Slovakia
The year 2025 definitively confirmed what had been a trend for several years. Benefits are no longer just a nice bonus. They have become the tipping point that decides loyalty, motivation and whether an employee stays or looks for another job offer. The autumn FOOD Barometer 2025 brought a detailed look at what Slovaks really expect from employers.
The year, which is ending in a few days, has revealed in its full nakedness the fact that employees have begun to value quality of life, health, and interpersonal relationships. According to the survey, these are one of the most significant factors in job satisfaction.
According to Lívia Bachrata, Director of Public Affairs at Edenred, this is a trend that will continue to strengthen in the coming years: "Employees today don't see benefits in isolation. They associate them with corporate culture, employer care, and an overall sense of fairness. When a company chooses benefits that make sense, they can strengthen motivation and long-term loyalty."
Food as a benefit
One of the important findings of the FOOD Barometer is that meals have become the number one benefit. As many as 60,7 percent of people named meal vouchers or a meal allowance as the most popular and valuable benefit. The reason is quite prosaic – at a time when food prices are constantly rising, a quality lunch is the only benefit that employees use every day that has a direct impact on their health, energy and productivity.
For many employees, meal allowances are also a real relief to the family budget. According to the survey results, up to 75 percent of people think that meal vouchers increase their food budget, and 68,6 percent consider them the easiest solution for a working lunch. The psychological factor also comes into play here. More than half of employees admitted that the benefit makes them feel less stressed, and almost 42 percent said that it makes them eat better.
Food thus becomes one of the most comprehensive benefits. It helps with daily functioning, contributes significantly to well-being during the day, and motivates employees to eat regularly and with quality. This is what they appreciate the most.
Workplace relationships
If we had to define the main emotion of 2025 in the workplace, it would be the desire for humanity. The FOOD Barometer shows that 72 percent of employees consider interpersonal relationships to be the most important factor in job satisfaction. Even more important than the salary itself.
It is remarkable how this trend reflects the post-pandemic experience. The years of isolation and change in working hours have taught employees that teamwork is one of the most crucial components of working life. In a workplace where relationships, communication and trust are working, it is easier to perform well and manage times of crisis.
"Companies often invest a lot of energy in motivating the team with various forms of rewards. But they forget that satisfaction also depends on elementary things, such as quality leadership, support, feedback, or a sense of fair treatment. All of this creates an environment where benefits gain their true meaning," evaluated by L. Bachratá.
Flexibility and extra vacation
The year 2025 also showed that Slovaks increasingly value time. Flexible working hours, which was once a rather exceptional benefit, are becoming the second most common request. As many as half of the respondents identified it as one of the three most valuable benefits. It is followed by vacation beyond the scope of the law and the ability to work at least partially from home.
This is a clear signal that employees expect balance from work. The ability to plan their day around family needs, health concerns, or personal preferences is more valuable to many than financial benefits.
This is also reflected in the growing interest in benefits related to health and education. More and more people expect their employers to invest in their long-term development and sustainable lifestyle.
Sustainability as a value
The FOOD Barometer also showed that employees today do not perceive benefits only through money or convenience. Almost 70 percent of respondents would appreciate it if their employer supported their balanced and responsible eating habits – whether by recommending quality establishments, cooperating with restaurants that do not waste food, or motivating people to eat more balanced meals.
It's not just about having a hot lunch. It's about the company supporting a healthier lifestyle and a sensible approach to food. Employees see this as a signal that the employer is thinking about their long-term well-being.
"Benefits that support balanced and responsible eating are a reflection of the company's broader approach. They show that the employer is thinking not only about the well-being of people at work, but also about the society and environment that we create together," explains L. Bachratá.
What does this mean for companies?
The FOOD Barometer results carry a message for employers: benefits that have real value are those that affect employees' everyday lives. Those that improve health, relationships, comfort, work rhythm and a sense of security. Meal benefits, flexibility and fair management are the triangle that has the strongest impact on long-term employee satisfaction.
Companies that understand these needs will have an edge. Employees stay where they feel supported, have a fair environment, and are genuinely cared for.
