Slovakia
Start by taking at least a day or two off between returning from vacation and starting back at work. This extra time can be used for unpacking, doing laundry, cleaning, but most importantly, for a mental “transition” from vacation to work mode. This will help you avoid the shock of the immediate transition and you’ll come to work feeling refreshed, not rushed after a marathon of responsibilities.
Holiday rituals at home
It goes without saying that we enjoy small pleasures on vacation, but at home, during the hustle and bustle of work, we somehow forget about it. As if nothing exists except duties and responsibilities. But that's a mistake!
For example, if you started your vacation morning with coffee on the balcony, treat yourself to it before going to work or at least on the weekend. No cell phone, no stress. So what if you don't have a view of the sea, pool or mountains?! The point is to consciously create space for a moment that belongs only to you.
You can also maintain some of your holiday rituals in the evening – a walk, a board game with the family, or a glass of wine with music. Such moments have the miraculous power to induce a holiday feeling of well-being, even when we are already in the whirlwind of work obligations.
Plan small joys
Recharging your batteries and taking a break is possible at any time of the year, and you don't even have to take a precious vacation to do it. Just seek out experiences that you enjoy. A dinner at a new restaurant, a concert, or a wellness weekend can lift your spirits and give you the strength to stay motivated at work until your next vacation.
Plan these activities, put them on your calendar. This is important not only so that you don't forget them, but also because the mere anticipation of special moments boosts your mood and gives you energy.
"Maintaining a balance between work and personal life contributes to overall satisfaction and motivation. Therefore, I recommend regularly indulging in small pleasures - whether it's a cultural event, sports or relaxation, ideally thanks to company benefits," also recommended by Lívia Bachratá, Director of Public Affairs at Edenred.
Benefits for small leaks
A benefit card and employee discounts don't have to be used just for lunches or family expenses. On the contrary, it is intended for the employee and their better sense of life.
A wellness treatment after work, Saturday yoga, an evening movie at the cinema, or a ticket to a theater performance can be a small miracle for your mental well-being and are almost as good as a vacation. "These short escapes are a great prevention against the stereotype and feeling that life consists only of work and duties," continues L. Bachratá.
Relive your holiday memories
The music you listened to on the beach, the travel photos you set as your screensaver, or the smell of the lotion you used can all instantly bring back memories of a wonderful summer vacation. Take advantage of the fact that activating your senses is a quick and easy way to reminisce about your free time.
You can always keep a small vacation souvenir on your desk. Even a small magnet, a pebble from the beach, or a foreign coin in your wallet can be a microscopic teleport into the vacation atmosphere.
Travel through tastes
Even a simple lunch can be a memory of your free time. Order in or prepare at home a dish that excited you on vacation – Italian pasta, Greek moussaka or Spanish paella.
The smell and taste will take you back to a place where you felt great. And when you play music from that destination, the experience will be complete.
Movement as a memory of summer
If you've been exercising more while on vacation—whether it was morning walks, swimming, or hiking—don't let that habit go to waste. A short walk after work, a morning stretch, or a weekend trip to nature will keep both body and mind in good shape.
Additionally, exercise helps prevent fatigue and improves mood. This is especially important after returning from vacation, when the body and mind are adapting to the work pace.
Plan your next adventure
Just the thought of your next trip can lift your spirits. It doesn't have to be another big trip – a weekend getaway, a day trip, or an autumn wellness retreat is enough. If you have holiday vouchers or discounts through your employer, take advantage of them.
When you transfer the holiday mindset into everyday reality thanks to the aforementioned tips and tricks, it can keep you in a better mood, reduce stress, and remind you that you can create joyful moments all year round, not just during a few summer weeks. in six out of eight regions, the exceptions being the Žilina and Trnava regions.
Košice leads, Trenčín pays the least
The most expensive lunches have long been in the Košice region (€9,57), followed by the Nitra region (€9,27) and the Žilina region (€8,81). At the opposite end is the Trenčín region with an average spend of €6,85.
"Increased lunch expenses represent a noticeable change for many employees. Especially in regions where there is less choice of catering establishments, people may perceive that they will suddenly pay tens of cents more for the same meal," recalls Lívia Bachratá, Director of Public Affairs at Edenred.
Consumers understand price increases, but...
Although a lower 5 percent VAT has been in effect on food consumed in establishments since January, food bills are not decreasing. This is due to ongoing inflation, but also to the new transaction tax introduced in April 2025, which was fully reflected in final prices. The reduced VAT is thus lost in other mandatory fees and consumers pay more.
Our May survey showed that 66 percent of people consider the rise in prices in the grocery store to be unpleasant but understandable, while 17 percent see it as completely justified.
"Consumers are sensitive to price changes, but they also understand that businesses have limited options to absorb new costs without impacting the final price," adds L. Bachratá.
Supporting employees in times of rising expenses
Higher lunch bills are impacting family budgets and opening up space for modern benefits. Edenred recommends that companies increase meal allowances or work with flexible digital benefit card top-ups so that the value of the benefit reflects real restaurant prices.
Moreover, the experience of HR teams indicates that a contribution to quality meals is one of the most rewarding motivational tools, because employees feel its value literally every working day.
Edenred is a reliable HR partner
The TRC index is not just a statistic - at Edenred, we use it as a real compass when setting benefits that respond to current challenges in the field of human resources.
In times of rising prices, we recommend that companies regularly review the amount of meal allowance and monitor employee feedback. Our experts are available to HR specialists not only in the form of webinars, but also individual consultations that will help tailor benefits to different companies and their situations.
Our experience shows that even small adjustments to the reward system can have a big impact on employee satisfaction and loyalty.
Investment in people will pay off
Lunch prices are unlikely to fall, but companies can use Edenred tools to mitigate their impact. Employees who feel supported by their employer are more loyal and motivated – and that is a benefit that cannot be expressed in euros.
