Předpokládaná doba čtení: 3 minuty
The government has approved major changes in the area of employee benefits, which will take effect from 1 January 2025. Companies will thus be given new tools to motivate their employees and improve their well-being at work. What is changing?
From 1 January 2025, a major legislative change comes into force, bringing new possibilities in the area of employee benefits. Companies will be able to take advantage of increased limits not only on leisure activities, but also on completely new health benefits aimed at employee health. This reform may change the way companies approach motivating and caring for their employees.
New limit for health and higher limit for leisure
Employee health will become a priority thanks to a new tax-advantaged benefit aimed specifically at promoting health. A new annual limit of the average wage will be set for health benefits, which will be CZK 46,557 per year for 2025. This limit can be used for services directly related to physical and mental health, such as health check-ups, psychological consultations, rehabilitation or prevention programmes. This allows companies to invest in prevention and contribute to a better quality of life for their employees.
At the same time, the limit for leisure benefits is being increased to half the average wage. This is set at CZK 23,278 for 2025. This popular benefit, which includes sports activities, cultural experiences, holidays and education, remains a key tool for promoting work-life balance among employees.
Why you should invest in employee health
Statistics for 2024 show that employee sickness absence is at an all-time high.
- 50% of employees have been on sick leave at least once.
- The average length of sick leave was 32.5 days, with long-term absences often lasting up to 97 days.
- On average, 227,800 people were absent from the workplace every day.
Musculoskeletal problems, such as back pain, are the most common cause, but psychological problems, including stress and burnout, are also increasingly common. New health benefits will enable companies to proactively prevent these problems and support the overall wellbeing of their employees.
Health benefits: a win-win for both parties
The new cap on health benefits not only gives companies the opportunity to take better care of their employees, but also a tax advantage. All funds invested in these benefits will be exempt from taxes and levies, allowing companies to manage their finances more efficiently.
Moreover, investing in employee health pays off in the long run – companies that place an emphasis on prevention see lower absenteeism and higher employee satisfaction.
This legislative change presents an opportunity for companies that want to align employee performance with employee health and well-being. It’s time to start planning how to incorporate these benefits into your strategy. Contact us and we’ll be happy to help you get set up optimally.