and ensure smooth organisation of the outing. The site papershift.com explains that the works council has no co-determination rights unless the outing is used as a reward. Pay attention to the specific regulations and involve the works council accordingly to ensure a successful and harmonious execution of your company outing. GoTuro supports you in optimising collaboration with the works council and considering all relevant aspects.
Statutory accident insurance: Protection for your employees during company outings
In Germany, company outings are covered by the statutory accident insurance, provided certain conditions are met. This means that employees are insured in the event of accidents during the event, as well as on the way there and back. The Wikipedia page confirms that company outings are covered by statutory accident insurance under certain conditions. This offers employees additional protection and security. Inform your staff about this coverage to give them a sense of safety and trust.
It is important to note that the statutory accident insurance generally does not cover family members participating in a company outing. This means that family members are not protected by statutory accident insurance in the event of an accident. It is therefore advisable to take out separate accident insurance for family members to protect them in the event of an accident. Make your staff aware of this limitation and recommend that they take out additional insurance for their family members if necessary.
The insurance cover can be lost if an employee demonstrates excessive alcohol consumption or acts negligently during a company outing. In such cases, the insurer may refuse the benefit. It is therefore important that employees act responsibly during the outing and avoid excessive alcohol consumption so as not to jeopardise the insurance coverage. The papershift.com website warns that insurance cover can be lost due to excessive alcohol consumption or negligence. Raise your employees' awareness of this risk and appeal to their personal responsibility to avoid jeopardising the insurance cover. GoTuro supports you in organising safe and responsible company outings that prioritise the well-being of your employees.
Fostering Positive Interaction: Behaviour Guidelines for Successful Company Outings
To ensure a successful company outing, it is important to observe certain behavioural guidelines. This includes active participation in the activities offered as well as networking with colleagues from other departments. Through active participation and networking, employees can make new contacts and deepen their relationships with colleagues. This helps to strengthen team spirit and improve the working atmosphere. Encourage the active involvement of your employees and create an open and communicative atmosphere.
There are also certain behaviours that should be avoided during a company outing. These include the excessive consumption of alcohol and isolating oneself from other colleagues. It is important to be moderate and not only separate oneself with familiar colleagues but also to seek contact with other employees. The page papershift.com advises against being overly enthusiastic about free food and exclusively surrounding oneself with known colleagues. Encourage your employees to be open and approachable and to seek contact with colleagues from other areas.
Sharing private problems and gossiping about colleagues or superiors should also be avoided during a company outing. Such behaviours can negatively affect the working climate and lead to conflicts. It is therefore advisable to focus on positive conversations and leave private problems and gossip out of it. The page papershift.com warns against sharing personal problems and gossiping about colleagues or superiors. For more information on the importance of company outings, see our article. Create a positive and respectful atmosphere where all employees feel comfortable and enjoy interacting with each other. GoTuro supports you in developing and implementing clear behavioural guidelines that contribute to a harmonious and successful company outing.
Long-term Employee Retention: Company Outings as the Key to Success
More useful links
Wikipedia offers a general overview of company outings, their organisation and legal aspects.
Gabler Wirtschaftslexikon defines the term company outing and explains the associated business aspects.
FAQ
What exactly is a company outing?
A company outing is an event organised by the employer to strengthen team spirit and improve the working environment. Participation is voluntary.
Who organises a company outing?
A company outing can be organised by the employer, the works council, or by external agencies.
Are company outings mandatory?
No, participation in a company outing is generally voluntary. No one can be forced to participate.
What happens if an employee does not participate during the company outing?
If the company outing takes place during regular working hours, the employee must perform their work tasks or take annual leave.
Is there any tax relief for company outings?
Yes, in Germany, there is a flat rate of up to €110 per employee for up to two events per year that is tax-favoured.
Are accidents during a company outing covered by statutory accident insurance?
Yes, under certain conditions, company outings are covered by statutory accident insurance. This also applies to the journey to and from the event.
What should be considered when planning a company outing?
It is important to involve employees, consider the team's needs, and ensure good organisation to guarantee a smooth course of the event.
What behaviours should be avoided at a company outing?
Avoid excessive alcohol consumption, isolating colleagues, sharing private issues, and gossiping about colleagues or superiors.
