Overview of Corporate Benefits: What Perks Do Companies Offer Employees Today?

Jan 29, 2025 5 min reading

Corporate benefits have become an integral part of the modern workplace and can significantly influence employee satisfaction and loyalty.
Which benefits are the most common, what’s new in the field of employee perks, and what are the latest trends? Which benefits motivate employees the most? You’ll find all the answers in our overview.

Some information in the article applies only to the Czech Republic.

What Are Corporate Benefits and Why Are They Important?

Corporate benefits are indirect rewards that employers offer in addition to the base salary. The goal is to improve working conditions, motivate employees, and enhance their overall job satisfaction. There is a wide range of employee benefits, from bonuses, education, and extended vacation time to company cars.

Well-designed benefits also increase a company’s competitiveness. However, it is essential to keep up with trends and respond accordingly—meal vouchers and a Multisport card alone are no longer enough to stand out. Instead, benefits such as flexible working hours, health care, and family support are becoming increasingly sought after.

Employee benefits also have a positive impact on productivity and loyalty. Satisfied employees tend to be more efficient and are less likely to seek other opportunities, which helps companies reduce turnover.

The Most Common Corporate Benefits

There are four key categories of employee benefits that have become almost essential for companies looking to attract top talent.

Financial Bonuses and Rewards

Annual bonuses, performance-based rewards, and special incentives for contributions to company results are among the most common and practically mandatory benefits. Some companies, especially startups and smaller firms, also offer employees company shares (so-called ESOPs).

Meal Vouchers and Meal Allowances

Meal vouchers remain a staple of corporate benefits, available in both paper and electronic formats. They can also take the form of contributions to a special employee card or meal account. In many industries, company cafeterias are still popular and widely used.

Extra Vacation

By law, employees in the private sector must receive at least four weeks of vacation (in the Czech Republic). However, in many industries, a fifth week of vacation has become a standard corporate benefit. A new trend is unlimited vacation, though only a few companies in the country currently offer it. However, feedback has been positive from both employees and employers who have implemented it.

Educational Programs and Courses

Supporting education enhances employees’ skills and increases their market value. Common benefits in this area include online and offline professional development courses, soft skills training, and language courses.

Health and Wellness Benefits

Employee benefits in the health, wellness, and well-being category have evolved far beyond just a Multisport card and an on-site gym. Large companies, in particular, now offer access to private medical facilities, and “sick days” have become a standard perk.

Medical Services

Some companies now offer private clinics, contributions to vaccinations, and preventive care as part of their benefits. Some employers even attract talent with premium services such as psychological counseling or online medical consultations.

Beyond the traditional advantages, corporate benefits can also enhance a company’s image, especially when they extend to employees’ family members.

Fitness and the Multisport Card

A well-established benefit in the Czech Republic, the Multisport card provides access to hundreds of sports and wellness facilities across the country. Employees can use it for everything from yoga and gym workouts to swimming, while companies promote physical activity and a healthy lifestyle.

Some businesses go even further by providing on-site gyms, organizing group sports events, or covering membership fees for premium fitness clubs.

Sick Days

Another highly sought-after benefit is paid sick days—typically three to five extra days off that employees can use for minor illnesses, such as colds, without needing a doctor’s note. This not only boosts employee loyalty but also supports workplace health by allowing sick colleagues to recover at home.

Corporate Benefit Trends for 2025

As employee needs evolve, so do the benefits companies offer. Following the two-year pandemic and with younger generations entering the workforce, demand for flexibility is growing.

Flexible Working Hours and Remote Work

Employees increasingly expect at least partial remote work options, flexible hours, or the ability to decide when to come to the office and when to work from home. However, this trend faces resistance from companies emphasizing a return to the office for greater productivity.

The most forward-thinking companies are even experimenting with a four-day workweek, which could be a highly attractive benefit for employees and a significant competitive advantage in industries where the war for talent is ongoing.

Companies are increasingly introducing benefits tied to sustainability principles, such as support for environmental projects, subsidies for cycling and public transportation, or recycling initiatives. These measures enhance the company’s reputation among employees and the public while serving as part of a broader CSR strategy.

Personalization of Benefits

A growing trend is the customization of benefits to meet individual employee needs. More and more companies are adopting cafeteria-style benefits, flexible benefit cards, or benefit points that employees can use for sports activities, cultural events, or even purchasing prescription glasses.

Family-Focused Benefits

Family-supporting benefits include extended parental leave, contributions to childcare and extracurricular activities, and a more family-friendly workplace environment. Popular benefits include on-site daycare centers, child-friendly office spaces, and flexible work arrangements that help parents return to work sooner while balancing childcare responsibilities.

Dog-Friendly Offices

This benefit is gaining popularity, especially among small and mid-sized companies. The ability to bring a pet to work is appreciated by employees who don’t want to leave their dog home alone and also contributes to a more enjoyable office atmosphere.

How to Choose the Best Corporate Benefits

The first step is to understand the demographics and needs of the company’s workforce—young professionals without children will appreciate different benefits than families with young kids or mid-career employees. A well-balanced benefits package should include perks that appeal to all employee groups within the company.

It’s also important to consider company culture and the values the organization wants to project externally. Additionally, analyzing competitors’ offerings is crucial, particularly in industries where competition for skilled talent is fierce. Offering unique benefits can provide a competitive edge.

Budget plays a key role in determining what benefits a company can provide and whether the focus will be on financial or non-financial perks. Some benefits may also be prioritized for tax optimization reasons.

Lastly, companies should regularly reassess and adjust their benefits package. Collecting employee feedback through surveys and interviews helps identify which benefits are most valued and which could be eliminated. Seeking employee input also demonstrates that the company genuinely cares about their satisfaction.

Conclusion

Today, corporate benefits are much more than just a salary supplement. Choosing the right perks will not only result in happier employees but also provide a competitive advantage.

Investing in benefits isn’t just an expense—it’s a strategic move that yields long-term results. The key to success is listening to employees, staying on top of trends, and adapting benefits accordingly. A satisfied team is the foundation of a successful company.